When a dog bites, the consequences can be serious. Victims may suffer physical and emotional trauma, disfigurement, and even death. But what is the value of a dog bite lawsuit? The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the incident. In some cases, punitive damages may be available.
Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. This could include recklessness or intentionally dangerous behavior, such as knowing that the dog is dangerous and not taking steps to keep it safe. In order to recover punitive damages in a dog bite lawsuit, you must prove that the other party's actions were particularly egregious. If you meet the legal standards, you may be able to recover punitive damages.
However, it is important to note that these damages are not always available. In addition to punitive damages, you may also be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to your injury. The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the incident. If the dog owner is not present during the incident, you may be able to identify them by contacting the police or local animal control office.
You should also report serious dog bites or attacks to the police and your local animal control office. In some cases, you may be able to collect compensation from an owner's or renter's insurance policy for a pet. However, not everyone has this type of insurance. It is important to note that if a court finds that you were partly at fault for the incident, New Jersey applies its “comparative negligence rule”.
This means that if you were partly at fault for the incident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. When it comes to dog bites, any breed or size of dog has the potential to cause serious harm. If you have been injured by a dog bite, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
