Cape May County Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
Cape May County dog bite injury lawyers at Westmoreland Vesper & Quattrone help victims who have suffered painful and traumatic injuries from animal attacks receive the financial recovery they deserve. Our firm is based in Atlantic City, and we have served residents throughout the South Jersey region for more than fifty years. We have a long history of representing people in Cape May County and have successfully recovered over $250 million in damages for our clients during our decades of practice. A dog bite is far more than a simple accident; it is a life-changing event that can lead to permanent disability, severe infections, and lasting psychological trauma.
Legal Rights Protected by Cape May County Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
New Jersey law provides strong protection for victims of animal attacks through a standard of strict liability. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, the owner of a dog is responsible for damages if their animal bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. This means that when you hire Cape May County dog bite injury lawyers, we do not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. New Jersey does not follow the one-bite rule used in some other states; owners are held accountable even for a first-time incident.
This statutory protection applies to many individuals, including guests at a private residence or professionals performing their duties, such as mail carriers and delivery workers. While the strict liability statute covers the act of biting, our attorneys also handle cases where a dog causes injury by knocking a person down or chasing them. In those situations, we apply general negligence standards to demonstrate that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in restraining their animal.
How Cape May County Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Maximize Your Settlement
The physical and emotional costs of a dog bite can be overwhelming for a family. Victims may face deep lacerations, nerve damage, or the loss of digits and limbs. There is also a significant risk of dangerous infections, such as MRSA or Pasteurella, which require immediate medical attention . Cape May County dog bite injury lawyers are familiar with the extensive medical evaluations required to document these injuries for insurance companies. Our firm has achieved notable results in this area, including a $770,000 settlement for two young girls who suffered severe scarring and injuries in a pit bull attack .
We take a thorough approach to every case by investigating the scene of the attack, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing animal control records. Many dog bite claims are covered by homeowners or renters insurance, but insurance adjusters often attempt to minimize the value of a claim by blaming the victim or downplaying the severity of the damage. Choosing Cape May County dog bite injury lawyers with trial experience is vital because it sends a message to insurance carriers that we are ready to take your case to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement.
Contact Our Firm for Professional Guidance
If you or a loved one is suffering from the aftermath of an attack, do not wait to seek assistance. New Jersey generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, and evidence can be lost if action is not taken quickly. We offer a free initial consultation to review the facts of your case and help you understand your options for recovery . Our attorneys will work to ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional distress caused by the incident . Contact Westmoreland Vesper & Quattrone today to speak with a member of our team and begin the process of moving forward with your life.
