PERSONAL INJURY

Trenton Dog Bite Lawyer | NJ Attorneys for Dog Attack Victims

The injuries from dog bites result in major medical expenses, work absence, and permanent discomfort for victims. Insurance companies actively resist paying complete fair compensation to their clients. Dog bite victims in Trenton, New Jersey may qualify for compensation that covers their medical bills and lost wages.If you or your child were bitten by a dog in Trenton, you may be entitled to compensation under New Jersey’s strict liability dog bite law (N.J.S.A. §4:19-16). At Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman, our Trenton dog bite attorneys fight to recover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care expenses. The attorneys at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman have defended New Jersey residents since 1929 by obtaining hundreds of millions of dollars through verdicts and settlements.

Our successful track record spanning nearly a century has brought us recognition from judges and attorneys while earning the trust and appreciation of our represented families. The medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress from a Trenton dog attack entitle you to substantial financial compensation. The legal team at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman provides the powerful advocacy you require when dealing with your Trenton dog bite case. Reach out to our law firm for a complimentary consultation with an experienced Trenton dog bite attorney.

Why You Need Our Trenton, NJ Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

The process of finding help for medical expenses and other losses after a Trenton dog bite accident becomes challenging for victims. A Trenton dog bite lawyer from Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman will examine your situation to explain your legal choices before seeking maximum compensation for your injuries. Our team dedicates itself to obtaining complete financial compensation which will help you recover from your injuries and restore your normal life.

Our law firm has maintained its position as a trusted legal choice for New Jersey residents including Trenton residents throughout multiple generations. We maintain a successful track record in handling cases. Our attorneys have secured hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and court verdicts for our injured clients. Our experienced attorneys and support staff maintain readiness to confront insurance companies who attempt to reduce compensation.

From our clients

I would recommend Richard Isolde to my family and friends, and he was accommodating in handling our case. He was always available by text, phone calls, and email. Most significantly, he helped us get what we deserved. Richard Isolde is always there for his clients and does whatever he can to get the job done.

Richard Isolde worked very hard on my case, making the impossible possible.
He was able to get the full amount up to the policy limit and then get punitive damages in addition. I understand that is a rare accomplishment. I am grateful for that and I congratulate him. Your firm was recommended to me by a friend and I will pay it forward by recommending him as well as PRA.

I used Mr. (SQ) Lee for a personal injury matter and could not have been any more pleased with his services. He understood my injury and helped me every step of the way. He was courteous and kind and I always felt better after speaking with him. His assistant, Sherrill, was also wonderful and together they made a great team! I would absolutely recommend them, and the firm, to anyone.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The law firm Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman provides free initial consultations to all Trenton residents who want to pursue justice despite financial concerns about legal expenses. Our law firm provides free initial consultations for all dog bite and personal injury cases without requiring any payment. Our attorneys will examine your case at no cost while maintaining complete freedom to choose your legal representation. Our law firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis which means we receive payment through a percentage of your recovered compensation. The payment structure ensures you will not need to pay us anything if we fail to secure a successful outcome for your case.

Common Types of Injuries from Dog Bites and Other Animal Attacks

People who experience dog bites or animal attacks in Trenton, NJ face severe medical consequences which result in permanent life changes. Dog bites commonly lead to the following types of injuries.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in NJ

Lacerations & puncture wounds – risk of infection & scarring
Broken bones & crush injuries – often in arms/hands
Facial trauma – disfigurement, reconstructive surgery needed
Nerve & tendon damage – permanent mobility loss
Infections – rabies, tetanus, MRSA
Psychological trauma – PTSD, cynophobia (fear of dogs)

The healing of physical injuries does not stop the permanent damage which victims experience through lasting scars and physical disabilities and disfigurements. The psychological impact of dog bites proves equally destructive as the actual bodily harm they cause. Dog bite attacks sometimes result in fatal outcomes which cause families to suffer from an unbearable loss of life.

New Jersey Dog Bite Laws

Under New Jersey law, dog owners in Trenton face strict liability for any injuries their dogs cause through biting or attacking people. A dog owner faces liability for damages when their dog bites someone who is present in public areas or has permission to be on private property according to N.J.S.A. §4:19-16. In Mercer County and Trenton specifically, many dog bite cases arise in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and public parks such as Cadwalader Park and South Riverwalk Park. Local courts in Mercer County strictly enforce the state’s dog bite statute, making it important to work with a Trenton dog bite lawyer who understands how judges here view liability and damages. The law imposes responsibility on dog owners for dog attacks regardless of their negligence in controlling their pets at home or in public areas.

