After suffering a dog bite in New Jersey, victims are often left with crippling medical expenses and a significant recovery time where they can’t work. New Jersey is a strict liability state when it comes to these types of tragic incidents. Dog owners are automatically considered responsible for their pet’s actions and can be sued for the damages associated with the attack. Damages they have to pay could also be intangible, like pain and suffering or mental anguish.
But, filing a lawsuit to recover these losses has many asking, “How much does a dog bite lawsuit cost in NJ?”
NJ Dog Bite Lawsuits Should Cost You Nothing Up Front
Dog bites are considered a personal injury claim in New Jersey, but without the same requirements for the burden of proof. Attorneys who represent these types of cases often provide a free case evaluation to assess your injuries and the circumstances of the bite. This is usually done by reviewing any pictures, witness statements, police reports, and other evidence you have available. If a firm is willing to take your case, it’s typically on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid until you do.
Dog bite lawsuits can be settled outside the courtroom and at times can be resolved without the need for a trial. Your attorney will negotiate the monetary value of your claim and make sure it includes damages, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Transportation costs to doctor’s appointments
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Lost limbs due to amputation
- Property damage
- Wrongful death and related costs
If a settlement can’t be reached, make sure the attorney you hire can litigate New Jersey dog bite claims and has a successful track record of doing so.
There are a number of different expenses that make up the cost of litigation but the typical ones and the ones that are greatest are usually filing fees, investigation fees, medical records, medical experts and depositions.
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The emotional, physical and financial trauma of an NJ dog bite can change your life forever. State law makes it clear that victims of aggressive canines deserve to get compensated for their damages. The last thing stopping you from pursuing a case should be worrying about how much a dog bite lawsuit costs. Our firm provides our clients with years of experience successfully representing dog attack cases in New Jersey. Contact us 24/7 to discuss your case and get the legal support you need to pursue a dog bite lawsuit.