What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
A dog attack can leave you feeling scared, confused, and overwhelmed. You may not know what to do next. However, the actions you take after the attack will have an impact on your case. The following are steps to take to protect your best interests, ensure that you receive the care and attention you need as well as improve the outcome of your case.
- Seek medical care
The most important thing after a dog attack is taking care of your health. You should ensure you get the medical care and attention you need as soon as possible. Dog bites can result in serious injuries including broken bones, severe cuts, nerve damage, and bleeding. They can also result in complications such as infections. Call emergency services if your injuries are severe. If you can, you should get yourself to an emergency room or healthcare clinic as soon as possible.
- Report the attack
It is important to let the appropriate authorities know about the attack and your resulting injuries. In New Jersey, dog bites ought to be reported to the local health department. You should also make a report to the local police department. If you contact emergency services after the attack, the law enforcement officers that responded to the call will make a report of the incident.
- Document the incident
If you can, document the incident as much as possible. Take photos and videos of the scene of the incident, your injuries, and any other damage. You should also note the contact details of witnesses at the scene. Take note of the color, breed, and approximate size of the dog. You should also take note of any identifiable features the dog had. Be sure to get the contact information of the dog owner.
- Seek legal help
Even a straightforward dog bite case can become complicated quickly. You should seek the advice and guidance of an experienced Cherry Hill NJ dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack. Your attorney will take steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of successfully recovering compensation for your damages.
Local Cherry Hill Municipal Dog Bite Laws and Resources:
Locally, Cherry Hill enforces strict leash laws to maintain public safety. Under the township’s municipal code, all dogs of licensing age must be registered, wear their metal tags, and be fully vaccinated against rabies. Dogs are strictly prohibited from running at large and must be securely leashed and controlled by a capable person whenever they are off the owner’s private property.
When a dog bite occurs, local enforcement steps in immediately. State law requires any dog involved in a human bite to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine, usually at the owner’s expense, to be monitored for rabies. The Cherry Hill Police Department handles the initial emergency response and report filing, while the township’s contracted animal control officers investigate the bite, enforce quarantine protocols, and handle any local ordinance violations.
Local Cherry Hill Dog Bite Ordinances and Resources:
- Cherry Hill Police Department:
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency Dispatch: (856) 665-1200
- Website: https://www.chnj.gov/132/Cherry-Hill-Police-Department
- Cherry Hill Township Animal Control:
- Independent Animal Care Services (Cherry Hill’s Contracted Animal Control):
- Website: https://www.iacsnj.com/
- Cherry Hill Township Municipal Code (Chapter 8: Animal Control):
- Ordinances: https://ecode360.com/34642765
Answers to Your Cherry Hill NJ Dog Bite Questions
During your free consultation with David Cowhey, you’ll be able to ask specific questions related to your dog bite claim. But generally, the following questions are common after a dog attack.
How Will You Benefit From A Dog Bite Lawyer?
Our specialty and expertise are matters of dog bites. We have vast experience dealing with such matters, having represented many victims of dog bites. Those cases have exposed us to a thorough understanding of dog bite laws in New Jersey. You deserve maximum compensation for your injuries, therefore, consider hiring us, whose representation is top-notch.
Why Us?
Are you wondering why us? Our track record of winning cases speaks for itself. They win most of their dog bite cases, assisting countless people in New Jersey with access to compensation for the harm they suffered. You don’t have to worry about presenting your case to the insurance company or dog owner; leave that to our attorneys with a vast knowledge of the law.
What Can We Do For You?
If you were injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. We can assist you in recouping your hospital bills, unpaid wages, and the anguish you suffered. Also follow up on any other deserved compensation. You will only need to cooperate with us in gathering evidence and getting statements from witnesses. One of our lawyers will then get into workable agreements with the underwriters so that your deserved compensation is settled.
The mental anguish caused by a dog bite is not lost. We’re aware that it is a torturous journey, so we’ll always be available for you until you are well enough to resume your daily life.
Dog Bite Lawyers in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
If you have suffered a dog bite and think you need a personal dog bite lawyer near you in Cherry Hill, are we the best option?
Firstly, we are very familiar with state regulations and local courts and procedures if your dog bite case requires a lawsuit.
Secondly, we are well-versed in the types of injuries and causes specific to Atlantic City. This can make the process easier by quickly identifying liability for your injuries and losses.
Our firm is conveniently located in the Atlantic City area, with multiple offices throughout New Jersey. We specialize in helping dog bite victims and can provide the expertise you need to pursue your case successfully.
Do I Have A Claim Against the Owner Of The Dog?
In most dog bite cases, the homeowner’s insurance typically covers the damages. The dog owner is liable for injuries whether the incident occurred on or off their property, and regardless of whether the dog was leashed or unleashed. Even if the dog was fenced in or chained in the yard, a victim can still seek compensation if they had a right to be on the property, such as with an invitation.
The dog doesn’t need to be a pit bull or any so-called “dangerous breed” for liability to apply. Additionally, a bite is not required for a claim.
What Does A Dog Bite Claim Cover?
In a dog bite case, victims can claim for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional scarring, nerve damage, and other long-term disabilities as settlement and compensation for dog bites. Children are more vulnerable, often suffering serious facial injuries that require reconstructive surgeries. Both the victims of animal attacks and family members who witness the attack may be entitled to recover damages for emotional trauma.
