Dog Bites/Animal Attacks

Animal and Dog Bite Injuries: What to Know

Animal bites can be severe and traumatic for all involved. When an animal does bite, it's imperative the person receives medical attention quickly to prevent further damage. Once the person has started on their recovery, they may wonder how they're going to cover the medical bills. Talking to a lawyer can help, as the injured person can receive more information on whether they have a case and, if so, how they can receive the compensation they need. Read below to learn more about what to expect after an animal or dog bites, then contact our law firm to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.

‍

Preventing Dog Attacks and Keeping Children Safe

It's crucial to understand how animal and dog attacks happen and how to prevent them. Though attacks can't always be prevented, there are things people can do to reduce the chance of being bit. Never approach pets without the owner present. If an animal is in a fenced yard or car, do not approach the pet. Instead, wait and get the owner's permission first. When meeting a pet for the first time, go slow and let them smell your hand, then pet if they don't show any signs of aggression. If an animal does attack, do not turn and run, as they will likely chase and may attack further.

‍

Kids tend to love dogs and other animals, so they're more likely to run up and try to pet the animal when they see it. Teach children to never run up, walk slowly, and ask permission before petting any animal. Make sure they know not to tease or chase dogs that are behind a fence or to throw anything at the pet. If they are attacked, they should use their hands to protect their face and neck, then duck down and be very still, waiting for it to be safe to move again. After that, they'll need to find an adult to help.

‍

How to Handle the Aftermath of an Attack

Immediately after an animal or dog bite, wash the wound with soap and water. This helps clear out any bacteria and prevent infection. It is still important to go to the doctor as soon as possible to have the wound inspected, as stitches or other medical care may be required. For more serious bites, it may be necessary to seek emergency medical care. Then, contact law enforcement to report the bite. Even if the case isn't taken any further, this creates a record that the animal has attacked someone in the past.

‍

Animals, even those who are well taken care of at home, can carry a number of diseases that can be life-threatening if transferred to humans. If the animal's vaccination status is unknown or can't be proven, it's a good idea to seek medical care even for minor injuries. Doctors know the risks of animal bites and may provide antibiotics or other medical treatments to help prevent the injury from leading to a far more serious disease.

‍

Who Pays for the Injuries?

A common concern after an animal attack is who will pay for the injuries. If the animal is not a pet, there may not be anyone to cover the expenses. In these cases, the person's own health insurance will likely cover the cost of any medical bills. In cases where there is a pet owner, the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance will cover the compensation. Those who have been bit likely don't have to worry about the animal owner having to cover the costs out of their own pocket. If the animal owner has insurance, it's likely the insurance will cover the expenses related to the bite.

‍

Compensation can be significant, depending on the severity of the attack. If the animal was the pet of a friend or relative, it's easy to be worried about where the money will come from to cover the compensation. In most cases, insurance will cover the bites, so the injured person doesn't have to worry about a friend or relative having to pay the full cost of any medical bills out of pocket. If there is no insurance, the injured person may have to decide if they'd like to proceed further. A consultation is a good way to learn more about the amount of money owed and where it could come from to cover the attack-related expenses.

‍

What Strict Liability Means

New Jersey is a state that follows strict liability guidelines for animal attacks. Under these laws, if someone's pet bites another person who is on the property lawfully, the pet owner is responsible for the medical costs and other damages suffered by the person who was injured. The person who was attacked only needs to show that the pet was owned by the other person and that the injured person was in a public place or lawfully on the property.

‍

This does mean that it may not be possible to recover compensation if the person who was bit was on private property without permission. If someone breaks into a home and is bit as a result, they may not be able to recover damages because they were trespassing at the time. The person must intend to commit a crime for the animal owner to be able to use this as a defense. If someone just walks onto a property to pet an animal that's outside, while it's not a good idea, they do not have criminal intent, so the trespassing defense will not work.

‍

Though there is strict liability for animal bites, there is comparative negligence, as well. If the victim did something to cause the animal to attack, they might be found partially liable for the accident. If this is the case, the victim may be responsible for part of their own medical costs and other damages. This can also come into play if the pet is under the control of someone other than the owner. The other party may end up being partially liable for the accident, with the owner being liable for the rest. A common example of this would be a dog that bites while being walked by a dog walker. It's possible for the dog walker to be half liable and the owner half liable.

‍

Common Injuries From Animal Bites

After an animal bite, the injured person may suffer from cuts and bruises. These can include abrasions that don't bleed and can be treated at home or lacerations that are deeper cuts into the skin. It's also possible for someone to receive punctures from the animal's teeth, which increases the potential for infection. Cuts can be severe and require emergency medical treatment. The person may also suffer from emotional stress due to the attack. Depending on the severity of the attack, the victim may end up permanently disfigured or with scars. If animals are not properly vaccinated, there is a risk of infection from the bite. This can lead to bacterial infections or rabies.

‍

It is important for animal bite victims to request the vaccination history of the pet. If the pet does not have vaccines or doesn't have an updated rabies shot, it is imperative the person speaks with a medical professional about the potential for rabies. It may be necessary for the person to receive rabies vaccinations, as once the person starts showing symptoms of a rabies infection, it's life-threatening. It's always better to seek medical help ahead of time just in case this may be a concern.

‍

Compensation for the Animal Bites

Those who are bitten by an animal can receive compensation for the injuries. Medical bills may make up the largest part of the compensation, especially if the person was severely injured. Other types of compensation that may be obtained include the cost of plastic surgery to remove permanent damage, lost wages for the amount of time the person could not work, and emotional distress to cover therapy bills and related expenses.

