Being bitten by a dog can result in serious injuries and trauma. While some dog bites are minor, others can cause permanent scarring, infections, broken bones, or nerve damage. Some bites end up requiring specialized medical care or surgery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, you may have a legal right to seek compensation for your damages with a Cherry Hill personal injury lawyer. While it may seem daunting to sue someone, you deserve justice. An attorney can help you go through the steps easier.
Common Scenarios on How Dog Bites Happen
Some common dog bite situations include bites from a neighbor’s dog that escapes or is unrestrained. Bites can also happen when visiting someone else’s property. Home or business owners can be responsible if their dog attacks a guest.
Bites can also happen to those in public spaces, like parks, cities, and businesses. Workers like mail carriers, delivery drivers, and utility workers cannot be chased or bitten while lawfully on private property. However, liability depends on the level of provocation and the dog’s response when bites are sustained from provoked or teased dogs.
Other scenarios include dog bites that happen in the care of others. Pet sitters, dog walkers, groomers, and boarders may share liability with the owner. Bites can also come from dogs with no identifiable owner, such as strays or escaped dogs. In these cases, victims may still have legal recourse in some situations.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Injuries in New Jersey
About 4.5 million people experience a dog bite in the United States every year. It is important to keep the dog owners accountable to lower this number. For personal injury claims in New Jersey, including dog bites, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury.
This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner or other negligent parties responsible for the bite. If you fail to take legal action within this two-year window, you will lose your right to pursue compensation for your damages. However, it is best not to wait until the end of the period.
These cases take significant time to investigate, obtain evidence, establish liability, and calculate damages. Working with an attorney as soon as possible gives you the greatest chance of securing fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and other losses. Do not let the statute of limitations pass without protecting your legal rights.
Cherry Hill Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
When the Dog Owner Twists Fault onto You
After a dog bite, owners often try to deny responsibility by blaming the victim. They may claim you provoked the dog by teasing, startling, or threatening it. However, dogs should not bite unless seriously provoked.
Owners may also state you ignored posted warning signs or were trespassing on their property. But adequate precautions should still be in place. Another tactic is alleging you contributed to the bite through your own negligence.
The owner may also argue the bite happened too fast for them to intervene. Some may suggest their dog has never shown aggression before. But all dogs are capable of biting given the right circumstances.
Types of Damages You Can Claim for Your Dog Bite Case
If someone else’s negligence caused a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to several forms of monetary compensation. It is important to be aware of the compensation you can potentially receive. The different types include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and medication.
- Loss of income because of not being able to work
- Cost of home care, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities
- Permanent disability or loss of limb function
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Property damage. This could be clothing, jewelry, or other items destroyed by the bite.
- Legal fees incurred to obtain fair compensation
You should not have to pay all the medical bills associated with a dog bite. The party responsible for the bite should cover all costs. With an attorney’s help, you can recover what you truly deserve.
Benefits of Working with a Cherry Hill Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have experienced a dog bite injury, working with a Cherry Hill dog bite attorney is crucial as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can provide vital support. They can help you with the following:
- Assess your case and pinpoint liable parties you can seek compensation from.
- Gather evidence like medical records, veterinary records, photos, and witness statements to prove liability.
- Determine all economic and non-economic damages you can pursue compensation for.
- Handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies to avoid being taken advantage of.
- Build a strong claim by working with medical experts to prove the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Take the necessary legal action against negligent parties if they refuse reasonable settlement offers.
- Argue your case effectively in court if a favorable settlement cannot be reached out of court.
- Alleviate stress by managing the legal process for you while you focus on recovery.
Do not let an unfair dog bite settlement or drawn-out legal battle impact your health. You should also not be responsible for paying any related medical bills. A dog bite attorney in Cherry Hill can efficiently pursue the maximum compensation you are owed according to New Jersey law.
Let Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer Help You
Suffering a dog bite can leave you facing physical trauma, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. You deserve caring support if this happened due to someone else’s negligence. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Cherry Hill can help.
We will fully assess your injury and provide guidance on your options. With an attorney as your partner, you can have peace of mind knowing your rights are being protected while we achieve fair compensation on your behalf. Take the first step by contacting us for a free consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
