Once your dog bite Complaint has been filed with the appropriate New Jersey Superior Court vicinage, it usually takes an attorney representing the defendant(s) between 30 and 60 days to file an Answer. A typical defense Answer in a dog bite case will refute the claims made in the Complaint.
Beginning Discovery
After we receive a filed Answer from a defense attorney, one of the first steps is the beginning of “discovery,” which is a limited period of time (usually around 300 days) in which all facts and evidence related to your dog bite claim are collected by both parties.
Interrogatories
As the plaintiff in a dog attack matter, one of the things you will be required to do is provide answers to what are known as “interrogatories,” which are questions about your case directed to you, and which you answer in your own words.
These consist of Form A interrogatories, which are standard form questions asked of every plaintiff in a personal injury case, and in the case of a dog bite, request basic information regarding your account of the incident, your injuries, medical treatment, etc.
Interrogatories are written questions that are answered in writing under oath. Answers should be short, clear, direct and as accurate and complete as possible. Provide answers only to the questions that are asked and if you don’t know the answer, say that. New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, David J. Cowhey will walk you through this process.
The defense attorney will also almost always serve Supplemental Interrogatories upon you, which are questions that usually require more detailed answers about your dog bite claim, such as the breed, size, and appearance of the dog that attacked you, as well as more detailed answers regarding your medical treatment and medical history.
Notice to Produce
The defense attorney will also include a Notice to Produce, which is a formal request for the plaintiff to provide a collection of documents related to the dog attack incident. This can include, but is not limited to, photographs of your dog bite wounds, medical records, statements from witnesses, and more.
The New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
As the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, attorney David J. Cowhey ensures that his clients are comfortable with the answers they provide in their discovery requests, and is always available to help them through the process of answering interrogatories if there is any confusion. Make sure that you select a dog bite attorney who makes the comfort of his clients in the discovery process a top priority.
Call us today at (609) 513-0627 24/7 to discuss your dog bite case. Your consultation with Mr. Cowhey will be free of charge, and as always, no fee is taken if the case does not settle or reach a verdict at trial.
Updated August 12, 2021
