Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Jersey City, NJ Pursue Maximum Compensation for Victims of Dog Bites and Other Animal Attacks in Hudson County and Throughout New Jersey
Bitten by a dog? Our team of experienced Jersey City dog bite lawyers is here to help. New Jersey has strict liability laws that hold owners responsible for the injuries caused by their pets. Our highly skilled attorneys understand the complexities of navigating the legal process, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.
Whether you were bitten by a dog you’d never seen before or by a dog you know and love, you’ll need medical care and financial resources to help you recover. Some people may be uncomfortable pursuing legal action if they know the owner, but this shouldn’t be the case. While pet owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs, most often it’s their homeowner’s insurance policy that foots the bill rather than the pet owners themselves. Renter’s insurance and even the homeowner’s insurance of a landlord may be potential avenues to explore in certain situations. At Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC, our attorneys understand how sensitive it can be if you’ve been bitten by a neighbor’s or friend’s dog. We’ll work together, listen to your concerns, and negotiate with insurance companies for maximum compensation.
Our consultations are always free, and you’ll never pay a penny unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation about your injury claim. You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.
New Jersey’s Strict Liability Law and How it Might Apply to Your Dog Bite Injury Case
In New Jersey, the strict liability law regarding dog bites is outlined in N.J.S.A. 4:19-16. This law states that a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not the owner was negligent. This means that the owner is responsible for compensating the victim for any damages resulting from the dog bite, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Under the strict liability law in New Jersey, it is not necessary for the victim to prove that the dog owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous or aggressive tendencies. Rather, the victim must only prove that they were lawfully on the property or in a public place where the attack occurred and that they were bitten by an unprovoked dog.
Under New Jersey law, a person is considered to be lawfully on a property if they were there for a legitimate purpose. Delivering mail, making a delivery, or otherwise performing their job duties, such as meter reading, are all considered legitimate purposes for a person to be lawfully on another person’s property.
It is worth noting that even if the New Jersey strict liability law does not apply to your dog bite case, you may still have a legal claim against the dog owner. Other legal theories may come into play, such as negligence or tort. These are the legal nuances that our qualified Jersey City dog bite lawyers will explore with you as we move through the legal process.
About Dog Bite Injury Cases in Jersey City and Throughout New Jersey
According to the CDC, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Approximately 800,000 of those bites result in medical care. Jersey City is the second most populated city in New Jersey, after Newark. It is located in Hudson County, in the northeastern part of the state. With a dense population of 283,927 recorded in 2021, dog bite accidents are likely to happen.
The Jersey City Animal Control Unit is responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and ordinances in addition to promoting responsible pet ownership and public safety awareness within the city limits. The Unit is part of the city’s Department of Health and Human Services. This unit’s primary functions include:
Responding to animal-related complaints
Investigating animal bites and attacks
Animal Rescue
Investigating animal cruelty cases
Enforcing licensing and vaccination requirements
Additionally, the Hudson County Animal Control Team consists of a Chief Animal Control Officer, an Assistant Animal Control Officer, and several additional Animal Control Officers. While the Hudson County Animal Control Team is responsible for providing animal control services to all the municipalities within Hudson County, including Jersey City, the Jersey City Animal Control Unit focuses on Jersey City alone. These two units work together to provide animal control services to the community.
Health Concerns After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can pose serious health threats in terms of physical injury and infection. Psychological effects after an attack, especially as they relate to children, can be overwhelming. The CDC reports that about half of all dog bites reported involve children. The American Veterinary Medical Association also states that the rate of dog bite injuries is highest for children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Some injuries are initially obvious, but others may take some time to surface. Possible injuries you may incur from a dog bite include:
Deep puncture wounds
Nerve damage
Tissue damage
Bone fractures
Infections such as Rabies, Tetanus and bacterial infections like Pasteurella and MRSA
Overwhelming fear of dogs and other animals
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC’s experienced and compassionate team of dog bite injury attorneys in Jersey City, NJ will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum compensation and justice for you and your family following an accident. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We do not charge any upfront legal fees and work on a contingency basis. You will not be charged if we do not settle your case or win it at trial and collect monetary damages on your behalf.
Contact Our Top-Rated Jersey City Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation Today
Do not hesitate to contact Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC if you were hurt in a dog bite accident. Our legal team is committed to advocating for accident victims. You can count on our knowledgeable and seasoned personal injury lawyers to advocate for you and work to maximize your compensation. Make an appointment with us to speak with a lawyer from our firm during a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injury Claims in Jersey City and Throughout NJ
Is it important to report that I’ve been bitten by a dog?
Yes, it’s important to report that you’ve been bitten by a dog as soon as possible. Here’s why:
1. Necessary medical treatment. It’s crucial to seek medical attention after a dog bite. Even if you think it’s a minor injury, you should still have a medical professional take a look. Dog bites can lead to serious infection if not properly treated. In New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 26:4-79 requires physicians to report all animal bites to the Health Officer with jurisdiction where the bite victim lives, within 12 hours of attendance.
2. Public safety. Reporting a dog bite is an important step that you can take to protect the public from a potentially dangerous animal. The dog that bit you may have also bitten before. This information can only be shared with the community if each person reports their bite.
3. Rabies. If the dog that bit you was particularly vicious, there could be a serious concern about Rabies. In this case, there are certain steps that must be taken immediately regarding the dog and your health. Rabies cases are highly monitored in NJ.
4. Legal recourse. Reporting a dog bite creates a record of the incident. This is particularly helpful should you decide to pursue legal action.
How much compensation can I expect to receive if I’ve been bitten by a dog?
The amount of compensation a person may receive for a dog bite injury in New Jersey varies widely. Numerous factors can impact this amount, including:
1. The severity of the injury 2. Whether there is any permanent scarring or disfigurement 3. The extent of the medical treatment needed 4. Lost wages or income 5. Emotional distress resulting from the attack
It is best to consult with our experienced Jersey City dog bite lawyers, who can evaluate the specifics of your caseand provide a more accurate estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to receive under New Jersey law.
