Chatham Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but that is not always the case. Even the friendliest dogs can attack when provoked. Some attack for no reason at all. In any case, if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Hire a Chatham dog bite attorney from the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, P.A.
New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
If you are a dog bite victim, it is important to understand the laws. Each state has different laws when it comes to dog attacks. In New Jersey, dog bites are governed under strict liability.
Strict liability means that the dog owner is liable for the attack, no matter what. The owner is considered responsible regardless of whether or not the dog is considered vicious or has bitten before. The dog’s history is not considered. The only exceptions are if the dog was provoked by the victim or if the victim was trespassing. Only in these cases will the victim be held liable for their injuries.
Seeking Medical Help
Even if you feel fine after a dog attack, getting medical treatment should be of utmost importance. That’s because you may be hurt more than you think. A dog attack can cause internal injuries. A back or neck injury may not cause pain for weeks. Plus, if the dog has rabies, you will want to get immediate treatment.
Seeking immediate treatment will help your claims against the homeowner. The insurance company will see that you are truly injured. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get approved for compensation for medical expenses.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Determining liability is the easiest step. After that, things get complicated. You need to figure how much compensation you can receive for your damages. This can be tricky, especially if your injuries are severe. You need to account for not only economic damages (those that can be easily calculated, such as medical bills and lost wages) but also non-economic damages (those that are psychological in nature) such as stress, anxiety, fear, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and disability.
In addition, you will likely be dealing with the insurance company, which is no easy task. The compensation you will receive will come from the insurance company, not the dog owner. Because of this, they will likely try to lowball you and even deny your claim. This is why you need a lawyer on your side. You need an aggressive attorney who can battle insurance companies on your behalf.
Contact a Chatham Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite laws vary from state to state. If you or a loved one has been bitten, make sure you understand your legal rights.
When you need a Chatham dog bite attorney, count on the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, P.A. We have 45 years of experience handling dog bites and other personal injury claims. Our vast knowledge can help you get the compensation you need for recovery. Give our office a call at (973) 455-1567 to schedule a free initial case consultation.
