Dog Bite Lawyer Helping Victims in Bergen and Hudson County
Because dog bite injuries are routinely covered by homeowner insurance policies. Insurers often seek to rush victims to settle injury claims for as little money as possible. By having the right dog incident attorney on your side, you can recover damages that consider all aspects of your present and future medical and financial, and emotional needs. If you or a loved one has been attacked and injured by a dog, you should be entitled to receive significant financial compensation. Levin & Malkin, the premier personal injury law firm serving Hackensack, Bergen, and Hudson county New Jersey, has more than 40 years of experience handling dog bite and dog attack cases.
Well-versed in the applicable negligence laws, we have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes inside and outside the courtroom. We know that dog bite victims have many concerns. Why did this happen to me? How can I find the right surgeon? Will I be permanently scarred — physically and emotionally? Now I am afraid of dogs. Our legal team can assist with arranging for your medical care through our network of respected physicians and psychological counselors. Above all, we will provide you with aggressive legal representation and never stop fighting for you.
New Jersey Dog Bite Laws
New Jersey is a strict liability dog bite state, which means that a dog owner is liable for injuries even though he or she didn’t know the dog had a dangerous propensity and even if the dog had not bitten anyone previously. Additionally, a dog owner will be deemed negligent for failing to use reasonable care to restrain the dog or to prevent it from causing the injury.
Common Injuries
Dog bite injuries can vary based on the size and breed of the dog and the severity of the attack. Common dog bite injuries include:
- Facial disfigurement
- Psychological trauma and emotional distress
- Painful puncture wounds
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Torn tissue or muscle
- Fear of future animal encounters
Dog bite injuries can also be fatal — particularly for small children — while a victim that is knocked down by a dog can sustain fractured bones or head and back injuries.
Damages You Can Recover
When you win your dog bite case, you can expect to be awarded compensatory economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are readily calculable and include lost wages, medical bills, and similar out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages will include compensation for pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life, as well as permanent scarring, and psychological trauma which may last for years or longer.
If the owner wantonly allowed the dog attack, punitive damages may also be assessed. These damages are designed to punish the pet owner’s misconduct and to send a message to other like-minded dog owners.
Contact Our Hackensack and Hudson County Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog inflicted injury is a painful, traumatic experience that can result in serious physical injuries and emotional harm. While most dogs are playful and friendly, a small percentage of dogs are known to be overly aggressive toward people. Young children and older adults are especially vulnerable in a dog attack. A dog bite that results in facial injuries can be especially painful and may cause disfigurement that requires extensive surgery.
By utilizing our 40 years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, we will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Because we handle all dog attack accident cases on a contingency basis, you will not pay attorneys fees until we win your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident, you are not alone. Remember, we are here to help. Please contact our office as soon as possible to set up a free consultation.