You never expect a friendly visit with a neighbor to go wrong. But, if you suffer a dog bite while visiting a friend, you might wonder who will cover your medical bill. In addition to the emotional consequences of a dog bite, the medical care needed could get costly. You might require immediate and ongoing medical care and your injury could require you to take time off of work.
Related blog: What to do if a Dog Bites You
Important Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite
Following these important steps after being bitten by a dog will help you protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the medical care needed.
- Receive immediate medical care: Dog bites usually require immediate medical care. Dog bites can lead to infections, so you might need to have the wound cleaned or you might need an antibiotic medication. If the wound is deep enough, then it might need stitches. If you’re unable to get into your primary physician’s office, you might have to pay an urgent care fee.
- Notify the owner: It is also a good idea to notify the dog’s owner if they are not already aware of the incident. They will need to inform you of the dog’s vaccination records. If the dog is not up-to-date on vaccinations like rabies, then you might need to get a rabies shot and the dog might need to be tested.
- Keep record of everything: It is always a good idea to document the whole process. Keep images of the injury and collect all medical records. While your friend or neighbor might offer to cover any costs, it is possible that they will deny that they are at fault.
- Report the incident: It is also a good idea to report the incident to the city to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to prevent the dog from biting, or injuring, another person. The city will likely file a report and further evaluate the incident. They might require rabies testing or that the dog undergo aggressiveness testing, depending on the details of the biting incident.
Dog bites can be overwhelming but if you receive the medical care needed and take the right steps to protect your rights, you can move on from the incident.
Understanding New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws
The state of New Jersey follows strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries, regardless of the details of the incident. Fortunately, dog bites are usually covered under the homeowner’s policy, so the owner will not have to pay out of pocket for any damages.
Related blog: Understanding Dog Bite Laws in New Jersey
Recoverable Damages In a Dog Bite Case
Homeowner’s insurance will usually cover the following damages in a dog bite case:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emergency medical fees
- Pain and suffering
Each dog bite case is different and your recoverable damages will depend on the details of your individual case. If you are unsure if any specific costs are covered, it might be helpful to discuss your case with a dog bite lawyer.
Additionally, if the dog’s owner denies fault or their homeowner’s insurance is not covering the full amount of damages incurred, then a New Jersey dog bite lawyer can help you collect the compensation that you deserve. Whether you were bitten by a friend or neighbor’s dog, it is only right that they cover the costs.
Related blog: When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact a Hamilton Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a dog bite in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of dog bites in Egg Harbor, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Hamilton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.