How Long After a Car Accident Can You File a Claim for Injury in NJ?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, NJ law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are cases where this deadline may be shorter or longer. For example, you only have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim if a public entity – such as a city, county, state, police, fire department, sanitation board, or education worker – is at fault.

For the timeline to file an insurance claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The rules of your specific policy will determine how fast you need to act.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

The timeline for every car accident case will differ depending on the specific circumstances. However, most personal injury claims in New Jersey can take anywhere from six months to two years to settle. Some cases may take more or less time based on factors such as:

• The severity of your injuries
• The number of at-fault parties
• Disagreement on the cause of the accident
• Whether your case goes to trial
• The insurance companies involved

An experienced car accident attorney can review your case and give you an idea of how long your claim may take to settle.

How To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in New Jersey

You must file an accident report with the police within 10 days of an accident if it causes injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. If you don’t file a police report in time, you can be fined up to $100. Your license may also be suspended or revoked.

After the police report has been completed and approved, you can request a copy in person, online, or by mail.

Can You File a Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report?

Some minor insurance claims may be filed without a police report. However, NJ law requires you to file an accident report with the police for all incidents with personal injury, death, or property damage over $500. Police reports can be crucial to defending your claim.

Should I Get an Attorney After a New Jersey Car Accident?

Contacting an attorney is the smart decision whenever you are involved in a car accident, whether the crash was a fender bender or resulted in significant injury. Insurance companies will scrutinize everything you say and do to find a reason to deny you coverage. Additionally, you may not realize the complete value of your claim. A skilled personal injury attorney has the experience to be sure all your losses are taken into account.

After an accident, your focus should be on healing from your injuries and getting back to your routine. Hiring the right attorney takes the weight off your shoulders. Your attorney can:

• Communicate with your insurance company, the other driver’s insurer, and anyone else requesting information about the claim
• Gather evidence and talk to witnesses
• Represent you in settlement negotiations
• Fight for maximum compensation in court

What Are New Jersey’s Auto Insurance Requirements?

All drivers must have proof of auto insurance to operate a vehicle. Your minimum coverage will depend on whether you have a Basic or Standard policy.

The minimum required insurance in New Jersey for a Standard policy includes:

• Liability insurance – This coverage pays for others’ damages if you are responsible for the accident. The minimum requirements for bodily injury coverage are $25,00 per person and $50,000 per accident. It also requires $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
• Personal injury protection – Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays medical expenses for you and others covered under your policy regardless of fault. You must have a minimum of $15,000 per person or accident.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, this coverage will apply. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is available up to the same amounts as liability coverage.

For a Basic policy in New Jersey, you must have a minimum of:

• Liability insurance – The minimum liability coverage on a Basic policy only pays for others’ property damages. This coverage is a minimum of $5,000 per person or accident.
• Personal injury protection – Basic policies also must have a minimum of $15,000 per person or accident in PIP coverage.

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Four Years of the American Dream

The American Dream Mall, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, occupies over 3 million square feet and contains over 450 stores, making it the second-largest mall in the United States. But American Dream isn’t just a shopping mall–half of its complex is devoted to entertainment, including an indoor amusement park, water park, ski and snowboard park, mini golf, and much more.

On February 19, 2023, at American Dream’s DreamWorks Water Park, a large decorative helicopter hanging from a ceiling fell into a pool and injured four people. All four victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the park reopened six days later, on the 25th. State officials reported that the helicopter had fallen because the rope holding it up had been damaged. Lisa Ryan, a spokesperson for New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs, stated that the helicopter had been “‘inspected during building construction’”, but not at any point after construction. Ryan said that “‘as per the Uniform Construction Code, there are no requirements for ongoing inspections of suspended themed features or other hanging objects once the building is complete and approved for occupancy.’” In other words, the helicopter didn’t have to be periodically inspected after the first, initial inspection.

The American Dream Mall And Its Tracked Record of Personal Injuries

Since its opening in October of 2019, American Dream has had a series of other incidents that have tarnished its reputation.

In February 2020, a woman suffered significant injuries while skiing at Big Snow, American Dream’s 16-story indoor ski and snowboard park. She felt uncomfortable going down either of Big Snow’s two main ski slopes but felt pressured to. While she was going down the intermediate-level slope, she fell several times and tore her right ACL. She required surgery and months of recovery and filed a lawsuit against the mall in New Jersey’s federal district court.

