New Brunswick Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child gets bitten by a dog, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Beyond the pain of the injury, you may face costly medical treatment, missed time from work, and the anxiety that comes with such a traumatic event. These cases can feel deeply personal, especially when the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or another family member. At Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq, our attorneys understand these challenges and are here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and determination.
As your New Brunswick dog bite lawyer, we are committed to ensuring the court treats you fairly and holds the owner accountable. Our team prepares every case as if it were going to trial, which gives us the leverage needed to secure your full compensation. We treat you like family, advocating fiercely so you never feel pressured to accept less than you deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability
Dog owners are strictly liable for their pets behavior under New Jersey Statues § 4:19-16. This means that the owner is responsible if their pet bites a person who is lawfully on public or private property, even if the dog had no history of aggression. Additionally, the owner is still liable if they had no prior knowledge of their pet’s vicious tendencies.
However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, arguing over medical necessity or claiming that the victim provoked the animal. In New Brunswick, our attorneys are adept at identifying these common tactics to build compelling claims for a dog bite using strong evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. We protect your rights and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries From an Attack
Injuries from a dog bite can be far more severe than many people realize. Victims often suffer puncture wounds, torn flesh, and infections that require emergency medical treatment. In children, facial injuries are particularly common, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery. Beyond the physical damage, the emotional impact can be lasting, leading to anxiety and a lifelong fear of dogs.
Our lawyers in New Brunswick work closely with medical experts to understand the full scope of your injuries after an animal attack. This allows us to pursue compensation not only for your immediate medical care but also for future treatments, therapy, and the emotional suffering connected to your recovery. We understand a scar or disability is more than a medical issue—it affects your confidence, livelihood, and ability to move on after the incident.
Common Injuries From an Attack
While some dog bite injuries heal with time, others can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Scarring is one of the most common consequences of a serious dog attack, particularly when the bite affects visible areas such as the face, arms, or legs. For many victims, these scars serve as a daily reminder of a traumatic experience.
In some cases, an emergency room visit is just the beginning of a long treatment path. Victims may require follow-up procedures, reconstructive surgery, or other specialized care to improve the appearance and function of the injured area. Even then, permanent scarring, changes in skin texture or pigmentation, and loss of feeling can remain.
In addition to surface-level scarring, dog bites can cause damage beneath the skin. A powerful bite may injure nerves, muscles, or tendons, leading to ongoing pain, weakness, numbness, or limited movement. These injuries can affect everything from a person’s ability to work to their ability to enjoy everyday activities for the foreseeable future.
To fully understand the impact of these injuries, the New Brunswick attorneys from our team often work with medical specialists who can evaluate both your current condition and any future treatment needs from a dog bite. Whether the injury involves visible scarring, nerve damage, or long-term complications, we build claims that reflect the full extent of what you’ve been forced to endure—not just the medical bills you’ve already received. This helps to ensure you are properly compensated for all that you have suffered and will continue to endure indefinitely.
Do I Have to Sue My Neighbor After a Dog Bite?
After a dog bite, many people find themselves in a difficult position. They know they are facing medical expenses, time away from work, and a painful recovery, but they still hesitate to take legal action because the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or someone they know personally. This close connection can make things feel uncomfortable.
The good news is that pursuing compensation usually does not mean asking your neighbor to pay out of pocket. Instead of being personally liable for paying out damages, many dog bite cases involve pursuing a claim through the homeowner’s insurance policy covering the property where the attack occurred. These policies are designed to provide protection when accidents happen, including injuries caused by dogs. That means you are requesting compensation from your neighbor’s insurance company and not your neighbor directly.
Most homeowners pay insurance premiums specifically for this type of coverage. If a claim is filed, the insurance company typically steps in to investigate the incident, provide a defense if necessary, and pay covered damages. Depending on the circumstances, that compensation may help cover medical treatment, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the attack.
For that reason, many dog bite claims are less about suing a neighbor and more about accessing the insurance coverage that’s already in place. Our team understands how sensitive these situations can be, and we’re happy to explain your options so you can make an informed decision about what comes next.
What Compensation Could Be Available?
A successful claim can cover a wide range of losses, such as:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Long-term rehabilitation or therapy
It is critical to account for the full extent of your injuries and their consequences when pursuing compensation. It is almost always going to be your only shot and being fairly compensated for your losses. Our team understands the importance of capturing the far-reaching impacts dog bite injuries have had on your life, both now and in the future.
We recognize that no two cases are the same. Our New Brunswick lawyers take the time to understand how being attacked by a dog has affected your daily life and your future. By preparing every case for trial, we demonstrate to insurers that under-settlement is not an option. Our goal is to recover the full value of your claim so you can focus on healing.
Speak With a New Brunswick Attorney Today After Being Bitten by a Dog
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a dog attack, you deserve legal representation who will stand by your side from start to finish. A New Brunswick dog bite lawyer at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need and hold the owner accountable. We are here to protect your rights and your future. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice after a dog bite.
