At times cute and cuddly, dogs can quickly turn into a violent threat. At Cooper Levenson Attorneys at Law, we know how devastating an animal attack in New Jersey can be. If you plan on seeking compensation, you should have a comprehensive picture of the quantifiable and noneconomic damages that lie ahead.
According to a report from New Jersey 101.5, the state is in the top 10 when it comes to the number of dog bite claims filed across the country last year. These claims, which are often filed with the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance company, may pay for medical bills associated with the victim’s injuries. A bite can cause the following:
- Tears and lacerations in the skin
- Crushed bones
- Puncture wounds
- Severed arteries
Bills for surgeries and rehabilitation can quickly become monumental. However, it is important to keep in mind that the damage an animal bite does extends beyond the physical injuries. For example, many victims of dog attacks suffer from permanent scarring and disfigurement. This can lead to emotional insecurity.
Further, a report in Contemporary Pediatrics points out that children are especially vulnerable to developing conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder following an attack. A child could suffer from anxiety, depression and a change in behavior or appetite. As the article notes, the emotional trauma that results from a dog bite can last for a lifetime.
An insurance policy cannot compensate you for the emotional devastation you might experience following an attack, but a personal injury claim might. For more information on this topic, please visit our page on premises liability and dog bites.