On September 25, 2021, Big Snow caught fire and suffered significant damage. It only reopened in May of 2022. Luckily, no one was injured because the fire began at night when no one was on the premises.

In April 2022, a man was shot on the mall’s second floor, during an attempted robbery. The mall went on lockdown and the victim was hospitalized at the Hackensack University Medical Center for serious injuries.

On December 8, 2022, 24-year-old Peter Matthew fell and lost his life while snowboarding down a hill in Big Snow. He was an Airman First Class in the Maryland Air National Guard.

Earlier in February, Sol-MM III LLC filed a lawsuit against American Dream in the New Jersey Superior Court. SOL-MM III LLC represents two firms, Western Asset Management and Nonghyup Bank of South America. The two firms contributed to financing the construction of the American Dream, which was a massive $1.7-billion construction project. The other lenders to the project agreed to give American Dream a four-year extension to repay the loan, but the plaintiffs allege that American Dream cut them out of the negotiation. They’re now seeking $389 million from American Dream.

The mall offers great entertainment and shopping experiences for children, but it’s important to know about the incidents that have occurred at the mall and how the mall has responded to them. In some instances, if you were injured at a venue, a personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you in proving that the venue was negligent in its failure to create a safe environment for patrons. This may happen if a venue doesn’t clean up a spill, fails to meet inspection regulations, has dangerous walking conditions, and more.

Contact Our New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys if You Got Injured at The American Dream Mall

If you or someone you know has suffered an accident at a venue, the attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. has decades of experience and may be able to help. The firm offers free and confidential case evaluations and is available 24/7.

Contact them today by calling 201-444-4444. More information can be found on their website at www.dsslaw.com.

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New Jersey Loss of Consortium Claims

People generally know that if they are injured, they have a right to sue the business or person who negligently harmed them for monetary damages to compensate them for their harm and losses. But most people don’t know that the lawful spouse, including a domestic partner, has a claim and right to sue for their losses as well. If someone else’s harmful act has deprived you of your loved one’s companionship and affection, you can demand they compensate you by bringing a loss of consortium claim against them. But here’s the catch…it must be brought within the injured person’s filed lawsuit. This claim, in legal terms, is known as a “derivative claim,” meaning it’s derived from the injured person’s claim. This derivative claim is known as a “per quod” spousal claim for loss of society and consortium. The claim covers many of the unexpected relationship adjustments caused by a serious injury, including losses in the bedroom.

If cases are settled before trial, meaning an out-of-court settlement, rarely is there a separate allocation or payment made for a spousal claim because it’s generally all rolled into one settlement number. That’s because if the injured person’s injury case is settled, the spousal claim will be dismissed as part of the settlement. However, proving a spouse’s claim can be embarrassing, emotionally challenging, and legally complicated without the help of an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney.

We at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., with our skilled injury attorneys experienced with winning loss of consortium claims, can pursue you or your spouse’s rights under the law. We rarely get into the “dirty details” but instead describe it for what it is – a loss of intimacy – and we communicate exactly that way. Call or contact us today for an explanation of your rights for your free consultation.

What Is Loss of Consortium?

Consortium is a legal term referring to the companionship, love, affection, society, comfort, and services provided by a spouse or close family member. Under New Jersey law, the deprivation of this consortium is a type of non-economic loss suffered by the spouse – and only the spouse – of an injury victim. A jury may award these individuals compensation in a personal injury or wrongful death case.

How to Prove Loss of Consortium in New Jersey

A loss of consortium claim can compensate the legally married spouse of a victim whose injury or death resulted from someone else’s negligence. To prove a loss of consortium claim in New Jersey, the plaintiff must show that they suffered a genuine loss of the intangible benefits of their relationship with their spouse. Lost relational benefits include:

● Companionship – The loss of the ability to spend time with the injured person and share experiences
● Love and affection – The loss of emotional support, physical affection, and marital intimacy
● Comfort and solace – The loss of emotional comfort and support during difficult times
● Household services – The loss of help with household chores and tasks that the injured person would have performed, including the new chores the spouse must now handle

To establish these losses, a plaintiff must present evidence such as:

● Testimony from the spouse and other family members about the nature and quality of their relationship with the plaintiff before and after the injury
● Medical records and expert testimony about the nature and extent of the injury and its impact on the victim’s ability to provide companionship, love, and services
● Documentation of the spouse’s own emotional and psychological distress resulting from the loss of consortium

What Compensation Can I Get for a Loss of Consortium Claim in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, compensation for a loss of consortium claim is for monetary damages – meaning it compensates for intangible losses such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Here is what a New Jersey Judge instructs a Jury regarding the New Jersey loss of consortium law before they deliberate and return a jury verdict for loss of consortium.

