Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, infection, and lasting emotional effects. Children are particularly vulnerable to facial injuries and trauma.
New Jersey law provides important protections for bite victims, but the complete case may also involve questions about ownership, control, housing arrangements, prior conduct, insurance, and failures to restrain or supervise an animal.
Matters the firm evaluates
- Facial bites and scarring
- Injuries to children
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Knockdown injuries
- Loose or unrestrained dogs
- Attacks in apartment properties
- Delivery-worker attacks
- Psychological and emotional injuries
Developing the evidence
- Animal ownership and control
- Municipal and veterinary records
- Witness and neighbor information
- Property and lease documents
- Homeowner and renter insurance
- Plastic surgery and scar evaluations
Frequently asked questions
Does a dog need a history of biting before there can be a claim?
New Jerseyu2019s dog-bite statute does not generally require proof of a prior bite. Other theories may involve additional facts about negligence or knowledge.
What if the bite happened at a friend or relativeu2019s home?
The relationship does not determine whether insurance coverage exists. These cases are often handled through homeowner or renter insurance rather than personal payment.
How are scars evaluated?
Location, size, color, texture, permanence, age, medical treatment, and expert evaluation can all matter. Consistent photographs over time may be important.