Dogs are seen as inherently friendly, and when a dog attacks, it often catches people by surprise. It is always a good idea to ask before approaching a dog. However, sometimes dogs can attack people unprovoked who are simply walking down the street. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the bite, there are a few steps you need to take if a dog has bitten you. You may need to seek dog bite litigation assistance as some dog bites are severe and life-altering.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you will need to do is seek immediate medical attention. An infection is imminent if you are not careful. If possible, you should wash the wound and slow the bleeding. Wrap the wound and have your doctor take a look at it. This may not be possible with every dog bite, and instead, you may need to request immediate medical services.
You will also need to contact an NJ personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your injury and how it came to be. Your doctor or emergency medical staff will treat the wound and try to prevent infection. You may also need to get a tetanus shot.
Get Information About the Dog
One crucial part of any dog bite litigation is having information about the dog and the dog owner. You will need some basic information, such as the name of the dog’s owner, the dog’s home address, and who was responsible for the dog at the time of the attack.
If there were any eyewitnesses, it is essential to obtain their information as well. An NJ personal injury attorney can help you get some of these items if you cannot on your own. This information is crucial to dog bite litigation.
Document Everything
Regarding dog bite litigation in New Jersey, it is essential to remember that the dog’s owner is strictly liable for any dog bites or attacks their dog may have caused. This also means that they will be the ones that can be sued by your NJ personal injury attorney. It is essential to document everything related to the dog attack. This includes:
- Doctor’s visit bills and documents
- Hospital and surgery documentation
- Prescription
- Assistive equipment
It is important to note that strict liability may be challenged if the dog owner had a beware of signs posted on their property. They can still be held liable if they were negligent in restraining the dog or securing the premises. You should discuss your options with an NJ personal injury attorney.
Keep All Evidence
Aside from documentation, you should also try to gather other forms of evidence. This includes taking pictures immediately after the accident. With time wounds and scars can fade and heal. Having photographic evidence immediately following the incident can help show the severity of your injuries in dog bite litigation.
Contact an NJ Personal Injury Attorney at DeZao Law Today
Dog bite lawsuits can be complex, and it is vital to have a trusted New Jersey dog bite attorney on your side. Contact the Law Offices of James C. DeZao at (973) 358-6134 today to schedule a consultation.