New Jersey Jury Instruction: Damages — Per Quod Loss Of Spouse’s Services, Society And Consortium

A husband/wife is entitled to the services of his/her spouse in attending to the household duties, to companionship and comfort, and consortium, that is, marital relations. A plaintiff who is awarded a verdict is entitled to fair and reasonable compensation for any loss of impairment of his or her spouse’s services, society or consortium because of injuries sustained by him or her as a proximate result of the defendant’s negligence (or other wrongdoing). Damages may be awarded not only for total loss of services but for a worsening of their quality. [If appropriate the judge may charge,] Damages may include but are not limited to out-of-pocket expenses incurred in engaging the services of others to perform household duties previously attended to by his or her spouse.

The amount of compensation recoverable in a loss of consortium claim depends on the circumstances of the case, including the severity of the injury and the impact on the spouse’s relationship with the injured person. Economic losses can be brought that include a spouse’s obligation to return to the workforce, the cost of additional domestic help, and other expenses.

Some factors in determining the dollar amount of damages for loss of consortium include:

• The nature and extent of the victim’s injuries
• The length of time the injured person is expected to be impaired
• The injured person’s age
• The quality of the relationship between the spouse and the injured person before the injury
• The extent of the spouse’s emotional and psychological distress resulting from the loss of consortium

New Jersey law does not impose a specific cap on the amount of loss of consortium compensation. A jury will weigh the evidence to determine the money a plaintiff may receive for a loss of consortium claim.

How to Handle a Loss of Consortium Claim in New Jersey

If you or your spouse suffered a serious injury, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and advise you on your options. Here are some steps you can take to handle a loss of consortium claim in New Jersey:

• Seek medical attention – The victim should get the appropriate medical care immediately. This will help establish the nature and extent of their injuries and the impact on their ability to provide companionship, love, and services.
• Gather evidence – Your attorney will need proof to demonstrate your claims, such as medical records, witness statements, and marriage records. Collect as much evidence as possible to help your attorney support your case.
• File your claim – Your attorney will file your claim with the appropriate court in New Jersey and serve the defendant with a copy of the petition.
• Attend mediation or settlement negotiations – Mediation or settlement negotiations resolve many cases, so be prepared to attend these proceedings with your attorney to work towards a fair resolution.
• Prepare for trial – If the defendant or their insurer does not offer you a fair settlement, your attorney must prepare for trial.
• Stay informed – Keep in touch with your attorney and stay informed about your case. Ask questions if you have any concerns or are unsure about any aspect of the case.

Talk to the Attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. About Your Loss of Consortium Claim

When choosing an attorney to handle your loss of consortium claim, consider their experience, reputation, and track record of success with similar cases.

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. was established in 1981 and has provided legal services to residents of New Jersey and New York for over 40 years. Our team of more than 30 personal injury attorneys has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including those with loss of consortium claims. We have locations across New York and New Jersey and can meet with you over the phone or via video chat at your convenience. We also have Spanish-speaking attorneys and can provide translators in many other languages.

At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., we are proud of having secured over $800 million in verdicts and settlements for clients to date. Find out how we can help with your loss of consortium claim when you call or contact us online for a free consultation.

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1 Construction Site Worker Killed and 3 Injured After Building Collapse in New York

According to news reports, one construction worker died and three others sustained injuries in a building collapse in Lower Manhattan earlier this month. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) says a wall collapsed while workers were demolishing a commercial building in SoHo.

One worker was buried beneath the debris, while two workers reportedly fell on top of it and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. It is unclear how the fourth construction worker was injured. By the time firefighters dug out the trapped worker, it was too late.

Reports say that debris overloaded one floor of the building, causing a wall to come down with it during the NYC demolition. The company tearing down the building received a violation the previous month for overloading the first floor with 50 tons of construction material. However, Department of Buildings officials said the collapse was not the result of any previous violations.

