Every dog owner has a duty to maintain control over their pet. Any financial costs associated with a dog bite, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, missed earnings, treatment, and other expenses, fall solely on the owner. According to statistics, New Jersey has the highest average cost per dog bite claim in the country. This makes it essential that you seek the assistance of our knowledgeable Ringwood dog bite lawyers to safeguard your right to just recompense.

At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., our skilled dog bite injury attorneys in Ringwood, NJ can assist if a dog bite has caused you harm. Our Ringwood dog bite lawyers have handled a lot of dog bite cases around New Jersey, having amassed over 120 years of combined legal expertise.

The leash restrictions in New Jersey should make it easier for dog owners to control their animals and prevent personal injury claims. Dogs must always be restrained by a leash. Unfortunately, many pet owners disobey the laws, endangering the lives of innocent bystanders.

Please get in touch with our Ringwood dog bite lawyers to arrange a free consultation if you have sustained a severe dog bite injury. Our dog bite injury attorneys in Ringwood, NJ will take your case on a contingency basis if we accept it. This means that unless you receive a settlement or verdict, we won’t charge you any legal expenses. 

Strict Liability Dog Bite Law in New Jersey

Dog bites are subject to the “strict responsibility” legal principle in New Jersey. This means that regardless of where the bite occurred or whether the dog had previously demonstrated aggression, dog owners are liable for any resulting harm. They must pay if they have a dog that bites someone and results in significant injury. Even in the event that:

  • The dog’s owner did nothing to facilitate its viciousness.
  • By restraining the dog, the owner attempted to stop the dog’s bite.
  • The owner forewarned the individual of the possibility of a dog bite.
  • The victim was an invited guest when the dog bite happened on private property.

Because of the strict liability dog bite rule, you do not need to demonstrate that the owner was careless or irresponsible in order to receive compensation for your injuries. Regardless of the situation, the dog owner is generally responsible. There aren’t many feasible defenses. When none of the following applies:

  • The victim made the dog angry.
  • Instead of biting the victim, the dog caused the injury in some other way, like by jumping on the victim.
  • The victim was either not invited to the dog owner’s private property or trespassed there.

The aforementioned defenses, however, do not automatically mean that a case is over. It is not necessary for the plaintiff to demonstrate that the defendant’s negligence caused the damages; rather, it is sufficient to demonstrate that damages happened and that the defendant is to blame in situations where strict liability does not apply.

The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. is committed to acting in our client’s best interests. Your case will always be personally handled by our Ringwood personal injury lawyers, and we are always accessible to address any queries you may have on the legal system.

Dog Bite Risks

Dog bites can result in considerably more severe damage than most people originally believe. If the victim is a youngster, as is very frequently the case, the risk of serious harm increases even further. Dog bites may result in:

  • a severe scar
  • Bone fractures
  • Rabies
  • Symptoms of muscle and nerve damage
  • emotional wounds

Additionally, the cost of treating a dog bite may be much higher than most victims anticipate. According to estimates, the average settlement amount in New Jersey dog bite cases in 2018 was $55,522, and more than $32 million in total compensation was given to dog bite victims.

Reputable Ringwood Dog Bite Lawyers Fight for Victims of Dog Bites to Receive Full Compensation

According to statistics, accident victims who are represented by our skilled Ringwood dog bite lawyers receive far more compensation than those who decide to represent themselves. At The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., we put in a lot of effort to find every conceivable source of compensation and assist you in receiving the highest award.

If a dog bit you or a loved one, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Upcoming medical care
  • Rehabilitative care and operations
  • Lost income
  • Lost potential for future income
  • Distress and suffering
  • Emotional discomfort, particularly when children are involved

Dog bite injuries are covered by homeowners’ and renters’ insurance, despite the fact that many dog owners lack the resources to pay out sizable settlement amounts. Most insurance policies provide up to $100,000 in coverage for each dog bite injury. Although it is natural that many accident victims are hesitant to file a lawsuit, in some circumstances it may be the only means of obtaining the necessary compensation. Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. right away to find out more about your legal options following a dog bite.

Make an Appointment For a Free Initial Consultation to Discuss Your Dog Bite Claim’s Strategies Right Now

No matter what the circumstances of your occurrence were, get in touch with The Epstein Law Firm, P.A.’s Ringwood dog bite lawyers, right away. In a free consultation, we will sit down with you and hear about your circumstances. The appropriate line of action for your particular situation is then planned using our years of experience.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dog Bite Injury Claims in New Jersey

Will my insurance cover my dog bite injury?

How long do I have to determine whether to file a dog bite lawsuit against a friend or neighbor?

Two years after the dog bite occurred. Even if two years may seem like a long time after the injury, it is always a good idea to consult a lawyer right away. To create a compelling argument on your behalf, a skilled attorney takes time to conduct an investigation, acquire proof, and even meet with specialists.

Can the owner refute a dog bite accusation by claiming that the dog has never previously displayed any aggressive tendencies?

In New Jersey, no. A “one bite rule” has been added as a defense to the dog bite laws in several other states. In New Jersey, you can file a claim for damages even if the dog has never displayed any signs of aggression because the owner was in charge of making sure the dog was always securely restrained.

Will my dog bite injury be covered by insurance?

Limitations in coverage are one issue that we do encounter frequently when dealing with a dog attack case. Whose dog is it when a stray dog is running around aimlessly? Additionally, dog owners occasionally lack coverage for their pets. So, for instance, if a homeowner is involved and the homeowner has homeowners insurance, the person who is hurt by the dog may be able to seek compensation from the homeowner. We may occasionally turn to a business organization if a person does not have homeowners insurance or renters insurance. For instance, if the owner of a dog is a tenant in a building and does not have renters insurance that may cover the damages incurred as a result of the dog bite, we may inquire with the business or landlord to see if they were aware of the dog’s viciousness or propensities to attack before considering the landowner’s coverage.

What other services do you provide for incidents involving dog bites in New Jersey?

The following pages are just a few of the resources The Epstein Law Firm, P.A. provides for dog bite victims:

– Pit Bull Bite
– Dog bite laws in New Jersey

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.