Episode 4 | Garces, Grabler, And LeBrocq
Episode 4 : Strict Liability and Storytelling: Winning Dog Bite and Utility Injury Cases
With: Peter Agostini, Esq

WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODE?

“We tell a story for the client. The client is unique… we go present that to a jury in a powerful, compassionate way. That’s how GGL wins—by treating clients like family and telling their story.” — Peter Agostini, Esq.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, we dive into the legal specifics of dog bites and the emotional art of trial advocacy. You will learn:

  • Strict Liability Explained: Why a dog owner in New Jersey is liable even if their dog has never bitten anyone before.
  • Premises Status: The difference between a trespasser and an invitee and how it impacts your right to recovery.
  • Customized Case Valuations: Why GGL rejects the “Injury X = Dollar Y” formula in favor of looking at the client’s whole life.
  • The “Fireman Case” Strategy: How personal anecdotes and compassionate storytelling can sway a jury to deliver a powerful verdict.

Key Topics:

[00:00:00] Introduction to Peter Agostini
Host Lawrence LeBrocq introduces Pete Agostini. Both are New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorneys, discussing specific niche areas of personal injury law

[00:00:30] Debunking the “One Bite Rule”
Pete explains that unlike some other states, New Jersey does not have a “one bite rule.” Dog owners are subject to strict liability, meaning they are responsible for a bite regardless of the dog’s prior history of viciousness.

[00:01:20] Public vs. Private Property & Trespassing
A breakdown of how liability applies when a bite occurs in a public place versus private property, and how the legal status of the victim (invitee vs. trespasser) affects the case.

[00:28:30] Beyond the Injury: Treating the Individual
The panel discusses why they don’t use a “cookie-cutter” approach to valuations. A neck injury for one person may have a completely different life impact than the same injury for another.

[00:29:15] The Power of Storytelling in Trial
Pete shares a moving example of a firefighter injured and blinded, explaining how the firm uses personal history—like childhood photos—to show a jury exactly what was stolen from the victim.

[00:30:00] Closing: Maximizing Claim Value
Lawrence concludes by emphasizing that GGL’s goal is to maximize value so clients can enjoy their lives despite catastrophic events.

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Episode 4
Garces, Grabler, And LeBrocq
231 St. Asaphs Road Suite 621 Bala Cynwyd,, PA 19004
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