Marlton Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are often known as man’s best friend—until they attack. Dogs can seem friendly and then attack without warning, whether or not they are provoked. Dog bites can be predictable as well as serious. They can cause a variety of injuries, from facial injuries to broken bones to scarring to disfigurement to death.
If you have been attacked by a dog, seek legal help right away. A Marlton dog bite lawyer from Monaco Law PC can collect evidence and fight against the insurance companies to help you get the compensation you need for full recovery.
New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
Like many other states, New Jersey operates under strict liability for dog bites. What this means is that if a dog bites someone, the owner will be held liable and the victim can sue the owner in civil court for damages. Dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite claims even if their dogs were not previously aggressive or vicious. Even if the dog has never attacked anyone else before, the dog owner can be required to pay damages to the dog bite victim. The owner is liable for all injuries, even those not caused by the bite itself. For example, if the victim falls and gets injured after trying to get away from the dog, the dog owner is liable for the damages from those injuries as well.
In order for the victim to recover compensation, though, there are a couple things that should be taken into account. First, the victim must have been on public property or legally on private property. Also, the victim must not have provoked the dog by teasing or harassing it.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can result in a variety of injuries, including the following:
- Puncture wounds. Dogs have sharp teeth and can easily puncture the skin, causing deep wounds that require immediate care.
- Broken bones. A dog can easily knock down an elderly person or small child, causing them to fracture bones.
- Facial injuries. Dogs tend to attack the face, causing lacerations, bruises, and other injuries to the eyes, cheeks, and mouth areas.
- Nerve damage. A dog bite can damage a nerve, causing a loss of sensation.
- Some dogs have rabies and can transmit it to a human through a bite. Without immediate care, rabies is fatal.
- A deep laceration can lead to a scar, which can serve as a permanent reminder of the attack.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to then contact the police or local animal control center. Animal control will work to determine whether the dog has had its shots including a rabies vaccination. M & R Wildlife Removal is the animal control center for Marlton, New Jersey. They can be reached at 856-786-6623.
Who Is Liable after a Dog Attack in Marlton?
Dog owners are strictly liable under New Jersey law if their dog bites someone. There is no need to prove negligence including whether the dog owner knew the dog was violent or aggressive or had bitten someone previously.
Statutes of Limitation for Marlton Dog Bites
The time to file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of New Jersey for a Marlton dog bite victim is two years. However, this period is extended for minor victims, who have until their 20th birthday to file an action in the Superior Court. However, a Marlton dog bite victim should contact me right away to ensure that a proper investigation of the case is performed. Over time, crucial evidence will likely be lost or destroyed. Plus, witnesses can move or have their memories fade.
Considerations for hiring a Marlton Dog Bite Lawyer
- How much does it cost to hire a lawyer? Most personal injury lawyers only charge a fee and costs if there is a recovery. I follow this fee arrangement with the No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee. You will pay no up front fees or costs if you hire me.
- What type of cases does the lawyer normally handle? It is a good idea to find a law firm routinely handling personal injury or wrongful death cases. I have over 25 years of experience handling these types of cases. It is all I do in addition to insurance coverage and bad faith cases.
- Are you comfortable with the attorney’s personality? Cases like these can take years to settle. As a Second Generation Trial Lawyer, I understand the hardships you and your family will be going through. If you put your trust in me, I will work tirelessly to continue my father’s long tradition of fighting for injury victims.
Contact An Experienced Marlton Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Have you or a loved one been bitten by a dog in Marlton, New Jersey? If you have, you may want to consider whether the owner or caregiver of the dog is responsible for paying you monetary damages. I, Joseph Monaco, have over 25 years of experience as a personal injury lawyer handling dog bite cases. As a Marlton dog bite lawyer, I have the know how to help dog bite victims evaluate their cases and determine if an award of damages is available. Marlton dog attacks can be very traumatic and, on top of that, it can be difficult to get a fair settlement offer from the homeowner’s insurance company.
Call or text me at 609-277-3166 or complete my online Contact Form so you may quickly speak with me. If you hire me, I will work diligently on your behalf to obtain a maximum compensation award for you and your family. Don’t wait! Evidence can be destroyed or lost before you realize.