Episode 4 : Strict Liability and Storytelling: Winning Dog Bite and Utility Injury Cases
With: Peter Agostini, Esq

“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'S IN THIS EPISODE?

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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