A Lawyer Who Understands The Full Impact Of Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. While some dog bite victims may only suffer a small bruise or scratch, other attacks can result in catastrophic and disfiguring injuries. Small children are generally at the highest risk for dog bite injuries, and they can be traumatized by their injuries for the rest of their lives.
If you or your child is injured in a dog or animal attack, it is important to speak with a highly experienced dog bite attorney about your rights as soon as possible. These cases can involve complex losses and legal issues, so you always want to have an attorney who fully understands New Jersey dog bite laws. At Salomon & Aquino, LLC, we know how to best represent the rights of dog bite victims, and we will always strive for the best possible results in your case. Please call us today to find out how we can help you after a dog attack.
Dog Bite Representation You Can Trust
Our experienced attorneys understand that dog owners should be held liable for all injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has never displayed any signs of aggression in the past. Like most states, New Jersey has moved away from the “one-bite rule,” which basically gave a dog one free bite before the owner could be held responsible. Instead, dog owners can be held strictly liable for the losses of dog bite victims. This means that dog bite victims no longer have to demonstrate that the owner acted negligently in some manner in order to recover. Simply proving that someone owned the animal that attacked you is enough to seek compensation from them.
The losses in dog bite cases can be extensive, as attacks can cause extremely serious physical and emotional injuries. Some examples of the physical harm dog bites can cause include the following:
- Deep lacerations
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments or tendons
- Contusions
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Mutilation
In order to treat these injuries, victims often require serious treatment, including stitches, surgeries, hospitalization, monitoring, physical therapy, follow-up appointments and more.
Animal Attacks Can Cause Emotional Harm
In addition to the physical injuries caused by dog attacks, victims are often left with serious emotional distress. Emotional injuries can take different forms, including developing an intense phobia of dogs.
Because millions of households own dogs across the country, it is often difficult to go anywhere without encountering at least one or two dogs. For this reason, being terrified of dogs can cause significant hesitation to even leave the house. In addition to having a phobia of dogs, many dog bite victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can develop after any type of traumatic event that puts you in harm’s way. The effects of PTSD can be debilitating and can involve regular flashbacks of the attack, nightmares, irrational fears, social withdrawal and more. Many PTSD victims have difficulty working or attending school without significant treatment. These treatment costs can add up, as can the emotional and mental toll on your life.
Finally, many people suffer depression and other mood disorders due to the physical disfigurement that can be caused by dog bites. Even with reconstructive surgeries, many dog bite victims are left with severe scarring that can cause loss of self-esteem and social anxiety. These scars can also be painful for a long period of time, and constant pain can certainly have a serious effect on a victim‘s life.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, our experienced dog bite injury attorney is here to provide expert legal guidance and representation. Schedule your animal attack lawyer consultation by calling 973-278-1124 today. Your injury deserves aggressive advocacy, and Salomon & Aquino, LLC, is committed to fighting for you.