What You Need to Prove a Dog Bite Case in New Jersey

If you were bitten by a dog, you may feel confused about what to do next. Dog bites are painful, inconvenient, and if the dog has not been vaccinated for rabies, potentially deadly. After you are bitten by a dog, you do have the legal option to take the owner to small claims court, but you will need to be sure that you have certain types of evidence before you go before a judge. If you are confused about what to keep for your case, the following information will explain the type of evidence you need to help prove your dog bite case.

1. Photographs

Immediately after the attack, have someone else take clear pictures of the bite marks. Your photographs will serve as an important piece of evidence, and you can even compare them to pictures of your skin before you were attacked. If you are attacked on someone else’s property, try to get a picture of the dog if possible. A picture of a snarling, ferocious dog will serve you well in court – just don’t place yourself in danger again trying to get a picture. When taking pictures, be sure to get shots of where the incident took place, as well as the surrounding area.

2. Medical Records and Bills

Visit a doctor as soon as possible, and keep all bills, doctors’ notes, and important documentation handy. This will be immensely important when the time to determine the amount of compensation arrives. Continue to take pictures of the bite area, even as your wounds heal, and your skin returns to normal.

3. Police Report

If you are attacked by a dog, you will definitely want to contact the police. The police will draw up a report based on the details you provide and give you a number to access this report. Be sure that the officer obtains testimony from witnesses if any are present.

4. Clothing

The clothes you had on during the attack can also be used as evidence. These clothes will show any tears, blood stains, and bite marks from the dog, and show the court how vicious the attack was. Store your clothes in a dry area and inform anyone else you live with not to wash them.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. consists of a team of New Jersey dog bite attorneys with extensive experience. We understand your anger surrounding the incident, and we will try our hardest to get you the compensation you deserve. If you are ready for us to review your dog bite case, please contact us now at (609) 240-0040.