A dog bite victim in New Jersey does not need to demonstrate that the dog exhibited aggressive behavior or that the owner knew about any dangerous characteristics to receive compensation. The law provides protection and compensation to victims without requiring them to prove additional factors.

The application of New Jersey’s comparative fault system may impact the outcome of a case. The injured person becomes fully or partially responsible for their injuries if they prove they provoked or tormented the dog according to New Jersey law. The dog owner remains exempt from liability when the injured person enters private property without permission.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Trenton?

Under New Jersey law, dog owners must take responsibility for all injuries their dogs create. Many Trenton residents who experience dog bites from people they know choose not to file claims because they fear damaging their relationships and taking money from family or friends. You might feel concerned about damaging your relationships while also taking money from someone you know. The majority of dog bite claims fall under insurance coverage which typically exists through homeowners’ or renters’ liability policies that belong to the dog owner. The insurance provider takes responsibility for paying all costs including medical expenses, lost income, and additional damages when a claim arises. The insurance company will handle your financial recovery so you do not need to ask your friend or loved one for money.

Our Victories

$750K

$750,000 Settlement – Wrongful Death in Nursing Home

A nursing home’s failure to administer essential medications led to preventable injuries and the untimely death of a young man. The case settled shortly before trial following extensive legal work and coordination with the family.

$500K

$500,000 Settlement – Fall on Residential Property Resulting in Infection

A prospective homebuyer suffered serious injuries and infection after falling on an ice-covered property that had not been properly maintained. The matter was litigated until a maximum-value settlement was achieved.

$975K

$975,000 Settlement – Spinal Surgery Medical Malpractice

An undiagnosed underlying health issue during spinal surgery resulted in permanent injuries that could have been prevented. After aggressive litigation, we secured a $975,000 settlement for the client and his family.

$305K

$305,000 Settlement – Firefighter Injured in Structural Collapse

A firefighter suffered a serious hand injury while forcing entry into a burning building during a search and rescue. The door was recessed in a non-code-compliant way, and the fire was caused by negligent hot tar work performed by the landlord. The case settled after expert testimony confirmed the long-term vocational impact of the injury.

$405K

$405,000 Settlement – Fall on Defective Staircase

A woman was injured when a wooden step collapsed beneath her as she was walking up to her mother’s apartment. She required arthroscopic surgeries to her right knee and shoulder, as well as spinal injections to manage pain. Our firm retained an engineer who confirmed the staircase was poorly maintained by the landlord. The case

$255K

$225,000 Settlement – Trip and Fall on Deteriorated Sidewalk

An elderly woman fell due to a hazardous sidewalk caused by improper drainage and erosion from nearby construction. She required a total knee replacement. The case was resolved for $225,000 without litigation.

$260K

$260,000 Settlement – Slip and Fall Leading to Spinal Neurotomy

A woman slipped on untreated ice outside a commercial building, sustaining spinal nerve damage. She later underwent a neurotomy procedure for chronic pain management. The case settled for $260,000 without going to trial.

$505K

$505,000 Settlement – Slip and Fall on Ice with Spine and Knee Surgeries

A delivery worker slipped on an icy stairway that had not been properly treated. He ultimately underwent lumbar fusion and knee surgery. A $505,000 settlement was reached before trial.

$510K

$510,000 Settlement – Rear-End Collision with Fatal Post-Surgical Complications

A wife and mother were rear-ended in a car accident and later died following complications from gallbladder surgery related to her injuries. We obtained a $510,000 settlement for her surviving family members.

$310K

$310,000 Settlement – Motorcycle Fatality on NJ Turnpike

We represented the estate of a young correctional officer who died in a motorcycle crash caused by furniture that had fallen onto the NJ Turnpike from another vehicle. His young child was the sole beneficiary. A pre-trial settlement of $310,000 was secured following investigation and expert analysis.

$200+ Million

Recovered for Clients

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Attorney Average Years in Practice

We do the work to prepare each case for trial, with the knowledge that our efforts are reflected in the outcomes we achieve.

