Dog Bites

Union County Dog Bite Lawyer

Also Serving Essex County and Throughout the State of New Jersey

Many people love their dogs, and we understand why. However, owners still need to be responsible and protect the safety of those around them. If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may deserve compensation, and our lawyer can work to help you get it. Attorney Michael Chelland is driven by a strong sense of personal compassion for injury victims and deep professional conscientiousness in helping them make it right through a fair financial settlement.

We serve clients throughout Union County, Essex County, and the North Jersey Region. Call (908) 948-8395 or reach out here online today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding New Jersey’s Dog Bite Laws

New Jersey’s strict liability laws on dog bites will usually work to the advantage of the injured plaintiff. A dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dog’s bite, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or whether the owner knew about any aggressive tendencies. This is in contrast to laws in other states that may require proof of negligence or a past record of dangerous behavior.

As an injured plaintiff, you must prove three key elements:

That the injury was caused by a dog bite, not a scratch, knockdown, or other cause.
That the bite occurred while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property.
That there is a link between the dog bite and the injuries you sustained.

If these conditions are met, the owner can be held liable, even if the dog has never shown previous signs of aggression.

While strict liability usually benefits bite victims, there are exceptions. For instance, if you were trespassing at the time of the bite or intentionally provoked the dog, the owner may not be held liable. Additionally, certain professionals, such as veterinarians or dog groomers, may have limited rights to make claims, as their line of work inherently involves these risks.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

The primary form of compensation is economic damages, which include verifiable expenses related to the incident. These typically encompass medical bills, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing therapy. You can also recover lost income if the injuries prevent you from working, temporarily or permanently. Future earning capacity may be factored into the calculation if the injuries cause long-term limitations.

Non-economic damages are designed to cover the intangible impact of the injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. For instance, scarring or permanent disfigurement resulting from a bite may deeply affect a victim’s self-esteem and mental health. Courts recognize these impacts as deserving of compensation.

Documenting injuries and related expenses is crucial to maximizing compensation. Medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and even journal entries about recovery can strengthen a personal injury claim. Attorney Michael Chelland works with care and precision to explore all available compensation avenues.

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Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, acting quickly and carefully is crucial for your health and the strength of any potential legal claim. Follow these steps:

Treat the wound: Use soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, especially if the bite breaks the skin. Control any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
See a doctor: Even minor-looking bites can lead to complications. Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also provides documentation of your injuries, which can then be referred to in future legal claims.
Report the incident: Notify local animal control or the police about the bite. Reporting is another way to create an official record of the incident and strengthen your legal case.
Gather information: This can include names, contact information, and vaccination records. Take photographs of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the incident. If there are witnesses, get their information so we can follow up with them.

The final step you should take is to call our dog bite injury lawyer. Attorney Michael Chelland knows how to help you understand your rights and we do needed footwork aimed at strengthening your claim.

Better Days Are Closer Than You Think

With Michael Chelland, You Have A Warrior On Your Side

We genuinely care about you—your journey, your recovery, and making sure you’re supported every step of the way. Here's what sets us apart.

Personal Attention

We understand how overwhelming this time can be. We take the time to listen and address your concerns with care and understanding.
Strategic Advocacy

We focus on creating practical solutions tailored to your unique situation, keeping your needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Relentless Pursuit of Justice

Our compassionate care turns into steadfast persistence with insurance companies, working toward fair compensation.
Guidance You Can Trust

We guide you through every step of the process with transparency and clear communication, allowing you to focus on recovery.

We’re in Your Corner

Dogs have been referred to as man’s best friend, but in dog bite cases, that’s not necessarily so, and a good lawyer might well be your best friend. Attorney Michael Chelland understands all that goes into negotiating a fair settlement. He’s worked for insurance companies and understands their tactics and how to counter them. You can meet him personally in our Union County office or via video conference. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.

Call (908) 948-8395 today. We work on contingency, so we don’t collect a fee unless you first collect a settlement.

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"I Felt Like A Priority"
Michael made the entire process seamless. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also demonstrates genuine compassion for his clients.

- Tasha D.
"Absolute Game-Changer"
His strategic approach, attention to detail, and communication instilled confidence in me throughout the entire process. I felt empowered and supported every step of the way.

- Vanessa P.
"Helpful And Knowledable"
Extremely professional, very helpful and knowledgeable. Mr. Chelland provided me with excellent legal counsel on multiple occasions and I highly recommend!

- Former Client