If you’ve been bitten by a dog, one of the questions you may be asking yourself is if you should start a dog bite lawsuit. There are factors you may want to consider such as how serious the injuries are and your relationship with the dog owner. Consider these points, but the best option is to discuss your case with a dog bite lawyer as each case has unique circumstances.
The Seriousness of the Dog Bite Injuries
The seriousness of injuries you suffered as a result of a dog bite can be a deciding factor in whether or not to launch a dog bite lawsuit. If you’ve been financially impacted by a dog bite, then the dog bite owner is liable for your injuries and is responsible for making sure you are in a similar position you were in before the dog bite. For minor injuries, it may not make sense to sue the dog owner.
Medical bills and time off work are two of the economic damages that are recoverable after a dog bite.
You also have a responsibility to get medical assistance for your injuries and to follow your doctor or other medical professional’s instructions in treating your injuries.
If You Have Any Responsibility for the Dog Attack
Even if you feel some responsibility for the dog attack, you may still be able to launch a dog bite lawsuit depending on the circumstances of the claim. It is best to discuss the situation with your dog bite lawyer if you contributed to the dog attack.
If the dog bite happened on private property, you will need to establish that you were lawfully on the property. Another area to consider is that you did nothing to provoke the attack. Establishing that you weren’t interacting with the dog when asked not to do so or abusing the dog or provoking the dog in other ways.
Relationship With the Dog Owner
In many cases, a dog attack victim knows the dog owner of the dog that attacked them. This study finds that 66% of dogs are knowns to the victim. Having a relationship with the dog owner can create uncertainty for the victim about filing a lawsuit.
Most clients are interested to hear that in most cases in the United States, a lawsuit is launched against an insurance company. An experienced dog bite lawyer will assist you in navigating the relationship with the dog bite owner. They will understand there are impacts to all those involved in this situation.
When The Dog Bite Happened
There is a statute of limitations for dog bite cases. That means there is a deadline for when you can file a dog bite lawsuit. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations on personal injuries is two years from the date the incident happened.
For minors or children involved in a dog bite, parents or guardians can launch a dog bite lawsuit on their behalf. Minors can also sue for dog bite injuries for two years after their 18th birthday.
First Step in Starting a Dog Bite Lawsuit
If you’ve considered the circumstances of your dog attack and are ready to start a dog bite claim, contact a dog bite lawyer to discuss your dog bite case. It is difficult to navigate the New Jersey legal system without the education and experience to provide you with an advantage. Dog bite laws are always changing, so having an experienced attorney that understands dog bite liability will be an advantage for your case.
A legal representative provides an objective perspective, can act as a buffer between you and the dog owner, can advise you on your legal rights, and is often able to obtain you a better settlement than if you handled the dog bite claim on your own.
The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer Ready to Help in Your Dog Bite Lawsuit
David J. Cowhey offers a free consultation for dog bite victims to talk about the details of their case. You can contact him 24/7 at 609-513-0627 for a dog bite lawsuit that took place anywhere in New Jersey. He will work with you so that the dog owner is held liable and to get you compensation for the injuries you have suffered.