Common Injuries Construction Workers Suffer

Construction is an important industry in New York. But it’s also one that places its workers in danger of suffering serious injuries like:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Nerve damage
• Burn injuries
• Eye injuries, including vision impairment and blindness
• Loss of limb
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Neck injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Penetrating wounds
• Torn ligaments and tendons
• Respiratory illnesses from toxic exposure

Who Is Liable If You’re Hurt at a Construction Site?

If you get hurt on the job as a construction worker, you might face several challenges as you pursue compensation for your injuries. One significant issue for many workers is that workers’ comp benefits do not cover 100 percent of lost wages and other accident-related expenses. If you don’t have other sources of coverage, you could get stuck paying out of pocket.

However, there are some cases where a third party could be financially responsible for your losses – including the full value of your lost wages as well as your pain and suffering. If someone other than your employer caused the accident, they should be held accountable. Some common examples of third parties who might be liable for a construction accident include:

• Project managers or general contractors
• Manufacturers of tools, equipment, and machinery
• Property owners
• Designers
• Subcontractors
• Site engineers
• Architects

Statute of Limitations for NY Construction Accident Claims

The amount of time you have to pursue financial recovery for your losses in NY will depend on what type of claim you’re filing:

• Civil lawsuit – If you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit after a construction accident, you must file within three years of the accident date or risk having your case thrown out in court.
• Workers’ compensation – If you’re pursuing workers’ compensation, you have even less time to act. You must report your injuries within just 30 days of the accident. You then have two years to file your claim for workers’ comp.
• Wrongful death lawsuit – In cases of wrongful death, the surviving family has two years to file a civil lawsuit in New York.
• Government agencies – You only have 90 days to file if your claim is with a government entity.

However, there are also exceptions to these limits. A construction site accident lawyer can help you identify key deadlines and keep your case on track.

Contact the NYC Construction Site Injury Lawyers at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.

If you sustained injuries in a building collapse or another construction-related accident in NYC, contact the construction site injury attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. at 1-800-LAW-2000 for a free initial consultation. With more than 40 years of experience and dozens of talented attorneys on staff, you can count on us to provide the legal support and attention you deserve.

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United States Post Office Deadly Truck Accidents

As long as their package arrives on time, many Americans might not think twice about the agency or company delivering it. But it’s important to study and analyze the practices of all large organizations, including Amazon and Starbucks, but also the United States Postal Service (USPS). Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal published an article on USPS, revealing alarming information about the federal agency and its practices.

USPS faces competition from private shipping companies like the United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) and FedEx Corp. USPS receives some of its funds from the federal government, but most of its funds come from selling postage. To increase its revenue, USPS hires external trucking contractors at cut-rate prices, requires truckers to meet unmanageable delivery schedules, and continues working with contractors, even after their truckers violated traffic safety regulations.

John Sheehy, president of the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association, told the Journal that USPS offered its contractors rates that were 15-20% below industry standards. This allows USPS to hold onto more of its funding, but at the expense of the truck drivers.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has strict rules regulating truck drivers and the amount of time that they can operate their vehicle. DOT regulations state that a truck driver cannot drive more than a total of eleven hours in a day and may not work for more than fourteen hours a day (including stops and truck loading time). The DOT established these safety regulations because research has shown that ‘drowsy driving’ substantially increases the risk of getting into a car accident. Research has even suggested that 24 hours of sleep deprivation causes roughly the same effects as having a BAC of 0.10%. Violation of these regulations leads to the decreased safety of the drowsy driver, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians.

In civil cases where the plaintiff was involved in an accident with a commercial truck driver, the plaintiff’s attorney will often look for evidence that the truck driver had violated DOT regulations. For example, the attorney may look at the driver’s records from the day of the accident to see if they had worked more hours than DOT allows for.

Sheehy, who himself is a former USPS contractor, told the Journal that there is immense pressure to make scheduled delivery times. Sheehy added that in previous years, USPS has chosen to terminate contracts with contractors that failed to make at least 95% of their deliveries on-time.

