What to Do If a Dog Attacks You in Trenton NJ

Dog bites can be a traumatic experience. Attacks can happen anywhere, even in seemingly dog-friendly spaces. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Trenton, New Jersey, knowing what to do if a dog attacks you in Trenton NJ is crucial. Understanding your rights and taking prompt action can help protect your injury claim.

Trenton follows specific dog bite laws to address these incidents and hold owners accountable. Navigating these laws can be challenging, especially while addressing a painful and frightening experience. This guide will provide general information about Trenton’s dog bite laws and how to navigate them.

Trenton’s Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Your Rights

Trenton adheres to strict liability laws regarding dog bites. As such, dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether they knew the dog tended to bite. However, you must prove that your case met specific elements to hold the dog owner liable for your or your loved one’s injuries.

Here are a few local ordinances and state laws that you should know apply to your claim:

• Leash laws and animal control ordinances: Trenton has leash and animal control ordinances to regulate dog ownership and promote public safety. Violations can prove pet owner negligence in a dog bite case, thereby strengthening your claim.
• Strict liability for dog owners: New Jersey follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, as established in the case of De Robertis v. Randazzo, 94 N.J. 144 (1983). The owner is liable for the victim’s injuries when their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone. However, some exceptions apply.
• Dog bite reports: You must immediately report the attack to the Trenton Animal Control office. This report creates an official record and helps Animal Control monitor potentially dangerous dogs in the community. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident when reporting it.

There are some defenses that dog owners may raise to avoid liability. Understanding these laws and procedures is crucial for protecting your rights after a dog bite incident in Trenton. A Trenton dog bite lawyer can help you navigate these legal complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Seeking Compensation for Your Dog Attack Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to severe nerve damage. Injury victims also often experience emotional trauma. However, they should not be responsible for paying these bills when the dog owner is responsible for their pet’s actions.

You have the right to seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses if the owner is liable for your injuries, as discussed below.

Recoverable Damages

The compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the applicable laws in New Jersey. Damages you can recover in a dog bite case may include:

• Current medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Travel reimbursement (for travel to doctor’s visits)
• Lost wages and benefits (for time missed)
• Future lost earning capacity (if you cannot return to work)
• Physical pain and suffering damages
• Mental anguish damages
• Lost enjoyment of life awards
• Wrongful death awards (for family)
• Punitive damages (for acts of gross negligence)
• Bad faith awards (for unfair insurance practices)
• Other awards

You may need to deal with insurance companies, both your own and the dog owners, after an attack. Insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to minimize their payouts while still complying with the law. It is essential to be cautious when interacting with insurance adjusters or accepting settlement offers without legal advice from an experienced law firm, like CourtLaw.

How a Trenton Dog Bite Lawyer Will Help

Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Trenton, New Jersey, you have legal rights. Having an experienced Trenton dog bite lawyer on your side ensures that you receive a fair outcome. They will help you handle the legal process, preserve evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a civil suit.

Get No-Cost, No-Obligation Legal Advice

The Trenton dog attack injury lawyer at CourtLaw will explain your options. Attorney Karim Arzadi and his team have decades of experience representing injury victims in New Jersey and thoroughly understand the state’s dog bite laws and insurance regulations.

Learn more about how we could add value to your case and experience. Schedule your free consultation with the CourtLaw legal team by calling 732.442.5900 or messaging us below. There are no attorneys’ fees until we win your case.