Taking Legal Action After a Dog Attack in New Jersey

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries. If you are injured by a dog, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Read on to learn more about taking legal action after a dog attack in New Jersey.

Who is responsible for a dog attack?

In the state of New Jersey, pet owners are held accountable for the behavior of their dogs. This means that if their dog attacks or causes harm to another person or animal, the dog owner will generally be held responsible for that action. It is also important to note that in order to have a strong claim against a dog owner for a dog bite injury, the injured party must demonstrate that they were attacked in a public place or while they were lawfully on private property. If the dog owner can prove that the injured person actually provoked their dog, which resulted in a bite, a legal claim may not be possible. Similarly, if the dog bite happened while an individual was trespassing on another’s property when he or she was bitten, a lawsuit may also not be feasible.

Signs that indicate an infection:

A dog bite can result in torn ligaments, broken bones, diseases, and more. Another common result of dog bite accidents is infection. Some signs to look out for include:

• Chills or fever
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling or tenderness around the wound
• Pus coming from the wound
• Stiffness or weakness in the muscles
• Tingling or red marks around the wound

Fulfilling the burden of proof:

If you were attacked by a dog as a result of an owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to recover the compensation you deserve, you will have to fulfill the burden of proof. This may include:

• Calling 911: The police can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, ensure the scene is safe, and more.
• Seeking medical attention: You may assume that you do not have to go to the hospital. However, it is imperative that you seek medical attention after a dog bite. Dog bites can result in diseases and infections.
• Documenting the scene: Before leaving the scene of the accident, take pictures and videos of the scene.

If you were injured by a dog in New Jersey, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.

CONTACT OUR FIRM

Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or contact us online.