The Journal reviewed a series of USPS contracts and found one route that required the driver to leave Salt Lake City at 3:30 AM and arrive in San Francisco at 5:30 PM. This route is a fifteen-hour drive, which is one more hour than the fourteen-hour maximum amount of time worked that DOT allows for. This example is part of a larger pattern–the DOT reported that, from 2021 to 2022, about 39% of USPS’s trucking companies had violated its regulations, compared to only 13% of for-hire trucking companies.

One of USPS’s most important vendors, McCormick Trucking, clocked over 200 DOT violations between 2017 and December of 2022. Its sister company, Tracie McCormick Inc., has also been fined by the DOT for violating safety regulations. Even in light of both companies’ poor safety records, USPS has continued working with McCormick Trucking and Tracie McCormick Inc., and extending existing contracts.

Unfortunately, the Postal Service did not track crashes caused by its contractors. It did not require contractors to report accidents to USPS, but this policy has recently changed since the Journal’s article. USPS now requires its contractors to notify USPS of fatalities, injuries, or significant property damage after a serious accident occurs.

One serious accident occurred in June of 2022, when five people, including a baby, were killed after a Postal Service truck driver struck their car. The accident occurred on Interstate 25, near Denver, Colorado, and police later reported that the accident had been caused by the truck driver’s distracted operation of his vehicle. Police also learned that the driver lacked a valid commercial driver’s license.

Since USPS has established a mandatory reporting guideline, Americans should hope to see more accountability from USPS and its contractors, as well as greater adherence to DOT safety regulations.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car or truck accident, the attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have decades of experience and may be able to help.

Our firm offers free and confidential case evaluations and are available 24/7. Contact us today by calling 201-444-4444.

Scene of the Denver, June of 2022 Crash

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Insights from Samuel L. Davis: Facial Recognition in NYC and its Impact on Consumer and Worker Protection

On February 24th, 2023, Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. Founding Partner Samuel L. Davis, Esq., testified before The New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection about the use of facial recognition technology in New York City businesses.

How Can New York Businesses Use Facial Recognition Technology to Ban Your Right to Free Speech

In November 2022, Davis, Saperstein & Salomon Associate Kelly A. Conlon, Esq. was escorted out of Radio City Music Hall as she tried to attend a Christmas show with her daughter and her girl scout troop. Conlon was identified using facial recognition technology and was asked to leave the premises. This was done simply because she is an attorney with Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, who happened to represent an individual in a personal injury matter against a restaurant that was later acquired by Madison Square Garden. Conlon not only was not involved in the lawsuit, but she had no knowledge of it.

Madison Square Garden has gone on to ban over 2,000 lawyers from over 90 other law firms who are involved in lawsuits against one of their entities.

“We have no real concept of how invasive this technology is,” says Sam Davis as he spoke before the committee. “Please do not let companies like MSG turn public accommodations into places where you leave your right to free speech at the door.”

Private Businesses in New York Using Facial Recognition Technology Need to Be Transparent

In New York City, the use of facial recognition technology may be legal if the company posts a notice to consumers stating that the technology is being used, and that it does not use it to make a profit or share it with third parties. After Conlon’s experience at the Radio City Music Hall, Sam Davis visited the venue to experience what she felt. While there, he observed MSG’s notice to consumers. “The signage was inconspicuously posted. In other words, the signs were facing sideways”, says Sam Davis. While MSG does post signs to alert consumers that they are using this technology, the signs were neither conspicuous nor in compliance with the law.

The notices also did not reveal the true intention behind the use of facial recognition. “The signs only list ‘for security purposes only’. That’s a misrepresentation”, says Sam Davis. Facial recognition may have a valid role to play in identifying individuals who might jeopardize the safety of patrons, performers or staff. The technology may be searching for legitimate security threats, but at MSG it also searches for enemies of its owner, in this case civil attorneys who pose absolutely no threat to safety.

Davis argued for transparency when it comes to the use of facial recognition technology regarding what these “security measures” will ultimately be used for and for how long. “The problem is, there is no transparency,” he says. “The law must be very clear and provide a mechanism for enforcement.”

By interfering with lawyers’ rights to represent Americans, Madison Square Garden has curtailed the First Amendment right to free speech. It has also tried to limit the Fourth Amendment right to privacy by inappropriately using biometric information and facial recognition technology. “If MSG can get away with this, then you are going to have a slippery slope of surveillance in the city… Our privacy will be nothing more than a quaint memory of what life was like at the turn of the century”, said Davis.

About Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C.

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. is a personal injury law firm based in Teaneck, New Jersey, with satellite offices in New York and other parts of New Jersey. Our attorneys handle a wide variety of cases, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability and construction accidents. Since its founding in 1981, Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., has been committed to representing the individual and never the corporation. The Firm is also committed to protecting our right to privacy, in the face of MSG and other corporations’ unethical use of facial recognition technology.

This is not a commitment that Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., makes alone. “We must do what we can, as a city, to protect New Yorkers’ privacy and guard against these products being used to harm consumers and workers”, said Councilwoman Marjorie Velasquez, Chair of the Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection.

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4-Year-Old Attacked by a Pit Bull in New Jersey

Kind dogs may be man’s best friends, but aggressive dogs can cause severe physical and psychological injuries when they attack. Sadly, that is exactly what happened recently when a pit bull attacked a 4-year-old girl and her mother in New Jersey.

According to news reports, Khaleen Brown Anderson and her daughter, Abbey, had just returned to their home in Teaneck when Anderson saw a pit bull running up the street toward them. Anderson said the dog attacked her and her daughter, even jumping into the car at one point.

The attack ended when a plumber working nearby heard the attack and scared the dog away. Police impounded the dog and served its owner with two summonses. Records show the dog had previously attacked a mailman in 2017. A judge will decide what happens to the dog now.

The psychological effects have already impacted Abbey. Brown Anderson reports the 4-year-old is traumatized and cries in her sleep.

What Should I Do After a Dog Attack?

If you get hurt in a dog attack, take the following key steps:

• Call the Police – It is necessary to document the attack but more importantly the police will investigate the true owner of the animal.
• Seek medical attention immediately – Dogs can cause severe injuries when they attack, including puncture wounds, soft-tissue injuries, broken bones, and nerve damage. Seek medical care and make sure you get a rabies vaccine.
• Identify the dog and contact its owner – Take pictures of the dog for reference if you can. If you contact the dog’s owner, keep the conversation brief and do not speculate about what caused the dog to attack. Ask the owner for their insurance information, contact details, and the dog’s vet medical records.
• Document your injuries – Take pictures of any visible injuries you sustained and store the pictures in a secure location. You should also save your medical records for future reference and start a journal to document how the attack affects you mentally and emotionally.
• Do not make any social media posts about the attack – A stray comment or photo could hurt your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries. Stay away from social media until your case settles.
• Do not speak to any insurance companies – The dog owner’s homeowners insurance company may call you and pressure you to accept a quick settlement. However, their offer likely won’t cover the full extent of your injuries. Let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance companies.
• Hire a dog bite lawyer – Securing compensation for a dog bite claim can be difficult, and you want to recover as much as possible. A dog bite attorney can help you protect your rights and demand the money you need. Special discounted fee rates apply to children bit by a dog.

What Are the Physical and Psychological Consequences of Dog Attacks?

The physical consequences of a dog attack are often serious and can include:

• Severe injuries, including broken bones, facial injuries, infections, and internal bleeding
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Long-term pain from your injuries
• Rabies and prophylactic treatment for rabies
• Tetanus

The psychological consequences of a dog attack are often as severe, especially when a child is bit by a dog, as the physical effects and may include:

• Nightmares and insomnia
• Flashbacks to the attack
• Heightened anxiety, especially around dogs
• Depression and other emotional distress
• Psychological distress from pain, scarring, and disfigurement

What Compensation Can I Get After a Dog Attack?

With help from the right attorney, your compensation after a dog attack in New Jersey could include money for:

• Medical bills
• Future plastic surgery bills and revision surgery
• Incidental expenses
• Lost wages
• Lower future earnings
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

What is the New Jersey Law Governing Dog Bites?

The owner of any dog which shall bite a person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

If the injury occurs when entering the private property where the dog is kept, the law states that a person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner when on the property in the performance of any duty imposed by the laws of this state or the laws, such as a cable installer, worker, or postal worker, such as a mail carrier of the United States, or when a person or child is on such property upon the invitation, express or implied, of the owner thereof. 

Contact Our New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyers for Help

The team at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. understands how traumatic dog attacks can be. We’re here to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your rights in a free consultation with a New Jersey dog attack attorney.

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