Somerset County NJ Dog Bite Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney in Somerville, New Jersey

Dog Bites

We often associate dog bites and dog attacks with presumably “vicious” dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers. However, these incidents can occur at any time with any dog, even those that have never before exhibited aggression. The reality is that a dog does not have to be a certain breed, nor does it have to be provoked, to show aggressive behavior toward a person. At times, dogs unexpectedly bite. When these events do occur, they can imprint long-lasting and even permanent physical and mental wounds on innocent victims.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog and suffered serious injuries, The Law Office of Brian J. Levine, can help. For nearly 30 years, Brian J. Levine has served as an unwavering advocate for personal injury victims in Somerset and Hunterdon counties and across New Jersey. Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Levine has gained invaluable knowledge regarding New Jersey’s stringent laws in dog bite cases and he has a thorough understanding of the types of insurance coverage that applies in various circumstances. When you enlist our firm, we recognize the pain that you have endured and we are fully equipped to help you achieve the compensation you deserve. Mr. Levine works with each of our clients personally. He will fight tirelessly on your behalf at the negotiating table and in a court of law to obtain damages that support your recovery and allow you to move on with your life. Contact our Somerville, New Jersey offices today at
908-243-0111 for a cost-free consultation about your potential dog bite claim.

Hillsborough NJ Dog Attack Attorney

Dog Bite Facts and Figures

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur every year. The most common victims of dog bites include: children (specifically those ages 5 to 9), men, and the elderly. Approximately 20% of dog bites inflict injuries that require medical treatment and 1 in 5 become infected. Common injuries resulting from dog attacks include:

• Lacerations
• Scarring
• Nerve Damage
• Fractures and broken bones
• Muscle strains and sprains; and
• Infections

Dog bites can also result in post-traumatic stress disorder for adults and children. PTSD is a serious medical condition which occurs when a person has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. Dog attacks can also result in death, particularly when affected areas become infected with bacteria, leading to conditions such as Rabies.

New Jersey Dog Bite Law

New Jersey has a policy of strict liability when addressing dog bites and dog attacks. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for damages if his or her dog bites another person on public property, or if the victim is lawfully on private property, regardless of whether or not the dog had any history of aggressive behavior. New Jersey Statute 4:19-16, entitled “Liability of owner regardless of viciousness of dog,” states the following:
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.

Compensation for a Dog Bite in New Jersey

In many cases, dog bites happen to people who know the dog and the owner, making the idea of filing a lawsuit against them for damages even more difficult. Truth be told, a majority of owners carry homeowner or liability insurance that actually covers the damages resulting from dog bites and dog attacks. This can include financial compensation for:

• Medical treatment
• Scarring
• Cosmetic surgery to ameliorate the physical injuries
• Lost wages
• Counseling for emotional and psychological damage
• Pain and suffering

Speak to a Hunterdon County NJ Dog Bite Lawyer Today

We invite you to contact The Law Office of Brian J. Levine, today to schedule a free and confidential consultation regarding your animal bite claim or other personal injury claim at 908-243-0111, or email us at BLlawnj@gmail.com. Our law office is based in Somerville, New Jersey. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but our Lawyer is available 24/7 at 908-256-0026.