Northern New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
An attorney who is ready to fight for you
Being attacked by a vicious dog is frightening, and you can be left with serious injuries. A dog bite doesn’t happen by chance – it’s a premises liability accident and you have the right to seek financial compensation from the dog’s negligent owner. Dog bite attorney David Leigh can guide you through the process to hold the owner accountable.
The Leigh Law Firm, P.C. fights for the injured in Millburn and throughout Essex and Union counties. We understand how a dog bite can affect victims and their families, and know the obstacles you can face when trying to recover compensation. Attorney Leigh builds strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. If you or your child was attacked by a dog, contact us today.
What should you do if you’ve been attacked by a dog?
There are certain steps you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation:
- Get medical attention. Go to the emergency room or an urgent medical care center, even if you think your injuries are minor and you feel OK. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin treatment. Your injuries can get worse if left untreated and there is always the risk of infection, including rabies. A doctor will also document your injuries.
- Notify the police. They can fill out a report and may also notify animal control. This documentation can help your case if you are seeking financial compensation.
- Gather information. If possible, get the dog owner's contact information, as well as the name of their homeowners or renters insurance company. Ask about the dog’s name and breed.
- Take photos. If you can, take some photos and video of the dog, the scene of the attack, and any injuries that you have.
- Contact a lawyer. An experienced premises liability lawyer can review the details of the dog attack, discuss your legal options for recovering compensation and answer your questions.
Dogs have very strong jaws and a dog attack can cause serious injuries. These include broken or punctured skin, broken bones, injuries to the head and neck, leg injuries, facial injuries, nerve damage, and damage to soft tissue. A dog attack can lead to disfigurement as well as emotional and psychological damage.
Dog owners may deny negligence, however. They may deny doing wrong and may even suggest that you were to blame for what happened. Don’t expect much help from insurance companies. Their main goal is to try to pay you as little as possible.
A lawyer who can guide you through the legal process
Attorney Leigh knows how adjusters approach these cases – he used to represent insurance companies. They may question the extent of your injuries. Or they’ll contact you and ask you to make a statement or answer questions. What they really want is to try to find information they can use against you. Politely decline and explain you would like to talk to a lawyer. Attorney Leigh knows how to fight back and is not afraid of putting in the hard work needed to get results.
Our firm investigates your dog attack to get the facts. We know where to look for evidence that can help prove your claim. Attorney Leigh carefully reviews all documentation and medical records and interviews witnesses.
He will also determine the total damages you have suffered and demand compensation. In general, you can seek compensation for all medical expenses for current and future injuries, the costs of cosmetic surgery if there was disfigurement, lost wages if you couldn’t work, counseling to deal with the trauma of the attack, and other damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.
Attorney Leigh will deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf and work on negotiating a settlement that meets your needs. But he is not interested in making quick deals that help the insurance company save money. He is dedicated to making a difference by helping you recover the compensation you deserve – even if that means fighting for you in court.
Call to schedule your free consultation with a dog bite lawyer
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, get legal advice as soon as possible. State law allows two years from the date of the attack to take legal action. But it’s important to get started on your claim before evidence gets lost or witnesses forget details about what they saw.
You may not be sure if you need a lawyer or even if you have a case. But you should know what your options are, and that costs you nothing. We offer a free consultation. Contact us to schedule a time that works for you, either in our Millburn office or at a location that is more convenient for you.