The dog bite attorneys of Michael J. Glassman & Associates, LLC, is located in Voorhees, NJ. We have successfully represented clients who suffered dog bites and other animal attacks. New Jersey's "Dog Bite Act" [N.J.S.A. 4:19-16] makes a dog owner strictly liable for dog bite injuries, except where the victim was a trespasser or provoked the dog. In the State of New Jersey, dog owners are held strictly liable the first time that their dog bites an individual. Dog owners could claim that the injured party was trespassing, or unnecessarily provoking the pet, but the law is not on their side. Dog owners can find themselves liable for medical bills, lost wages or the therapy bills of a traumatized child due to a dog bite.
What Should I do if I am bitten by a dog?
Get the name and address of everyone who saw the attack, or heard or saw events immediately before and after it that are part of the "story" of the attack. If possible, get information about the owner of the dog. Sometimes it is necessary to return to the scene of the attack to try to discover witnesses; if that is the case, go there at the same time of the day for several days, and on the same day of the week for several weeks.
Photograph the wounds if possible. If it is not possible, then request that the physicians do so at the hospital. In addition, photograph the wounds after the victim returns from the hospital on a continuous basis.
Get medical attention . If you are wounded on the face, request treatment by a plastic surgeon. Be sure to follow the directions of the physician and take all the medications that are prescribed. The decision as to whether you need rabies shots must be left to your doctor.
Photograph the scene of the attack. Video it also (but not in lieu of photographing it). Use a 35 mm film camera, and do not use the flash if possible.
If a dog bites a person, is the owner liable for doctor's bills?
In general, the answer to this question is yes. An owner of a dog, or any animal for that matter, may be held liable for the injuries that the animal causes to others. Some jurisdictions require the plaintiff to show that the animal owner knew, or should have known, that the animal was inclined to attack or bite. In other jurisdictions, you may only need to show negligence on the part of the owner in order to recover money for your injuries. If a wild animal, such as a lion, bear or monkey, attacks you, the animal's owner may be held accountable for your injuries regardless of your conduct under a theory of "strict liability".
Once we have determined that the animal owner is liable for your injuries under New Jersey guidelines, then we will also establish the amount of your "damages", such as doctor, hospital bills and scarring - in other words, how much it has cost you to treat your injury. In addition, we may be able to recover lost wages if your injury kept you out of work. You are entitled to compensation for any permanent disability cause by the injury, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog or attacked by an animal, call Michael J. Glassman & Associates, LLC, today and speak to a dog bite attorney at 856-784.9222 or 888.234.4421 (toll-free). Our initial consultation is free of charge . If we agree to take your case, we will work on a "contingent fee" basis, which means the fee you pay is a percentage of the amount of money that we recover for you. Don't wait to call! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
