It can be really frightening to be attacked or bitten by a dog, especially if you’re a child. Dog bite victims frequently hesitate to file a personal injury case because they believe the dog’s owner, who may be a friend or relative, will pay the damages out of their own pocket. However, responsibility is typically covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. Our New Jersey dog bite attorneys are experienced in working with insurance carriers to get dog bite victims the maximum amount of compensation. Our Paramus dog bite lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. will fight to get you the money you deserve if a dog bite caused serious injuries to you or your child.

A victim of a dog attack may be compensated under homeowner’s insurance for the following damages

  • Medical expenses for treating dog bites
  • Cosmetic procedure
  • Lost income
  • Emotional angst
  • Counseling for young children bitten by dogs
  • Permanent scarring or deformity
  • Distress and suffering

For situations involving dog bite injuries, our Paramus personal injury lawyers have years of courtroom and negotiation expertise. In New Jersey, dog bite attorneys do not have to demonstrate that the dog had a history of aggression or that it was previously dangerous. Unless the dog was provoked, the owner is fully accountable. The majority of American states, including New Jersey, hold dog owners accountable for all harm caused to dog bite victims, even if the dog in question had never shown any prior signs of aggression against people.

Strict Liability of Owner Irrespective of Dog’s Danger

Regardless of the dog’s prior viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness, the owner of any dog that bites a person while the person is lawfully on or in a public place, or while on or in a private place, including the dog’s property, is liable for any damages the person may sustain.

For the purposes of this section, a person is lawfully on the private property of such an owner if they are there to carry out any obligations imposed on them by this state’s laws, federal laws, or postal regulations, or if they are there at the owner’s express or implied invitation.

Only the dog’s ownership, the fact that it bit the plaintiff, and whether or whether the victim was lawfully on the owner’s property or in a public place must be proven by the plaintiff. This is not applicable if the injury was not brought on by a dog bite, the victim was trespassing without malicious intent, or the target defendant was not the dog’s owner. In most dog bite cases, the defendant may be found guilty without having to compensate the victim in any way or cover all of the victim’s losses. First, the victim was trespassing. The dog bite legislation allows a trespass defense, but only if the trespasser intended to commit a crime. 

What if More Than One Defendant Is Involved In My Case?

For instance, the victim’s actions may have been improper and hence negligent, or the dog may have been being walked by an inattentive and negligent professional dog walker. In these circumstances, the liability of the dog owner is not strictly “strict,” but rather “almost strictly,” in that the plaintiff cannot recover if his share of the blame for the accident is greater than that of any other parties who may be held accountable. In addition, he can only recover from each defendant the amount that is appropriate to that party’s fault. If you or a loved one find yourselves in this situation and need expert advice, do not hesitate in contacting one of our dedicated and knowledgeable Paramus Dog Bite Lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. today. Your free consultation is only one call away.

Dog Attack Prevention in New Jersey

The first and most crucial piece of advice for avoiding dog attacks is never to approach an unfamiliar dog. Do not approach dogs that are chained, fenced in, on a leash, or in a car. These are additional guidelines that, if followed, can assist prevent being attacked by a dog. Before stroking a dog, always give them a chance to sniff and see you. Never run away from a dog, particularly if it is posing a threat to you. Dogs pursue and capture their “prey” in a natural way. When a dog is resting, eating, chewing on a toy, or taking care of its young, do not bother it. Always keep in mind that a dog that is unfamiliar with you can perceive you as a threat or an intruder. Take action to reduce damage if a dog bites you or attacks you. As soon as you can, properly cleanse the wound with soap and warm water. Then, call your usual doctor to ask for more advice on how to care for your wounds. If your injuries are severe enough, head straight to your neighborhood emergency room. Report the incident to your local animal control agency or police department as soon as your wounds have been treated.

About Paramus, N.J.

Before settlers arrived, Paramus Road was an Indian path. During the American Revolution, it was a major route for British and American troops. General George Washington frequented Paramus at the time.  There are a total of 30 “Headquarters Paramus” letters written by George Washington himself located in The Library of Congress. It was in the year 1780 that maps began to identify Spring Valley Road. Lenni Lenape Indians named Paramus. It stems from the Lenape word “peramsepuss,” which means “country of wild turkeys” Paramus Park Mall has a big metal turkey statue. Jacob Epke Banta patented land in 1686, Isaac Van Saun in 1695, and Albert Zabriskie in 1702.

Paramus became a shopping hotspot after the George Washington Bridge opened in 1931 and the postwar construction boom. Garden State Plaza and Bergen Town Plaza opened respectively in 1957 and 1958.  Traveling along Routes 4, 17, and the Garden State Parkway, you will find that the borough has four malls and three corporate parks.

Fritz Behnke Historical Museum and Paramus Main Library have more history and facts. The library’s local history collection includes many biographies regarding what many of its residents would call their “local heroes”.

Speak With A Skilled Paramus Dog Bite Lawyers About Keeping Your Children Safe From Dog Attacks

Since kids are most frequently attacked by dogs, make sure to teach your kids the fundamental guidelines listed above, especially to stay away from any unfamiliar dogs. Teach your kids not to playfully chase or hurl objects at dogs that are confined behind gates or fences. Teach your kids how to protect their face and neck during an assault, curl up into a ball, remain completely still, and, as soon as it is safe to do so, find an adult to assist them. To arrange a free initial consultation, please get in touch with our Paramus dog bite lawyers at The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. (201) 231-7847 for a free consultation if you’ve had an animal attack or dog bite.

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.

Paramus Dog Bite Lawyers Answer Frequently Asked Questions In NJ

Will my insurance cover my dog bite injury?

My toddler had critical injuries when my friend’s dog bit her. I am aware that my friend lacks the resources to cover my bills. Do I have any choices?

The first stage is to determine the dog owner’s culpability. The owner’s strict liability does not ensure that you will be awarded a just settlement. The goal of insurance companies is to reduce their own responsibility and your compensation award. A skilled attorney will fight for you to obtain a just settlement that completely covers your dog bite injuries.

How long do I have to determine whether to file a lawsuit following a dog bite?

In most cases, there is a two-year clause that states how long you have to file your claim with the courts. To ensure we have the greatest available evidence to prosecute your case, it is advisable to engage a lawyer who can begin looking into your case as soon as the injury took place.

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.

All Practice Areas

Practice Areas

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

201-231-7847 Free case evaluation