If a dog attacks a person severely, the owner and onlookers may be shocked by the behavior of their once-obedient pet. Dogs have been domesticated by humans for hundreds of years, but not all dogs make good pets, and not all dog owners are responsible when it comes to training, monitoring, or restraint. As this may be the case, dogs are predators by nature, and many “working” breeds, like the German Shepherd, have been bred specifically for roles requiring aggressive behavior, such as guard duties or search-and-rescue missions. Poor training and supervision, along with a dog’s natural predation and dominance impulses, can lead to a terrifying attack. Our qualified Mahwah dog bite lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. can assist you if you were injured in a dog attack.

Injuries Are Often Very Severe After An Attack

Children and the elderly make up the bulk of the victims of serious dog attacks in New Jersey. Due to their size and inability to differentiate between play and aggressiveness, dogs are more likely to act aggressively against children. The vulnerability of these communities makes dogs a more dangerous threat in an assault. Because of their size disparity, huge dogs are able to easily access vulnerable portions of children’s heads and necks, resulting in serious injuries such skin and blood loss, bone fractures, eye and nerve damage, scars, hazardous infections, and even death. Being the victim of a dog attack is physically painful, and the resulting scars and other cosmetic disfigurements can be just as emotionally devastating.

Dog Bite Statute in New Jersey

In New Jersey, dog owners are held strictly accountable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of negligence or malicious intent. If a person is bitten by a dog in any public or private area, including on the owner’s property, the owner is responsible for any damages caused by the bite, regardless of whether or not the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had any reason to suspect it was. A person is “lawfully on a property” for the purposes of this legislation if they are there in order to execute a task required by state law or postal regulations, or because they have received either the owner’s direct permission or the owner’s implied permission to be there.

If the dog’s owner asserts the injured party was equally at fault as a defense in a dog bite injury claim, the owner must prove that the victim acted with intent and with purpose by putting themselves in harm’s way. The burden of proof would shift to the dog’s owner if he or she had to establish that the victim had prior knowledge that the dog was likely to bite, either because the dog was known to be vicious or because the victim had taken specific actions to provoke the animal.

When a Dog Attacks Someone, Whose Fault Is It?

The question of whether or not some dog breeds are inherently aggressive is still up for debate, although most professionals can agree that improper training, abuse, or neglect are major contributors to dog attacks. The owner of a hazardous dog in New Jersey may be held liable for the behavior of the animal, even if it has never showed any signs of violence previously.

Attacks by vicious dogs are not only alarming, but they can cause serious, long-lasting bodily and emotional damage, especially to small children and the elderly. Hospitalization and surgical intervention are common forms of therapy for victims of violence. Rabies can be transmitted by unvaccinated dogs, and dog bites can result in life-threatening diseases if the victim isn’t careful.

About Mahwah, N.J.

Mahwah, New Jersey is one of the largest municipalities in Bergen County in terms of both population and land size, with more than 26,000 persons and 26 square miles. In addition to being home to the headquarters or regional offices of several major American corporations, such as Sharp, Dial-America, the New York Stock Exchange, Jaguar, Stryker, UPS, and others, our city is also the location of some of these businesses.
Mahwah Township is a 26-square-mile suburban neighborhood that has evolved in five distinct portions, and it is positioned in an ideal spot to take in the beautiful scenery of the Ramapo Mountains and the Ramapo River, which form its northernmost border. Neighborhoods in the township are quiet and tree-lined, and there’s a lake and a golf course for recreation. Mahwah is sometimes referred to as “Bergen County’s Parkland” since it includes numerous parks and reservations totaling over 5,000 acres in the surrounding area. Interstate 287, Route 17, and the Garden State Parkway are all important highways that provide access to the area. There is bus and train service for commuters to get into New York City.

Obtaining Restitution After a Dog Attack

You have every right to sue the owner of the dog that bit you or a member of your family for financial damages. Your first step should be to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Cases like these are often resolved amicably through negotiations with the insurance provider of the dog’s owner.

Your family may be entitled to financial compensation in the event of a dog attack for things like future scar-reduction treatments or therapy for a traumatized child, as well as the impact of the injuries and costs associated with those treatments. You may also seek damages for mental anguish and physical discomfort. Most dog bite lawsuits can be settled with the homeowner’s insurance. There is a time limit (statute of limitations) on filing a personal injury claim for injuries sustained from a dog bite, which you or a loved one must be aware of if a nasty dog has bitten you or them. Two years from the incident’s date is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Your right to seek compensation will be forever lost if you miss this deadline (with some exceptions).

Our Mahwah Dog Bite Lawyers Are Dedicated To Resolving The Most Complicated Dog Bite Cases

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. offers a team of Mahwah personal injury lawyers that have been helping wounded people in New Jersey for nearly eight decades. We are pleased to report that we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, ensuring that they have access to the medical care they require and fair compensation for their injuries. To that end, our legal team is well-equipped to handle matters involving intricate legal and medical difficulties. Contact one of our skilled Mahwah dog bite attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. today at 201-231-7847 to safeguard your rights and obtain a no-cost consultation on your case if you or someone you love was gravely hurt in a dog attack.

Dog Bite Legal Services in Areas Nearby

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. has office locations nearby at:

Contact our Rochelle Park office today at (201) 231-7847 or our Englewood Cliffs office at 201-734-3763 for a free consultation.

Mahwah Dog Bite Lawyers Answer Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover my dog bite injury?

If your dog bit someone, how much would it cost to hire a lawyer?

You should expect your dog bite attorney fees to rise or fall based on the verdict. Our attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. take cases on a “contingency fee” basis. You will only owe us money if we win your lawsuit and obtain damages for you. The charge will be calculated as a percentage of the total amount you get as compensation for your injuries. Additionally, we provide a no-cost initial consultation to go through any additional fees and costs involved with retaining legal representation.

What to do if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog.

Getting prompt medical assistance is essential if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog. You need to gather the dog’s owner’s information as well as that of any witnesses. Pictures of the injuries might also be used as proof. Dog owners in New Jersey can be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, so it’s important to have legal representation if you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog.

How much do most dog bite lawsuits cost?

Your case’s value will be determined by the extent of the harm you’ve endured. Major injuries are possible for anybody, but especially for children and the elderly. Scarring, infections, and agony and suffering are all potential outcomes of a personal injury case. In order to get a better idea of how much money you might receive, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Testimonials

We want to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional work you did to insure that our father’s unfortunate accident did not go unrecognized; my dear dad would have appreciated your professionalism, unstoppable work ethic and most of all your compassion every step of the way. Please know we have the highest regard and the utmost respect for you.

Deb & Joe

Thank you again for all of your help, support and advice. You’ve made a trying and difficult time much easier to deal with for my family and myself. You will never have any idea how much your efforts were, and will forever be appreciated.

F. D.

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