New Jersey Dog Attack Injury Lawyers
Proving a Dog Bite Case
New Jersey has strict liability laws surrounding dog bite cases. This means that the dog's owner is held liable for any action of their dog. When put into practice, however, proving a dog bite case can be a complicated affair. You should always hire a law firm that has significant personal injury and dog bite law experience throughout New Jersey. Every New Jersey dog bite injury case is different and each individual element must be thoroughly investigated.
Perhaps the most important element in any New Jersey dog bite case is identifying the dog involved in the attack. A positive identification by the victim, any witnesses, and the dog's owner is important to any dog bite case. Sometimes a dog cannot be positively identified at first. Perhaps the dog is a stray dog loose on the street or the dog's owner cannot be found at the time of the attack. In such incidents the dog can still be identified by noting the size, color, any distinguishing marks and the place of the attack. Witnesses are often very helpful in positively identifying a dog involved in an attack.
A law firm representing the victim of a dog bite attack will then piece together the incident through a series of investigations and interviews. Experts may be called in to give their opinion on the incident as well. A thorough history of the dog and the dog's owner should also be undertaken. In many New Jersey dog bite cases it was the owner's treatment of their dog or the dog's history that may have exacerbated the attack.
In many cases the dog owner is a key element in any New Jersey dog bite case. The dog owner can provide information about the dog's history, including any past violent behavior or any other aggressive incidents that have taken place. The dog owner may also be known to his or her neighbors and these neighbors can help paint a thorough picture of the dog's life in conjunction with its owner. In many dog bite cases that we've seen dog owners treat their dogs poorly and/or engage the animal in fighting or aggressive behavior.
While it may be simple to prove that a particular dog was responsible for the attack and who the animal's owner was it is often more complicated to make a larger case against the owner. An experienced New Jersey dog bite attorney will investigate and gather evidence that may show that the owner's treatment of the dog could have resulted in the incident and in further acts of violence. A more comprehensive picture of the dog as being dangerous or out of control could mean more elements involved in the ultimate settlement.
Lependorf & Silverstein have years of experience handling dog bite cases throughout New Jersey from our office in Princeton. We are offering free case evaluations on any dog attack in the state and can begin working on your case as soon as you contact us. Our Princeton New Jersey dog bite lawyers work most cases on a contingent basis. This means that our clients only pay us if we win their case and their payment is only a small part of the entire settlement. Contact us for more information.
Contact our team at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation and let our smart, aggressive legal representation go to work for you today.
