Dog Bites | Morristown Personal Injury Lawyer
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Morristown, New Jersey, Animal Bite Law Firm Represents Victims of Attacks
While many people have learned to respect the larger, more aggressive breeds of canines such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers, the reality is that any dog is capable of moments of extreme aggression, and inflicting serious wounds. Dog bites and attacks can have serious, lasting consequences, and without experienced representation you could potentially be left holding the medical bills yourself, while at the same time being unable to work and pay for them!
If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, the most important thing to do immediately following the episode is to seek medical care. Even minor injuries can become infected, there exists the possibility of a rabies infection, and nerve and/or tissue damage can become permanent if not treated promptly.
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, in Morristown, our lawyers know that dog bites can be emotionally as well as physically traumatic, particularly for young children. While adults are most commonly bitten on the legs or arms, children are often bitten in the face, which can leave permanent scars. Our law team believes in an honest and communicative approach to working with our clients. We pride ourselves on working towards building lasting partnerships with our clients, and always keeping them appraised of any developments in the case. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog attack or a dog bite, contact us online or through our Morristown, New Jersey, offices at 973-292-0016 for a cost-free consultation.
Dog Bite Liability Attorneys Parsippany, New Jersey
Many people become worried about the potential out of pocket medical expenses following a dog attack. Even with insurance, deductibles and co-payments can add up quickly. There is hope however, under New Jersey law dogs do not have any legal standing, the owner of a dog who attacks or bites another person is considered to be the legally responsible party. According to New Jersey law:
“The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
While the law is certainly on your side, there is still the question of comparative negligence to consider. Comparative negligence in New Jersey law means that the victim’s damages claim may be reduced by a percentage of fault attributable to the victim. If the defendant’s insurance company can prove that your actions and behavior were what caused the dog bite, you may be compensated much less than what you deserve. For example the defense might attempt to shift some of the fault to you by suggesting that you approached the dog in a threatening manner.
Our personal injury attorneys at Smith & Gaynor, LLC, work with physicians – including plastic surgeons – psychologists and therapists who can help support your claim. We also investigate the owner’s treatment of the animal, and whether complaints have been lodged against the owner in the past. A dog that has been mistreated, improperly socialized or raised to be aggressive may be more likely to attack.
Contact a Morris, New Jersey Law Firm Experienced in Handling Dog Bites and Attacks
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, we understand the trauma associated with an animal attack. We understand the ways the insurance company will try to reduce your compensation, and accordingly how to fight for your future and legal rights. We will treat your case with the vigor and compassion it deserves. To learn more about how we can help, please
contact us online
or call us at 973-292-0016 to schedule a free consultation. All dog bite cases are taken on contingency, meaning that we get paid only if we win your case.
Se habla español.
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
Morristown, New Jersey, Animal Bite Law Firm Represents Victims of Attacks
While many people have learned to respect the larger, more aggressive breeds of canines such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers, the reality is that any dog is capable of moments of extreme aggression, and inflicting serious wounds. Dog bites and attacks can have serious, lasting consequences, and without experienced representation you could potentially be left holding the medical bills yourself, while at the same time being unable to work and pay for them!
If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, the most important thing to do immediately following the episode is to seek medical care. Even minor injuries can become infected, there exists the possibility of a rabies infection, and nerve and/or tissue damage can become permanent if not treated promptly.
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, in Morristown, our lawyers know that dog bites can be emotionally as well as physically traumatic, particularly for young children. While adults are most commonly bitten on the legs or arms, children are often bitten in the face, which can leave permanent scars. Our law team believes in an honest and communicative approach to working with our clients. We pride ourselves on working towards building lasting partnerships with our clients, and always keeping them appraised of any developments in the case. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog attack or a dog bite, contact us online or through our Morristown, New Jersey, offices at 973-292-0016 for a cost-free consultation.
Dog Bite Liability Attorneys Parsippany, New Jersey
Many people become worried about the potential out of pocket medical expenses following a dog attack. Even with insurance, deductibles and co-payments can add up quickly. There is hope however, under New Jersey law dogs do not have any legal standing, the owner of a dog who attacks or bites another person is considered to be the legally responsible party. According to New Jersey law:
“The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
While the law is certainly on your side, there is still the question of comparative negligence to consider. Comparative negligence in New Jersey law means that the victim’s damages claim may be reduced by a percentage of fault attributable to the victim. If the defendant’s insurance company can prove that your actions and behavior were what caused the dog bite, you may be compensated much less than what you deserve. For example the defense might attempt to shift some of the fault to you by suggesting that you approached the dog in a threatening manner.
Our personal injury attorneys at Smith & Gaynor, LLC, work with physicians – including plastic surgeons – psychologists and therapists who can help support your claim. We also investigate the owner’s treatment of the animal, and whether complaints have been lodged against the owner in the past. A dog that has been mistreated, improperly socialized or raised to be aggressive may be more likely to attack.
Contact a Morris, New Jersey Law Firm Experienced in Handling Dog Bites and Attacks
At Smith & Gaynor, LLC, we understand the trauma associated with an animal attack. We understand the ways the insurance company will try to reduce your compensation, and accordingly how to fight for your future and legal rights. We will treat your case with the vigor and compassion it deserves. To learn more about how we can help, please
contact us online
or call us at 973-292-0016 to schedule a free consultation. All dog bite cases are taken on contingency, meaning that we get paid only if we win your case.
Se habla español.