When Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite?
Every type of personal injury case in New Jersey is subject to a statute of limitations, and dog bite cases are no different. A statute of limitations is a time limit that an injury victim must file a lawsuit by in order for it to still be considered valid. These time limits vary state to state. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, you should know the rules and make sure not to procrastinate in taking those important legal steps.
The New Jersey State Dog Bite Injury Case Statute of Limitations
If you were attacked or bitten by someone’s dog and know ownership, you may feel the need to file a lawsuit in order to get necessary compensation for your injuries. If a dog bite is severe enough it can tear and permanently damage muscle and other fibrous tissues. This can potentially limit your movement of the body part afflicted and could prevent the ability to return to work or create mobility limitations temporarily or permanently. If the bite occurred on the face, this can also leave someone scarred and deformed. There can also be permanent mental trauma for a victim of a dog bite.
All of these costs can be considered for a dog bite case, but none of that matters if you do not keep the New Jersey state statute of limitations for such cases in mind. In New Jersey, the time limit is two years from the day of the dog bite incident. This is a lot shorter than many other types of cases and lawsuits. Time can pass quickly, so it is imperative that once you make the decision to sue, you find a lawyer and make preparations.
Limitations to Dog Bite Lawsuits
Different states also have limitations on what type of injuries caused from dog attacks that you can actually sue over. In New Jersey, only an actual bite from a dog is something you can sue for. Tripping over a dog, a dog running into you and causing you to fall, a dog scratching you with its paws, etc., do not have lawsuit eligibility in New Jersey.
There are also conditions and exceptions regarding dog-related injuries. Certain states have a variety of other scenarios they will consider that will invalidate your case. These could include purposefully harassing the dog, trespassing on someone’s property, consideration of where it occurred, was the dog a working police or military dog, etc. In New Jersey, only trespassing is grounds for immediate dismissal of your case, but that doesn’t mean that these other factors mentioned could not be applied and considered in court and work against you.
What Happens if You File After a Statute of Limitations Has Passed
As a general rule, the statute of limitations is there for a reason. If you delay your legal action and don’t follow those strict guidelines, 9/10 your case is going to get dismissed and invalidated.
Contact a Trenton Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a dog bite in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of dog bites in New Brunswick, Camden, Newark, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or email us to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy and Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