‍

If a child is bit, compensation may include money to cover counseling services or therapy for the child. This helps them mentally recover from the attack. Compensation for children and adults can also include an amount designed to cover permanent scars or disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other non-quantifiable damages the victim may have suffered. It is crucial for the victim to speak with a lawyer to determine how much compensation they could receive.

‍

If you've been attacked or bitten by a dog or other animal, you may be owed compensation for the injuries. Once you've received medical care for the injuries, it's a good idea to speak with a lawyer to find out if you have a case and, if so, how much compensation you could receive. Call our law offices today to schedule your consultation and speak with a lawyer about what you might expect to receive for a case like yours.

‍

FAQs About Animal and Dog Bite Injuries

It's common for someone to have a ton of questions after experiencing an animal or dog bite. A consultation with a lawyer can provide answers to all of the questions and more. While you wait for the consultation to provide more specific answers the following FAQs may answer some of the questions you have and give you a better idea of what to expect.

‍

What Do I Need to Do After Being Bitten?

After being bitten, the initial priority is to receive medical care for any wounds to prevent infections and other complications. From there, it's a good idea to report the bite to law enforcement and animal control. An animal control officer will investigate the claim and check the vaccination history of the animal. This may be needed, so you know if any preventative medications are needed to avoid serious medical complications.

‍

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

In New Jersey, you have up to two years to file a lawsuit. However, it's not a good idea to wait until the last minute, as this is a strict deadline. There are very few incidents that will allow for the deadline to be pushed back. It's a far better idea to start working on the case with a lawyer immediately. The lawyer will make sure any filing deadlines are met.

‍

Is a Lawyer Really Needed for This Type of Case?

It is highly recommended that you work with a lawyer to obtain compensation for any injuries sustained. Lawyers are familiar with local laws, so they can defend against claims of trespassing or provocation of the animal to bite. On top of this, lawyers are familiar with the types of compensation you could receive and know how to help you get the maximum amount for your case. You will have a better outcome hiring a lawyer than you might trying to handle it alone.

‍

What If I Was Bit by a Friend's Dog?

It doesn't matter who the owner of the dog is, as the person will not be personally liable for medical costs and other damages if they have insurance. Their homeowner's or renter's insurance will cover all damages related to the animal bite. No matter who owns the animal, be sure to seek medical attention, report the incident, and contact a lawyer for help.

‍

What Will Happen to the Dog That Bit Me?

Some people are hesitant to report dog bites because they're afraid the dog will immediately be euthanized. In New Jersey, this is not the case. If the animal is fully vaccinated and has never bitten someone before, the animal control officer will take a report, and that will be the end of the situation. If the animal has bitten someone before, the owner may be required to display warning signs on the property, use a strong leash with a muzzle, and take other action to prevent another attack. If the animal attacks multiple people over a period, eventually, it may need to be euthanized.

‍

Should I Talk with the Owner About the Injuries?

The owner may call to find out how the recovery is going. While this can seem harmless, anything said can be used against the victim in court. Instead, politely decline to discuss the case. If someone says they are recovering fine, it could be seen as admitting the bite wasn't too bad, which can reduce the compensation received.

‍

Should I Give a Statement to the Insurance Company?

Like talking with the owner, it's not a good idea to give a statement to the insurance company. Politely decline to speak with them and let them know they can contact your attorney for further information. Then, contact a lawyer about the case to get help dealing with the insurance company.

‍

What If I Don't Know Who Owns the Animal?

Animal attacks aren't always by known animals. If the attack happened on private property, it might be simple to figure out how owns the dog and who was in control of the dog at the time. If it happens in a public place, it may be more difficult to determine the owner. Let law enforcement know about the bite, as they may know which dog it was if this isn't the first incident. If this doesn't work, go ahead and speak with a lawyer about the case, as they may be able to help determine liability.

‍

What If I Did Not Have Permission to be on the Property?

Trespassing is a defense that can be used by the animal's owner, but it requires criminal intent. If you were passing by the house and stopped to pet a dog on the other side of a fence, you were not trespassing. If you showed up at the home ready to steal something or ready to damage the property in any way, you may be found partially or fully liable and may not be able to receive compensation for your injuries. There are many ways to determine whether you were on the property lawfully.

‍

Is the Owner Liable Even if the Dog Hasn't Bit Anyone Before?

The dog owner doesn't need to be aware of the potential for an animal to bite to be liable. Animals can bite and will attack if they feel threatened. If the dog has not bitten anyone before, you are still likely eligible for compensation for any injuries you sustained. Strict liability is used in New Jersey, which means the dog owner is responsible for their own animals, even if it's the first time the animal has bit someone.

‍

If you've been bitten by a dog or another animal, seek medical attention quickly. Even if your wounds do not seem bad, it's a good idea to seek prompt medical care to prevent infections. Once you've started your recovery, the next step should be to schedule a consultation with a lawyer and get more detailed information about the potential for receiving compensation. If you're ready to speak with a lawyer, contact our law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.

‍

If you have been the victim of a dog bite you may be able to recover a large cash award for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured and a victim of a dog or other animal bite or attack we can help protect your legal rights. We help our clients fight back by getting our client’s monetary compensation for their injuries. To speak with an experienced NJ dog bite attorney immediately call us toll free at 1–800–923–3456 or contact us online to discuss your legal matter today.

‍