Why contact David J. Cowhey?
Dog bite injuries can hurt you financially as well as physically. Out-of-pocket medical costs, insurance co-payments, hospital bills for uninsured victims, etc. Recovering from a dog attack is stressful enough; it should not include the added stress of having to pay for everything yourself and deal with the insurance companies. Let us help by fighting for your legal rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
Does it cost money to hire you?
No. We work on a completely contingent basis. We pay all expenses for the prosecution of your claim. At the end of the case, we subtract the costs from the gross recovery. The fee is one-third of the net recovery (25% in cases where the claimant is a minor). If you don’t recover, either by settlement or jury trial, you owe us nothing.
How does a dog bite case work?
The first thing we do is interview you to get as much information and facts as we can about your case. We then do a letter of representation to the dog owner, asking them to give it to their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance carrier. Once we establish contact with the insurance company, we give them the relevant information on your case, e.g. photos, police reports, medical records, doctor’s reports, etc. After 6 months pass from the original date of the dog bite, we send a demand letter to the insurance company and attempt to settle the case. If we cannot, we file a Complaint.
How long does the process take?
In a typical dog bite case, we set a date 6 months from the date of the bite to issue a demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company, if the case is ready (if we have all the necessary information and documentation). About 75% of our cases settle at that time. If a Complaint has to be filed, the litigation process usually takes about a year.
Who pays my medical bills?
If you do not carry any health insurance, we will get the dog owner’s insurance company to pay for your bills. If you are insured, we will check with your insurance company to see if they will assert a lien against your potential recovery in your claim. If so, we get the dog owner’s insurance company to pay it. We will also assist you in getting any co-payments or deductibles paid.
Should I talk to the dog owners or the insurance company?
No. We believe nothing good can come of this, as they are adversarial parties. We will handle the insurance companies as your legal representatives.
What is your success rate?
We have a 100% success rate in cases we accept.
How many dog bite cases have you handled?
We have handled literally hundreds of dog bite cases ranging from puncture wounds to catastrophic damages. See “Our Recoveries” for recent dog bite settlements and verdicts.
What is my case worth?
We first must review the facts of your case, as it is difficult to estimate the amount of compensation you should receive without doing so. There are multiple factors that go into determining what you are owed, and it takes an attorney decades of experience to correctly identify your short-term and long-term losses. Mr. Cowhey will fight to recover all possible damages for you, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Where is your office located?
Since we serve all of New Jersey, we have four offices conveniently located throughout the state to assist dog bite victims.
Do you take cases involving children?
Yes. Cases involving children can be difficult for everyone involved. It is important for child victims of dog bites to get compensation for their injuries.
What should I do if a dog bites a kid?
Get medical attention as soon as you can. Don’t be afraid to insist that a plastic surgeon see your child. I’m available 24/7 so you can even call me from the hospital. Speak to a dog bite attorney as soon as you are able to. I’ll be able to guide you on the best next steps after hearing about the circumstances of your case.
