An Animal Bite in New Jersey Can Be a Serious and Costly Injury

There are few creatures in life that seem to engender mixed feelings as much as the family dog. While there are those who are devoted to these pets, those who have suffered a serious injury from an animal bite likely may have a fear of them that may last a lifetime. Victims in New Jersey see the highest treatment costs in the country.

Recently, two insurance companies released figures relating to the number and costs of these often unprovoked attacks. Even though New Jersey is one of the smaller states, it purportedly ranks 15 in the nation for dog bites. In 2016, approximately 70 people were bitten according to State Farm. However, while other states reported more incidences, the estimated cost for treatment was an average of $74,000.  Allstate reported the number of animal bites at an estimated 50 each year and it estimated that it spent $1.4 million over the last calendar year, though that figure did not include unfinished claims.

A third insurance carrier did not respond to inquires regarding its number of bite injuries. Nationwide, those who work for the post office may be most a risk for a bite from a pet. More than 6,750 letter carriers suffered these painful wounds in 2016. While any pet can cause injury, many of the examples provided appeared to involve pit bulls. 

For those residents who have been injured by an animal bite, the recovery process can be long and painful. Many of these injuries require extensive repair, including plastic surgery. At the end of the healing process, victims may be left with permanent scars — both physically and emotionally. Residents who receive more than a minor wound may choose to consult with a personal injury attorney regarding the merits of filing a civil suit against the animal’s owner or other parties who can be held liable for their pain and suffering in an effort to seek compensation for their accompanying monetary losses. 

Source: nj1015.com, “Millions paid out in NJ last year for dog bites and related injuries“, Dino Flammia, April 13, 2017