Dog bites or attacks can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you or someone you care about has been injured by an aggressive dog in New Jersey, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about the next steps. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this alone. Taking the right actions after a dog attack can protect your health, your rights, and your future.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’ve been injured by a dangerous dog:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety should be your number one priority. Even if the injuries seem minor, dog bites can lead to serious infections, such as rabies or tetanus.
What to do:
- Call 911 or seek medical help right away.
- Ensure that the wound is cleaned, properly dressed, and monitored for signs of infection.
- Follow the advice of your healthcare provider to prevent complications.
Documenting your injuries through medical records and photographs will also be important later when pursuing legal action.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
After ensuring your immediate safety, try to identify the dog that caused the injury and determine who owns it. This information is crucial for determining liability and whether the dog has been vaccinated.
Key information to collect:
- The owner’s name, address, and contact information.
- Whether the dog has a history of aggression or prior attacks.
- The dog’s vaccination records, particularly for rabies. If the owner is uncooperative, local animal control may be able to assist in obtaining this information.
3. Report the Incident to Authorities
Under New Jersey law, you should report dog bites to your local animal control center or police department. Reporting the incident helps document the attack and ensures the dangerous animal is evaluated for the safety of others.
Why it matters:
- Authorities can investigate whether the dog poses a continued danger.
- Documentation from official reports strengthens your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
4. Gather Evidence
If you’re able to, collect as much evidence as possible about the incident. Evidence plays a vital role in holding the responsible party accountable and supporting your claim for compensation.
Evidence to collect includes:
- Photographs of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog in question.
- Witness statements and their contact information.
- Medical bills and records documenting your treatment and expenses.
- Details about lost wages or any other financial impact resulting from the injury.
5. Understand Your Legal Rights
New Jersey has strict liability laws in place when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner can be held responsible for the injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior.
What this means for you:
- You don’t need to prove that the dog owner acted negligently.
- The owner is automatically liable for the harm caused by their dog under most circumstances.
However, there are exceptions, such as if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
6. Consult an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What an attorney can do for you:
- Advocate on your behalf to hold the dog owner accountable.
- Help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related damages.
- Navigate insurance claims and legal procedures, so you can focus on healing.
7. Take Care of Yourself
Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks can leave emotional scars. It’s essential to prioritize your mental well-being by seeking counseling if needed and leaning on your support network.
Contact South Jersey Dog Bite Attorneys for Help
If you’ve been injured by an aggressive or dangerous dog in New Jersey, you deserve skilled legal representation that prioritizes your needs.
At Rosner Law Offices, P.C., our compassionate South Jersey dog bite attorneys understand how distressing dog attacks can be. We’re dedicated to providing personal attention and leveraging our legal expertise to secure justice for our clients.
Call us at (856) 502-1655 to schedule a free consultation today.
