Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and painful experience. Besides the immediate shock and pain, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be wondering who is responsible for covering your medical bills and other damages. Dealing with insurance companies and legal rules while recovering from serious injuries can be overwhelming, but understanding your rights and options is crucial to protecting yourself. For assistance in navigating this difficult situation, reach out to an experienced New Jersey dog bite lawyer and schedule your free consultation today.
Who is Responsible for My Medical Bills After a Dog Bite in NJ?
New Jersey imposes strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites and animal attacks. If a dog bites someone, the owner is generally held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages, even without the victim proving that the owner was negligent.
NJ Revised Statutes § 4:19-16 outlines the liability of a dog owner for a bite or attack. This statute says “The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
In most cases, the owner will be held responsible as long as the victim was not trespassing and did not provoke the dog. This is quite different from the one-bite rule that many other states use, which does not hold a dog owner liable for the first time their dog bites someone, as they did not know that the dog was dangerous. The owner or their insurance can cover the related damages.
What Kinds of Damages Are Common After a Dog Bite?
When a dog bite happens, the victim usually faces a few different kinds of losses or damages. The most obvious ones involve medical expenses. This includes everything from emergency room visits and stitches to follow-up care, medication, and even plastic surgery in the future.
Another common damage is lost wages. If the injury is serious enough to prevent the victim from working, they can be compensated for their lost income. The victim can also incur non-economic damages. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, scarring, and psychological trauma that are often associated with an animal attack.
What Evidence Should I Gather After Being Bitten?
To build a strong dog bite claim, gathering evidence immediately is crucial. Documentation will link your injuries directly to the dog owner’s liability and demonstrate the full extent of your damages. The following may be beneficial to your case.
- Photos of the injury and the location of the attack
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records and bills
- Documentation of lost wages
- Records showing the dog’s history of aggression, if any
- Doctor notes detailing the incident and your recovery process
For more information and to secure the help of a skilled legal professional, contact Berliner, Cohen, Accardi & Grossman, LLC today.
