Dog Bites Attorneys in Morristown, New Jersey
Each year in the state of New Jersey, thousands of children and adults suffer serious injuries or even wrongful death as a result of dog bite attacks.
Although some states have a “one bite free” rule about dog bites, New Jersey does not. Our law places full responsibility on the dog’s owner or caretaker to make sure the animal does not injure innocent adults or children.
At The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese, Barletti LLC, our founding Morristown personal injury attorney, Robert Gold, has 30 years of experience representing victims of all kinds of negligence, including the negligence of pet owners. If a dog in New Jersey attacked you or a loved one, count on an experienced dog bite lawyer to pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
What Dog Breeds Frequently Bite People?
Although any animal can be vicious if not properly trained and controlled, the Humane Society of the United States does keep a list of the dog breeds that are most commonly responsible for wrongful deaths.
Based on statistics there are certain dog breeds that are more likely to bite, but it is important to remember that all dogs have the capacity to bite, even if they are a breed that is commonly thought of as docile and friendly. A dog that is not raised properly can be aggressive, hostile, or reactive which increases the likelihood of them biting someone.
The results from a study conducted from 1982-2014 has revealed that the most common dog breeds with a history of biting include:
Doberman
Chowchow
Akita
Pit Bull mix
German Shepherd
Bullmastiff
Wolf hybrid
Huskies
Rottweiler
Pit Bull
For more in-depth information on dog bite statistics, visit DogsBite.org
As stated in the study, Pit Bulls are regularly singled out as the most dangerous dog breed. Between 2005 and 2016 Pit Bulls were responsible for nearly 65% of all dog-related deaths. These statistics paint a picture that Pit Bulls are inherently more aggressive and violent than other breeds. However, organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) do not recognize a difference in a pit bull’s potential for aggression over that of any other breed. Pit bulls are just naturally strong and tend to lock and shake their jaws when biting, which makes cases where they do bite much worse than other breeds. This is what makes them so much more likely to significantly injure or kill a person.
If you’re looking for a pit bull attack lawyer, the team at The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese, Barletti LLC has the experience to get you the proper compensation for any pain or suffering you have dealt with as a result of a pit bull bite.
Children Are Frequent Victims of Dog Bites
Children are particularly susceptible to dog bites in New Jersey and nationwide. Their short stature often places their heads, necks, and faces within perfect reach of the canine’s teeth. Both a child’s physical and emotional scars from a dog attack need to be addressed and your child may be potentially eligible for compensation to cover both reconstructive surgery and psychological counseling.
To help children avoid being the victims of a dog bite, you should stay close to them when around a dog, regardless of what you perceive of the dog’s temperament. It is also important to teach children, especially toddlers, to be careful when interacting with animals.
Why You Need a Lawyer in a Dog Bite Case
Most personal injury cases, dog bites included, are settled out of court without the need for a trial. Lawyers who know how to evaluate a claim on behalf of a victim and will know the proper dollar amount to ask for in a settlement to get them the most compensation possible. Individuals who try to receive compensation without a lawyer will typically get only a fraction of what they could get with an experienced dog bite lawyer on their side. Lawyers without experience have a rough time settling cases, and victims who are not lawyers must simply guess when it comes to asking for the amount they deserve.
Were You Injured
by a Dog Bite?
Call Us for Support
Hiring a lawyer can help you pursue several types of damages in a dog bite lawsuit, including:
Lost income
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Under New Jersey law, there is no limit on compensatory damages. That means, as long as you can back up your case with evidence, you are entitled to full compensation for your current and future medical expenses, any lost income as a result of the dog bite, and the cost of pain and suffering.
Worried About Bringing a Lawsuit Against a Friend or Neighbor?
Many dog bite victims hesitate to file a personal injury suit if the animal’s owner is a friend, relative or neighbor. This is understandable. However, you should know that in most cases, homeowners insurance covers dog bite lawsuits because in New Jersey these incidents fall under premises liability. This means that you are asking for money not from your friend, but instead from his or her insurance policy – a policy intended to cover incidents such as these and provide the compensation you need to recover.
An NJ Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
Contact The Law Offices of Gold, Albanese, Barletti LLC today for a free and confidential evaluation of your dog bite case. Don’t make the mistake of trying to get compensation all by yourself. You are entitled to full compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses, and hiring an experienced lawyer will make that a reality.