What to Do if Attacked by a Dog in NJ
April 19, 2022
Getting attacked by a dog can be a distressing and painful experience. The injuries from a dog attack may be severe or require medical exams and treatments.
In New Jersey, you are entitled to reasonable compensation to help you with the financial burdens of the recovery process. Jack Hoyt is a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer new jersey at Hoyt & Hoyt, PC, who can help you obtain the compensation you need.
6 Vital Steps to Pursue if Attacked by a Dog in NJ
If you do not know what to do if attacked by a dog, these critical steps can protect your rights and make sure you get the treatment you need for your injuries.
1. Find the Owner
After a dog bites you, try to find its owner and ask them to bring their dog under control. If the dog is loose, the owner can catch it and prevent it from hurting others. Keep a calm and friendly demeanor when you approach the owner.
Ask for their contact information, homeowners’ insurance information, and the dog’s immunization records. You can also request information about the dog’s breed and veterinarian. If the dog is wearing a license and rabies tag on its collar, take a photo of them.
2. Call Animal Control
If you can’t find the dog’s owner or if the owner is being aggressive, call the police and animal control. Tell the dispatcher what happened and where you were attacked. Also, note down the exact location of the attack, and take pictures of the dog. This information can be helpful if the police and animal control need to investigate if the dog had a previous history of dog bites.
3. Gather Evidence
If possible, take pictures of the dog, the location of the attack, and your injuries. Ask willing bystanders for their contact information so your attorney can contact them for their statements. Gather as much evidence and documentation as possible to strengthen your case.
4. Get Medical Treatment
Puncture wounds from bites and lacerations from scratches must be examined and cleaned after a dog attack. Your minor injuries may not appear serious at first but watch for any signs of infection, such as redness or swelling. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent infection. The doctor will be the best judge of how to manage your injuries and whether you need a rabies shot.
Follow up on any medical issues with your dog bite injuries and request copies of your medical records from each visit. Medical documentation of your injuries and treatments help prove the severity of your injuries to the dog owner’s insurance company.
5. Get Legal Help
If you are injured in a dog attack in New Jersey, seek legal advice. Under NJ law, people’s insurance carriers are liable to pay for their dog’s bites, not the owners. Consulting with an experienced lawyer like Jack Hoyt can help you understand your legal options and determine what course of action is best for your circumstances.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer for Your Case
The injury that happened to you wasn’t fair—we’ll help make it right. Our legal team at Hoyt & Hoyt, PC, will work hard to prove that the dog was dangerous and help you get compensation from the dog owner’s home insurance company.
To discuss your case and learn what to do if attacked by a dog, contact our law firm for a free consultation and learn how we will achieve justice in your personal injury claim.
