Dog Bite Attorneys in Woodbridge, NJ

Injured in an Animal Attack? We Can Help.

Being bitten by a dog or attacked by a vicious animal while you are legally on public or private property can be extremely painful and upsetting, especially if you are severely injured. 

If another person was responsible for your injuries and you would like advice about your right to compensation, turn to our Woodbridge dog bite lawyers at Palmisano & Goodman, P.A.

With more than 100+ combined years of experience, we have represented many premises liability cases involving dog bite injuries and attacks by unrestrained animals in New Jersey.

Call our Woodbridge dog bite attorneys at (732) 709-4400 or contact us online to get started on your case with a free consultation. You don't pay unless we win your case.

Types of Cases We Handle

Throughout the years, our law firm has provided effective client service for accident victims, and our record of settlements and jury verdicts speaks for itself. We've achieved six-figure recoveries for our clients in dozens of cases, and our ability to evaluate claims and document damages can help you collect the compensation you need in a dog bite case.

A few examples of dog bites and animal attack cases we represent include:

• Wild animal attacks in national parks
• Non-aggressive dog accidents
• Dog attacks on children or babies
• Dangerous dog breed attacks
• Dog-on-dog aggression leading to injury

Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

In New Jersey, you don't usually need to prove negligence in a dog bite case. If you can prove that the defendant owned the animal and you were bitten without provocation, you've essentially established liability against the owner. When pet owners are negligent in ensuring their pets are controlled, they must be held responsible for any injuries caused by their dog.

The main issues in dog bite litigation usually involve questions of ownership, provocation, warnings, or trespass. You will need to have a Woodbridge, NJ dog bite lawyer to represent you throughout all legal proceedings. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., our priority is to help you recover full compensation for your injuries and related expenses, including your pain and suffering.

What Are New Jersey's Dog Bite Liability Laws?

New Jersey law provides that dog owners are held to a strict liability standard. In other words, when a dog or other pet bites another person, the owner will be liable for the other person's injuries in most cases, regardless of whether he or she knew the animal had a propensity for being vicious. 

This strict liability will apply when the dog bites a person who is legally on the owner's property, which includes both guests and others who are there in order to perform their jobs, such as letter carriers or meter readers. Owners will also face liability if their dogs bite people in public places.

What If My Child Was Attacked by a Dog?

Many young children love animals and get very excited when they see a dog walking on the sidewalk. A child who is happy to see a dog may approach the animal to pet it. Even if a dog is familiar with a child, they can become easily spooked, feel threatened, and lash out. 

When this happens, severe injuries can result. A bite from any dog can cause infection and injuries such as broken bones and lacerations. Children are especially vulnerable to severe injuries. 

In New Jersey, recovering compensation in a dog bite case does not require proof of negligence. A plaintiff often just needs to demonstrate that the attack occurred unprovoked.

In the case of a child who was attacked by a dog, establishing that the dog was unprovoked is usually not difficult. Although children may approach a dog quickly and scare the animal, they do not intend to frighten the dog or provoke them in any way.

The parents of a child who was bitten by a dog can recover compensation for medical bills and any other expenses that arise from the incident, including the cost of surgery, medication, long-term rehabilitation, and even therapy to manage the emotional impact of the incident. 

What Should I So If I've Been Bitten by a Dog in New Jersey?

Here are the steps to take after a dog bite incident:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. Even if the wound seems minor, it's crucial to seek medical help. Dog bites can lead to infections or more severe complications if not treated promptly.
2. Identify the Dog and its Owner: If possible, get the owner's contact information and details about the dog, including its breed, color, and any identification tags. This information will be crucial for any legal proceedings or medical follow-ups.
3. Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to report the dog bite incident. This helps create an official record of the event and ensures that steps are taken to prevent further incidents.
4. Document the Incident: Take photos of the bite wounds, torn clothing, or any other visible injuries you've sustained. Documenting the scene of the incident and your injuries can serve as valuable evidence later.
5. Get Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the incident, obtain their names and contact information. Witness testimonies can support your account of what happened.
6. Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of your medical treatment, including doctor visits, prescribed medications, and any recommended follow-up care. Keep receipts for medical expenses incurred due to the dog bite.
7. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact an attorney experienced in handling dog bite cases. They can provide legal guidance, assess the situation, and advise you on your rights and the potential for a legal claim.
8. Communicate Cautiously: Avoid discussing the incident with the dog owner's insurance company or making any statements without consulting your attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your statements against you, so it's wise to have legal representation.
9. Understand Your Rights: Learn about your rights regarding compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering resulting from the dog bite. An attorney can help you understand what you may be entitled to under the law.
10. Follow Legal Procedures: If pursuing a legal claim, comply with all legal procedures and deadlines. Your attorney will guide you through the necessary steps, including filing a claim and potentially negotiating a settlement or pursuing a lawsuit.
11. Be Patient and Persistent: Resolving legal matters takes time. Be patient throughout the process, but remain persistent in seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Remember, these steps are general guidelines. Specific actions might vary based on the circumstances of the dog bite incident and local laws. Seeking legal advice promptly after a dog bite is highly recommended to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the legal process effectively.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite in New Jersey?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a dog bite in New Jersey. Generally, it's two years from the date of the incident.

What If the Dog Bite Occurred on Someone Else's Property?

The property owner might share responsibility if they were aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies or if they were negligent in controlling the dog on their premises.

If you or someone you love was injured by a dangerous animal, get in touch with our dog bite attorneys in Woodbridge, NJ for a free consultation. Call (732) 709-4400 or contact us online.