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Cherry Hill Dog Bite Lawyers
Cherry Hill attorneys advocating for animal attack victims in South Jersey
If you believe the internet, there is nothing better than a dog. And here at Ferrara & Gable, we love our pets! They’re lovable and sweet, and many of them seem quite willing to wear tiny boots and sweaters. But when not properly trained or monitored, dogs can also be dangerous. They have sharp teeth, carry bacteria, and can easily be startled enough to bite – and when they do, the damage can be severe and permanent. Our Cherry Hill dog bite lawyers can help.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, you need immediate medical attention. You also need Ferrara & Gable, because we understand the future you face. We are skilled premises liability lawyers who will advocate for you and your family. Don’t delay; contact us now so we can get to work on your case.
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What injuries do dog bites in Cherry Hill cause?
Dog bites, like almost any injury, can range from minor to life-threatening. They can include:
- Damage to the skin
- Damage to the muscles
- Broken bones
- Facial disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Severe emotional distress
Because of the bacteria in dogs’ mouths, every bite poses a risk for serious, potentially life-threatening infections. The most common are:
- Capnocytophaga infections, which pose a severe risk to those with weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with respiratory and periodontal issues, this bacterial infection can also cause endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), abscesses, and inflammation of the lymph nodes or brain membranes.
- Tetanus, or “lockjaw,” which can cause the jaw to cramp, stomach muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, and difficulty swallowing.
- Rabies, a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system. There is no “cure” for rabies, but there are post-exposure vaccination treatments. Without these treatments, the disease will be fatal.
- Sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infections (though not an infection in and of itself). Sepsis can progress to septic shock, which can lead to organ and system failure. Septic shock has a mortality rate of 30-40%.
Dog bites need to be taken very seriously. If you or a child is bitten, you should go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You should also demand that the dog be taken to your local veterinarian immediately. Left untreated, dog bites may be fatal.
Pediatric dog bite injuries
Every study, piece of research, and medical website or journal – as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association – will tell you that the most dog bite victims are children. The reasons for this are as varied as the circumstances under which they happen.
Because of the physical size of a child, the bites are far more likely to be to the head, face, neck, and upper torso. Analysis published in BMJ, which reviewed almost 87,000 cases of dog bites in America, found “that children <9 years of age suffer the greatest burden of injuries, with children <6 years of age at higher risk of more severe injuries involving the head, neck, and face.” These bites can lead to severe disfigurement. They can take multiple surgeries to fix. And, because injuries can compound over time, there is always a chance that your child will be permanently disfigured or disabled.
At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill dog bite lawyers know just how serious these injuries to children are, and how they can impact your future. We can help.
Why do dogs bite?
Any type of dog may bite if the conditions are ripe. Common causes include:
- To defend itself or a puppy from some type of perceived threat. Dogs may also bite if they think their owner is being attacked.
- Being surprised or startled, such as when a child suddenly approaches a dog from behind. Older dogs are especially sensitive to surprises.
- A sense that aggressive behavior is part of the fun.
- Due to any type of abuse.
- Feeling ill or being injured – because the dog may be extra sensitive to anyone who comes close.
Other reasons that dogs may bite include the desire to protect their food or toys – or if they feel they are being confined.
A quick note about “dangerous” breeds
In 2019, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reported on a study out of Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. That study looked at bite severity, specifically regarding pediatric dog bites. Per their findings:
- [D]ogs with short, wide heads who weighed between 66 and 100 pounds were the most likely to bite.
- Pit bulls were responsible for the highest percentage of reported bites across all the studies (22.5%), followed by mixed breeds (21.2%), and German shepherds (17.8%).
- Mixed-breed dogs and pit bulls were found to have the highest relative risk of biting, as well as the highest average damage per bite.
- Breeds such as Great Dane and Akita were found to have a lower relative risk of biting; however, the average damage from these bites was high.
At Ferrara & Gable, we don’t believe in the “dangerous dog breed” myth, but we do accept that some breeds have bites which can cause more damage than others.
In 2022, New Jersey ranked 9th in the nation for dog bite claims. – Insurance Information Institute
What laws govern dog bite responsibility in New Jersey?
New Jersey does have a strict liability law that provides that dog owners are liable for any injuries or deaths that their dog causes because of a bite – even if the owners did all they could to prevent the bite.
New Jersey Statutes § 4:19-16 states that dog owners of any dog who bites a person (while that person is in a public place or legally in a private place such as the owner’s home) are liable for the damages the victim suffers – “regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.” Postal and delivery workers are generally considered to be legally on the property of any owner for whom the postal worker is delivering mail, packages, or goods.
Related: Dog Bite Laws in New Jersey
Who can file a Cherry Hill dog bite claim?
At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill dog bite lawyers file personal injury claims and wrongful death claims when dog bites cause harm or fatalities. We file these claims on behalf of victims and their families (in the case of a child being bitten). We seek the following compensation for our clients:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Lost income where applicable
- Loss of function
- Scarring and disfigurement
If a loved one died, we seek compensation for:
- The funeral and burial costs
- The loss of financial support the victim (such as a postal worker) would have provided
- The loss of companionship, support, and guidance your loved one would have provided
How can I minimize the risk of a dog bite?
Spruce Pets recommends that:
- Children should be monitored and told never to approach a dog while the dog is sleeping, tending to puppies, or eating.
- You do not go near a dog when the owner isn’t present.
- You contact a veterinarian or animal control if the dog appears injured or ill.
- You let an unknown dog come to you instead of going to the dog.
- You never put your face close to an unknown dog.
- If a dog has cornered you, stay still, avoid eye contact, and don’t scream or run. Quietly walk away when the dog stops looking at you.
- You cover your head and face, and curl into a fetal position, if you are knocked over by a dog. Remain as still and calm as possible.
Do you have a Cherry Hill dog bite lawyer near me?
Ferrara & Gable see clients at our Cherry Hill Office located at 601 Longwood Avenue in New Jersey. Parking is available. There’s a bus stop nearby for Rt. 38 passengers. We schedule phone or video conferences by appointment if you are too injured or ill to travel.
We understand how devastating dog bites are. We’ll answer all your questions and calmly and clearly guide you through the claims process.
Our experienced Cherry Hill dog bite lawyers help clients throughout South Jersey
If a dog bites you or your child, you have the right to hold the dog owner accountable. Many dog bite injuries cause lasting scars and pain. Some dog bites are fatal. At Ferrara & Gable, our Cherry Hill dog bite lawyers understand the unique issues involved when dogs of all breeds and temperaments bite. We’ll fight for all the compensation you deserve. Get help when dogs bite; please call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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