When you've been attacked by a dog, many people don't know what to do next or what their options are. You may believe everything will be okay because you have health insurance and your injuries weren't too bad. You and the dog's owner are good friends, and you think a lawsuit could hurt your relationship.

The truth is that the dog owner is responsible for what their pet does and should be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result of the dog's behavior, such as dog bites.

Consulting with a New Jersey dog bite lawyer can be very beneficial. While it is ultimately your decision whether or not to file a claim, a lawyer – such as Brandon J. Broderick and his law firm – can help you understand your rights and the options you have regarding your case.

Dog Bites & Personal Injury Cases

Dog bites are a type of personal injury, so the laws that apply to them are often the same as those that apply to other types of cases. Even though they are similar in this way, there may be some differences because an animal is involved.

This is why retaining a lawyer is important. An experienced lawyer will help to gather evidence related to the dog bite, including doctor's reports, as well as handle the communication with the dog owner's insurance company.

There may be other elements to a dog bite case that a lawyer can speak to. Even though it is a personal injury case, there may also be elements of premise liability and other things to consider.

Medical Costs Associated With Your Dog Bite Case

A dog bite can result in serious injury, which may lead to expensive medical bills. If you do not have personal health insurance or savings to pay for medical care, it can put a heavy strain on you and your family. Medical bills can quickly reach thousands of dollars, and may include:

• ER visits
• Blood tests
• X-rays
• Ambulance costs
• Physical therapy
• Outpatient services
• Prescription drugs
• Hospital care

Since a dog bite is usually not your fault, you shouldn't be responsible for medical bills related to the attack.

What Are My Rights?

You have the right to file a claim if someone else is responsible for an injury you suffered. Many people believe that they do not have the right to seek compensation due to injuries caused by a dog. They may not realize it is the dog's owner's responsibility, as well as their insurance company.

Your legal options will depend on the facts of your case and how the accident happened. Discussing these things with an NJ dog bite lawyer can give you some answers.

Dog Bite and Premise Liability

If you are bitten by a dog and are seeking compensation for your losses, it's not always as easy as you might think. It's not always as simple as "the dog bit me, so the owner has to pay". As the victim, you will have to prove the bite happened on public property or that you were allowed to be on private property where the attack took place, otherwise known as premise liability.

When you are not allowed to be on private property and a dog attacks you, things are different and you may not have a claim against the dog owner.

Determining whether or not you have a claim can be confusing. Consult with a lawyer to be sure.

Hire a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer For Help

While you will have the right to sue for damages in most cases, there are some situations where you may not.

Consulting with the team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law will give you some insight into your case. We have handled all types of personal injury cases over the years, including dog bite claims. We have a successful track record and dedicate ourselves to our clients to help them get the justice they deserve.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers, so we can discuss the details of your case.