If you or a family member sustained injuries in a dog attack, you should consult with an attorney about the process of dog bite litigation in NJ. Since state laws that govern these incidents take a strict liability approach with the owners of aggressive canines, you may be able to pursue a legal claim for the medical expenses, emotional trauma, other related costs incurred by you and pain and suffering.
Options for NJ Dog Bite Victims
After suffering severe injuries from a dog bite, you have several legal options available to you regarding your damages. Still, the most important action you can take is consulting with a seasoned personal injury attorney. At the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C., we can assist you in filing an insurance claim against the dog owner’s insurance carrier. Often, their home’s insurer will cover these types of occurrences on their property.
Remember, adjusters working for these corporations will focus on denying your claim or settling it for as little as possible. This is why having a lawyer on hand to prevent manipulative insurance tactics is of such great importance.
Using Dog Bite Litigation in NJ to Establish Liability
New Jersey is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites and attacks. This means that the victim does not have to prove the canine’s owner was negligent when seeking compensation. But, you must have gotten bit or attacked on public property space like a park or a sidewalk.
Cases may get a little more complex when on the dog owner’s private property. Their insurance carrier might try to claim you were unlawfully present, meaning you were trespassing. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case proving otherwise.
Another defense that liable pet owners and a homeowner’s insurer might claim is that you are partially to blame for the incident happening. This is a popular tactic in dog bite litigation in NJ because of state contributory negligence laws. If the defense can show that you played a role in causing the dog to attack you, the court will have to determine what percentage of damages are your fault.
If you are more than 50% responsible for the dog attack, the court will not let you pursue a personal injury case. When you have 50% or less fault, it gets deducted from your total settlement amount. This is why having the Law Office of Peter Briskin, P.C. aggressively fight these tactics is crucial to receiving the compensation you need.
In the event we cannot come to an agreement as to liability or value we will litigate the issues tirelessly to obtain the maximum possible recovery on your behalf.
Get Your FREE Attorney Consultation
After suffering devastating injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma from a vicious dog attack, you may be unsure what your options are or if you want to pursue a claim. As attorneys with a wealth of knowledge regarding the process of dog bite litigation in NJ, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your case and learn why you should proceed with a compensation case. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case and support you through this difficult time in your life.