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Potential Compensation for Victims of Dog Attacks in Trenton, New Jersey

The law provides you with the right to seek complete compensation for all your damages when you suffer injuries from a dog attack in Trenton. A successful dog bite claim will help you obtain compensation based on your specific situation through the following types of damages:

The costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation include emergency care and surgical procedures and pain medication and infection treatment and physical and occupational therapy and mobility equipment and mental health services for PTSD.
The costs of ongoing care for permanent disabilities which need continuous medical treatment or support services.
Your medical absence from work because of recovery will result in lost wages and income.
Your injuries from the attack will prevent you from working in your previous role so you should claim compensation for lost future earning potential and employment benefits.
The attack and its aftermath have caused you physical discomfort and emotional distress.
The combination of noticeable scars and physical disabilities and daily life limitations and social self-consciousness results in reduced quality of life.

What Happens When a Child Is a Dog Bite Victim?

Research indicates that children face a 50% probability of experiencing dog bites throughout their entire lives. The head and neck area receives 80% of severe dog bite injuries which affect children, according to research findings. The combination of their small stature and defenseless state makes children highly susceptible to dog attacks.

The legal framework for dog bite cases involving children includes specific rules that apply to these situations. The state of New Jersey follows a legal principle which establishes that children under a certain age cannot be held responsible for causing dog attacks. The claims for compensation in these cases require funding for specific treatments which include ongoing medical care, counseling services, and daily assistance for children who suffer permanent disabilities.

Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Trenton, New Jersey

New Jersey law requires dog bite injury claimants to meet strict time constraints when filing their cases. The state of New Jersey gives victims two years starting from the attack date to bring legal action against dog owners and their insurance companies. Your case will get dismissed by the court when you submit your claim after the two-year deadline has expired. The expiration of the two-year deadline will strip you of your ability to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering.

You should seek immediate assistance from our Trenton dog bite lawyers at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman following any dog attack because these deadlines are essential. Our team starts right away to collect evidence while constructing your claim and safeguarding your rights before the necessary deadline expires.

How Our Trenton, NJ Attorneys Help People Hurt in Dog Attacks

The attorneys at Pellettieri Rabstein & Altman will pursue financial compensation for your Trenton dog attack injuries through their services which include:

Collecting vital evidence through photo and video documentation, witness statements, and medical records to build your case.
Documenting your expenses which include medical costs, lost income, and projected future expenses to achieve complete compensation for your claim.
The insurance company will receive all communication from our team so you can concentrate on your medical treatment and healing process.
Working to obtain the highest possible settlement amount through negotiation while striving for quick results.
Representing you in court when insurers deny your rightful compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites in NJ

Can I sue for a dog bite in New Jersey?

Under New Jersey law you can file a lawsuit for dog bite injuries because the state enforces strict liability which makes dog owners responsible regardless of their pet’s previous behavior. The time limit to file a lawsuit starts from the day of the dog bite and you have two years to do so. You can seek compensation through the court for your medical expenses and lost income as well as your suffering and any permanent scarring. Your ability to claim compensation may be restricted or completely denied when you entered the property without permission or when you provoked the dog.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in NJ?

The New Jersey law provides a two-year time frame starting from the dog bite incident for filing personal injury cases in court. The two-year statute of limitations begins when the victim reaches their 18th birthday if they were a minor at the time of the dog attack. Your ability to receive compensation becomes void when you fail to meet this deadline.

Do homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites?

Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies include dog bite coverage through their liability section. The liability section of most insurance policies provides financial protection for medical expenses and lost wages and pain and suffering and legal fees when a dog owner faces a lawsuit. Dog owners need to check their policy documents because some insurance companies restrict coverage by excluding specific breeds or setting maximum payment limits.

What if my child was bitten by a dog?

Under New Jersey law you can file a claim for your child’s dog bite injury because the state follows strict liability rules which make dog owners responsible for all dog bites regardless of past aggression. The two-year statute of limitations for minors starts when they reach age 18 so your child has until age 20 to file a lawsuit. The legal process allows you to seek compensation for your child’s medical expenses and their suffering as well as their emotional distress and permanent scarring that may result from the attack.

person appearing to be bitten by trained dog

Contact Our Law Firm Today to Talk with a NJ Dog Bite Lawyer

The victims of dog attacks in Trenton who received bites from other people’s dogs can seek substantial compensation for their physical harm, emotional distress, and monetary losses. The process of obtaining compensation becomes challenging when you lack experienced legal representation.

You can reach out to us for a complimentary first consultation with a Trenton dog bite lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases. Our team will assess your situation before presenting your choices and pursuing the monetary award you are entitled to receive. Our contingency fee structure allows you to avoid paying us until we secure compensation through a successful case outcome. Contact our experienced team today!