Were You Bit By A Dog Or Exotic Animal?

Animal owners have a duty to protect the public from the actions of their animals. Unfortunately, there are many people injured yearly due to animal bites. The animal may be domestic, such as a dog or cat, or a more exotic one.

Get a free consultation from attorney Jeffrey Strauss by calling 908-228-2695 or emailing us at [email protected]. Our dedication and experience bring results for our clients and they love us for it.

We Have Unique Experience In Zoo-Related Incidents

In fact, we recently successfully concluded a case against a local zoo that had reason to know of the dangerous propensity of a particular prairie dog but chose to take no action to protect the visiting public. When our client stood at the fence of the enclosure the animal leaped and attacked the patron causing deep bites, scarring and functional limitations that required extensive medical care.

This is unusual but the zoo failed to protect the general public, our client in particular. Whether the animal is exotic or is a dog in a home or on a walk that attacks and bites an innocent person the responsibility is the same. Owners must accept personal responsibility for the actions of their animals and pets that seriously injure another.

Immediate Steps To Take After An Animal Bite

Taking the right animal bite steps in the first hours after an attack is more important than many believe. Acting quickly helps protect your health and preserve your legal rights after dog bite incidents in New Jersey and New York. It also creates the documentation needed to support a legal claim if the dog owner disputes responsibility.

Seeking prompt medical attention is always the first priority. Even small punctures can lead to infection, nerve damage or scarring if not treated quickly. This step also provides you with medical records that serve as early evidence of the harm caused by the incident.

Once medical needs are addressed, documenting animal attacks is the next step. Clear, time‑stamped evidence helps establish what happened and who may be liable.

• Take photos of injuries: Images should capture wounds, torn clothing and any visible swelling or bruising.
• Photograph the location: Pictures of the scene can show broken fencing, lack of restraints or other hazards.
• Gather witness information: Names and contact details of any observers help verify how the attack occurred.
• Record details about the dog: Note the breed, size, color and any identifying tags or features.
• Write down your recollection: A written account made soon after the incident can preserve critical details that may fade over time.

This information strengthens a claim by creating a clear record of the circumstances surrounding the bite and the immediate impact on the victim.

Reporting the incident to local authorities is another critical step. In both states, animal control or local police can document the attack, investigate the dog’s history and determine whether the animal poses an ongoing risk. These official reports often become crucial evidence when establishing liability or proving that the dog had a known history of aggression.

Preserving physical evidence is equally important. Clothing worn during the attack, damaged personal items and medical supplies used during initial treatment can all help demonstrate the severity of the event. Keep these items in a safe place so they remain available if needed later.

As you can see, the right steps protect your health, support your legal rights after dog bite injuries and provide the documentation necessary to pursue compensation under New Jersey or New York law.

Reach Out To Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries from an animal bite or attack, please contact Strauss Law Offices, LLC, and we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your case.