A dog bite can result in serious injuries and psychological trauma. If you or a loved one got hurt in a dog attack, you may be able to sue the owner for damages. It is their responsibility to keep people safe from their pet and they have failed to do so. Our Monmouth County dog bite attorneys can help you gather evidence and build a case against a negligent dog owner.
Can an Owner Be Held Negligent For a Dog Bite?
When someone takes their dog out into public, they need to keep control of the animal and make sure that it does not hurt anyone. This means keeping it on a leash, understanding when their dog is getting agitated, and staying out of situations where their dog could lash out at someone. An owner who does not take precautions can be held accountable when their pet attacks someone. Someone who lets their dog off the leash in a public place or someone who puts their dog out in the yard even though they know that they will be able to escape are contributing to a situation that could put other people at risk.
Does New Jersey Have a “One Bite” Rule?
Some states have a rule that essentially allows a dog and its owner to get away with the first bite or attack on someone. The logic being that the owner may not have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies because this was the first time their pet attacked someone.
New Jersey has no such rule. This means that an owner can be found liable for any damage caused even if their pet had never acted out in this way before. Unless an owner can show that the attack was provoked, the victim likely has good standing to sue.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Sue For After a Dog Bite or Attack?
A dog bite can cause serious injuries like fractured bones and nerve damage. An attack can also leave behind permanent scars, both physical and psychological. Your compensation should address all of this by making up for things like:
- Medical expenses, including psychological care
- The cost of plastic surgery
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Any other pain and suffering caused by the attack
How Long Do I Have to Sue?
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to pursue legal action after a dog bite. The state of New Jersey gives victims two years to sue for damages in most cases. File after this statute of limitations expires and your case is likely to get thrown out no matter how much evidence you have.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
So if you or a loved one have been attacked and you believe that the owner was negligent, contact the Wilton Law Firm. We can schedule a free consultation and tell you more about your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
