Personal injury claims for dog bite injuries

In the state of New Jersey, pet owners are liable if their dog or other kind of pet happens to bite another person and cause a serious injury. Strict liability applies to these cases, and pet owners must pay victims compensation for damages unless the pet owner can prove that the victim actually provoked the animal before the attack happened.

Following an animal attack, victims should immediately seek medical attention — even if they do not think it is required. Make sure to collect the contact information, name and address of the animal owner. If no owner can be found, take down descriptive information about the animal, its color, size and likely breed. Take a picture of the animal if possible.

Next, take detailed notes about the animal attack incident, including where it happened and how it occurred. Write down contact details for witnesses who saw the attack take place. Do not get into an argument with the animal owner and do not agree to settle the matter with the animal owner. Finally, consider getting in touch with a personal injury attorney to determine if you have a viable claim for damages relating to the incident.

At the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have been helping individuals seek compensation for animal bite injuries for over 40 years. In the process of doing this work, we have obtained financial recoveries to help victims pay for their medical care and other damages following an attack.

In a lot of dog bite cases, victims must seek damages from insurance companies, but the insurance companies do not always want to pay. These insurance companies often try to convince plaintiffs that getting bitten was their own fault. At the Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff, we have stood up against the largest insurance companies in the business. Indeed, we will not take no for an answer. If you have a viable claim for damages, we will fight to defend your rights strategically and aggressively.