By default a dog, in the eyes of the law, is seen to be an extension of the owner, this being the case in the event the dog should bite a human it is the animals owner that is liable for any damages that were the result of the bite. Depending on the severity of the bite you may wish to file a claim, in the event you do there are certain procedures that should be followed. Foremost is seeking medical attention, a dog bite can inflict serious injury. Once you have looked after yourself then you need to call a dog bite lawyer in New Jersey to discuss the possible case. The lawyer will need specific information which he or she will use to file the claim; this information includes proof of the injury as well as any past incidents where the dog bit someone else. As is true with any personal injury, refrain from dealing with or bargaining with the owner of the dog until such time as your lawyer has devised the legal strategy he or she will employ.
If you are going to sue the owner of the dog, go into the proceedings with reasonable expectations. In the event the dog has never bitten anyone in the past or shown any viciousness the claim may not prosper. If it can be shown that you teased or provoked the dog in some manner there is a better than even chance your claim will fail. If the bite did result in visible injuries that required medical attention you stand a far better chance of being awarded financial compensation, however, if there were no visible injuries it might not be worth the effort to pursue a claim.
If the injuries that you received were significant then your claim will stand a reasonable chance of success, it is at this time you call a dog bite lawyer in New Jersey.
The key to success in any personal injury claim, of which a dog bite is one, is documentation. You must be able to provide your lawyer with irrefutable evidence of the injuries and their extent. The lawyer will contact the authorities to collect any details of previous incidents where the dog bit someone, the lawyer will also get in touch with the owners insurance company.
When a person is attacked by a dog it is normal to lash out at the owner or to take an offer of compensation directly, if you feel that the injury warrants a law suit then it is in your best interest to have minimum contact with the owner.
