RELENTLESS NEW JERSEY PLAINTIFF ATTORNEYS PROSECUTE ANIMAL ATTACKS
PROVEN REPRESENTATION FOR VICTIMS OF DOG BITES AND MAULING
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite almost 4.5 million Americans each year. Of these, 20 percent require medical attention. In fact, in 2012, more than 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery following severe dog bites. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you have a right to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, physical pain and mental suffering. Pope Law is relentless in our efforts to obtain the maximum damage award possible. With more than 30 years of trial experience, we’re ready to put all of our resources behind your fight for justice.
UNDERSTANDING NEW JERSEY’S STRICT LIABILITY DOG BITE STATUTE
New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 4:19-16 reads as follows:
“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.”
Under the law, you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent in caring for the dog or that the owner should have known the dog might bite. All you need to prove is that you had a legal right to be where you were at the time you were bit. If the attack took place on the owner’s private premises, you are legally there if you were invited or if your reason for being there implied an invitation. The law recognizes an implied invitation to meter readers, postal workers and other types of delivery people.
DOES IT AFFECT MY CASE IF THE DOG WASN’T UP TO DATE ON ITS VACCINATIONS?
An injured party has a right to compensation for mental suffering. A person bitten by an unvaccinated dog might reasonably feel distress over the possibility of infection, including rabies. Your distress is a compensable injury; your damage award would likely increase under those circumstances.
Contact a relentless personal injury attorney for your NJ dog bite case
A dog attack can be terrifying and leave you with severe injuries and permanent scars. If you’ve been seriously injured, trust a proven trial attorney who’s committed to getting results. Call Pope Law at (973) 344-4406 or contact our Newark office online to schedule a consultation.
