According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. These bites can result in serious injuries. If you are injured by a dog bite, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to learn more.
Who is responsible for a dog bite accident?
Generally, when someone is injured by a dog, the dog’s owner will be held responsible. But, this is not always the case. You will not be able to recover compensation if you were trespassing or committing another crime when the attack occurred. Additionally, if there is evidence that you were provoking the dog or ignoring warnings to stay away from the dog, you will likely be unable to recover compensation.
Steps to take after an accident occurs:
If you are injured by a dog, there are a number of steps you should take:
- Call 911: The police can send an ambulance to the scene, file an accident report, and more.
- Seek medical attention: It is important to visit the hospital, your doctor, or an urgent care facility after an accident occurs. This will ensure that your injuries are treated by a medical professional. Additionally, it will provide you with proof of the origin and extent of your injuries.
- Document the scene: While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, it is important to take pictures and videos at the scene of the accident. For example, if the dog is off its leash, it is important to obtain evidence of this. You should also take photos and videos of the injuries you sustained.
- Ask for the owner’s information: Be sure to ask the dog owner for their name and contact information, as well as the dog’s breed.
- Obtain witness contacts: If anyone saw the accident occur, they may be able to corroborate your version of events. Ask for their name and contact information.
- Adhere to the statute of limitations: In New Jersey, you will generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you do not file within this window of time, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. Reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing any important deadlines.
If you have been injured by a dog in New Jersey, our firm is here to help. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Contact our Firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome because we believe false accusations or preventable injuries should never cause a person harm. This is why those who require experienced legal counsel in New Jersey should do themselves a favor and contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.