Hanover Dog Bite Attorney
Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience. This is especially true for children, who may have grown up loving and trusting dogs, only to become scared of them after an attack. They may suffer scarring as well as extreme physical and mental effects from the attack.
If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, seek legal help from the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, P.A. He is a Hanover dog bite attorney who can help you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.
What Are My Legal Rights?
Each state is different when it comes to dog bites laws. In New Jersey, you have two years from the date of the attack to pursue a legal claim. After the two years are up, you will be barred from compensation. Therefore, time is of the essence.
New Jersey, like the majority of states, operates under strict liability. What this means is that the dog owner is liable for a dog bite, regardless of the dog’s history. There is no “one free bite” like other states have enacted. Instead, the dog owner is liable every time, even if the dog is not known to be vicious and never had any dangerous tendencies in the past.
To recover compensation under New Jersey law, a plaintiff has to prove that:
- The defendant owned the dog.
- The dog bit the plaintiff.
- The plaintiff was lawfully on the owner’s property or in a public place.
The law does not allow for compensation if:
- The injury was not caused by a dog bite.
- The victim was trespassing.
- The defendant was not the dog’s owner.
Should I File a Dog Bite Claim?
Many dog bite victims are wary of filing dog bite claims because the dog owner is a friend or family member. The victim may be aware that the owner has limited funds, so they may think that attempting to recoup compensation for any damages would simply be a waste of time.
However, you should know that dog owners do not pay for dog bite injuries out of pocket. These claims are paid by their homeowner’s insurance. So you don’t have to worry about your friend, relative, or neighbor having to directly pay for your injuries. Contact a lawyer to assess your claim and get the compensation you deserve. You should not have to worry about paying for your medical expenses through an accident that was no fault of your own.
Contact a Hanover Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bites can cause a variety of lasting injuries, both physical and emotional. These injuries can affect a person for many years and even the rest of their lives.
Seek legal help from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, P.A. Our Hanover dog bite attorneys will help you understand your legal options. Schedule a free initial case consultation by calling our office at (973) 455-1567.
