Return to Services Index

Every year, animals attack millions of Americans. Dogs bite 4.7 million people a year and 800,000 of them must seek medical attention. An additional 386,000 Americans need emergency room treatment and about a dozen even die. The most frequent victims of animal attacks are children and account for half of the victims.

A dog attack is an unexpected and traumatic experience for anyone who has ever been a victim. The long-term effects of such an attack include posttraumatic stress disorder, emotional psychological problems, a new fear of pets, physical rehabilitation and, in more serious cases, reconstructive surgery. A dog bite can cause serious physical injuries as well, such as severe lacerations, puncture wounds, scarring, broken bones, and infections. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be entitled to recover a large cash award for your injuries.

At Garces & Grabler, our attorneys have extensive experience with the legal consequences of animal attacks. One of Garces & Grabler’s most notable cases to date is Congo v. Rivera. Our attorneys were successful in obtaining a $250,000 settlement for a Honduran native who was viciously attacked by the German Shepherd Congo while working at the dog owner’s home. Even though the dog owners claimed it was a provoked attack, the court found the dog to be dangerous. Provoked and unprovoked attacks are not defined under NJ law, and it is up to the courts to decide this matter.

If any domesticated animal attacks someone, then the animal owners are responsible for their pets, including any harm that the animal may inflict on another person. New Jersey law states that the owner of any dog who bites and harms a person is liable for all damages in an attack. This applies if the victim is in any public place, or lawfully in a private place.

The same law applies to owners of wild animals. Owners are subject to absolute liability and are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their wildlife animal. Their lack of knowledge of the animal’s dangerous tendencies or any measures that they took to prevent harm does not eliminate that liability.

Garces & Grabler is dedicated to getting favorable verdicts and settlements. We do everything in our power to get our clients the highest monetary compensation for their injuries.  

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog or other animal bite or attack, contact the law offices of Garces & Grabler so that our attorneys may fight on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dog Bites