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People tend to fall into 2 categories – those who embrace the idea of going to court, and those who dread it. As a dog bite victim, you might have a strong opinion about your preference.
Yet, New Jersey accident survivors tend to have one thing in common: They want the best possible outcome for their case. If that is how you feel, then you have something in common with the attorneys of Judd Shaw Injury Law.
We want you to get the answers, guidance, and outcome you deserve starting now. Don’t hesitate to schedule your free consultation today to learn how our elite service can benefit you. Our representatives are available 24/7 to take your call at 732-888-8888.
Understanding Your Legal Options
When a dog bites you, you could be entitled to financial compensation to cover your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. In New Jersey, many incidents are settled without needing a court case.
Private arrangements
The dog owner takes responsibility, and his or her insurance pays for your losses. This rare scenario reduces the probability that you would need to go to court.
Some victims prefer to handle matters without legal counsel. Later, they might regret it if they realize their arrangement doesn’t cover the long-term consequences of their injury. For instance, if they want scar-removal surgery in the future, they will lack the legal means to pursue another claim.
However, consulting a lawyer could help. If you value peace of mind, take advantage of our free case review to ensure you get a fair amount of money for your injuries.
Negotiated settlements
In a settlement, the at-fault party agrees to pay a specific amount of damages for your physical injuries and emotional distress. Attorneys can negotiate with insurers to maximize the compensation and accelerate the payout as much as possible.
Now, let’s talk about why a dog bite case might go to court.
Determining if a Dog Bite Case Will Go to Trial
The role of courts is to “decide what really happened and what should be done about it.” In personal injury cases, they resolve disputes involving factors like those described below.
Verifying the nature and severity of damages
Homeowners’ and renter insurance policies often cover dog bite liability. One tactic that insurers use to devalue cases is insisting that injuries are less severe than victims claim. For instance, they might argue that an older man’s limp is due to age-related causes rather than his dog bite injury.
You must prove that you experienced loss to qualify for a court trial. By collecting a wealth of evidence, such as the following, we can confirm the extent of your injuries:
- Medical documentation
- Photographs of your healing progress, including setbacks and complications like infections
- Records of psychological evaluations and treatment
- Employment history to show how your injury affected your ability to earn a living
- Job attendance records to document the time you missed for hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, and recuperation
- Incident reports if your injury occurred while you were working
- Expert testimony
- Witness statements
- Personal journals describing your pain and suffering
Our law firm’s attorneys understand how to create an ironclad defense against unethical insurance companies. So why wait until your claim is denied to take action?
Establishing who was at fault
In some states, lawyers must convince a judge or jury that the attack was preventable. However, in New Jersey, a dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their animal to a person who was lawfully in the location. So, even if the owner warned you or tried to drag the pet away, he or she has to face the consequences of the dog’s actions.
The State of New Jersey reserves the right to prohibit dogs from annoying other people or animals. Several regulations protect the public from animals. Pet owners must:
- License any dog aged 7 months or older through the municipality where the owner resides
- Regularly inoculate dogs with a rabies vaccine that meets state health standards
- Keep in-season females on their premises
- Leash dogs in all public spaces except specifically designated pet areas (e.g. parks, doggy day care centers)
Pet owners must keep vaccines current so their dog does not spread the rabies virus. If veterinarians suspect a dog is infected, you might have to undergo treatment for this potentially deadly disease.
Our lawyers can investigate your case to see if a dog owner’s malicious or negligent actions lead to your injuries. Dog owners face a strict liability standard in New Jersey. Yet, if the owner knew his or her dog was vicious, revealing this could help you in court.
Calculating the amount of compensation due
One insurance company released a report stating that they paid $118 million for dog-related injury claims in a single year. Since insurers are out to make money, paying expensive claims only eats into their profits. Some companies will do anything they can to minimize or eliminate compensation.
What if you and the liable party cannot agree on how much your case is worth? Judd Shaw Injury Lawyers can step in like knights in shining armor to defend your rights. We stand up to insurance bullies by firmly substantiating:
- The severity of your injuries
- A holistic view of your medical expenses, including anticipated future costs and psychological rehabilitation
- The amount of pain and suffering you underwent
- Your missed wages
- Your diminished earning potential due to permanent disabilities
We want you to benefit from our care, so our attorneys fight to get you the highest possible compensation. After all, why should you get a dime less than you deserve?
Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Court
If you entrust your court case to Judd Shaw Injury Law, you will be in good hands. Yet, you might be wondering whether there is anything you can do to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
During your free consultation, we can give you some specifics. In the meantime, practice these three helpful habits.
- Document everything. Keep copies of correspondence with pet owners, insurers, doctors, and witnesses. Take pictures of your injuries as you heal. Write down how you are feeling as often as possible.
- Talk to us freely. Some clients feel intimidated when talking to lawyers. Rest assured, our friendly legal team is eager to listen to your story. Share everything you remember about your attack and your experience with the pet owner before and after the event.
- Act quickly. Investigating is easiest when the evidence is fresh. You will also have to meet non-negotiable deadlines set by the State of New Jersey and the pet owner’s insurance. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can build your case.
Face the Future Confidently With Judd Shaw Injury Law
Our experienced attorneys do their part to ensure you get fair treatment in New Jersey civil courts. Our real-life experience, extensive resources, and passion give us confidence that we can help dog accident victims maximize their financial compensation.
We understand that you don’t know us yet, so we design risk-free services for our clients. You pay nothing unless we win under our No Fee Guarantee®, so you never have to worry about upfront fees straining your budget.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in New Jersey, you have already been through an ordeal. Let’s make things better together. Call us anytime at 732-888-8888, or click the chat icon at the bottom of your screen now.