bcampbell, Author at Dolan & Dolan, PA

How to Report a Dog Bite in Sussex or Morris County, NJ | Dolan and Dolan

Your Guide to New Jersey Dog Bite Laws, Reporting, and Compensation

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected financial burdens. If you’ve been bitten in Sussex or Morris County, New Jersey, knowing your legal rights and the proper steps to take can protect your health and strengthen your claim for compensation. This guide walks you through New Jersey dog bite laws, how to report an incident, and how an experienced dog bite lawyer can help.

Understanding New Jersey Dog Bite Laws and Liability

Strict Liability for Dog Owners in NJ

New Jersey follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that if a dog bites you while you are lawfully on public or private property, the dog’s owner is legally responsible, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before or shown aggressive behavior.

When Negligence Plays a Role

In some cases, a dog bite claim may also involve negligence. For example, if a landlord knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous but failed to take action, they could share liability.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Sussex or Morris County

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Care

Your health comes first. Move to a safe location, stop any bleeding, and seek medical attention immediately – even for minor bites – to prevent infection and document your injuries.

Gather Information from the Dog Owner and Witnesses

Get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and proof of rabies vaccination. Collect statements and contact details from any witnesses.

Document the Scene and Your Injuries

Take clear photos of your injuries, the dog, the location, and any visible hazards. Keep a written account of the incident while details are fresh.

How to Report a Dog Bite to Authorities and Animal Control

Sussex County Animal Control Contact Information

Call your local police department or Sussex County Health Department to be connected with animal control.

Morris County Animal Control Contact Information

Report bites to your local municipal health department or police, who will notify Morris County Animal Control.

What Happens After a Report Is Filed

Animal control will investigate the bite, verify vaccination records, and may require the dog to be quarantined for observation. Your report creates an official record that can help your legal case.

The Importance of Medical Care and Injury Documentation

Preventing Infection and Complications

Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring. Prompt medical treatment can reduce risks and create vital medical records for your claim.

Keeping Records for Your Dog Bite Claim

Save all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and related expenses. These documents are crucial in calculating your damages.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation

Investigating the Incident

A dog bite attorney will gather evidence, review reports, and identify all liable parties.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurers often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can push for a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary

If negotiations fail, a skilled attorney can take your case to court to seek maximum compensation.

Get a Free Case Evaluation for Your Dog Bite Claim

If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in Sussex or Morris County, don’t navigate the legal process alone. At Dolan & Dolan, our experienced dog bite lawyers in NJ fight for the rights of injury victims and hold negligent parties accountable.

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.

Bicycle Accident Claims: What Injured Riders in NJ Need to Know

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

If you’ve been injured while riding, understanding your rights is critical.

People biking through Sussex County, NJ – representing bicycle accident injury clients

Cyclists across Sussex County enjoy the scenic roads and trails Northern New Jersey has to offer – but one careless driver, hazardous intersection, or damaged shoulder can change everything. Bicycle accidents often lead to serious, long-term injuries and complex insurance claims.

Here’s what every New Jersey cyclist should know about filing a bicycle accident claim and how a lawyer can help protect your future.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Even the most experienced riders are vulnerable to unpredictable conditions and negligent drivers. Some of the most common causes of bike crashes in NJ include:

Motorists failing to yield or check blind spots
Dooring incidents from parked cars
Poorly maintained roads or unmarked construction zones
Distracted or impaired drivers
Lack of dedicated bike lanes

When visibility is limited and infrastructure doesn’t prioritize cyclists, accidents become far too common. These crashes happen in both suburban and rural parts of New Jersey, especially in areas like Newton, Sparta and the surrounding roads of Sussex and Morris counties.

Serious Injuries Cyclists Often Suffer

Unlike drivers, cyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle around them, so even a minor collision can cause major harm. Injuries we frequently see in New Jersey bike accident claims include:

Head and brain injuries, including concussions and skull fractures
Broken bones, especially wrists, arms, and collarbones
Road rash and deep abrasions from sliding across pavement
Spinal injuries or nerve damage
Internal injuries that may not appear right away

If you’ve been injured, it’s critical to seek medical treatment immediately, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if your recovery keeps you out of work.

Who Is Liable in a NJ Bicycle Accident?

New Jersey law allows injured cyclists to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused the crash. That could include:

A driver who failed to yield, drove distracted, or broke traffic laws
A municipality that failed to maintain safe road conditions
A business responsible for unsafe construction zones or obstructions
A manufacturer of a defective bike part or safety gear

An experienced New Jersey bike accident attorney can help determine who was at fault and pursue all available legal avenues.

How a New Jersey Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Insurance companies don’t make it easy. They often try to blame the cyclist or minimize payouts. Having an experienced lawyer levels the playing field. Here’s how an accident attorney can support your claim:

Gather medical records, witness statements, and crash reports
Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf
Calculate your damages (including future medical costs and lost income)
Take the case to court if needed

Don’t do it alone. Our legal team at Dolan and Dolan has helped injured riders throughout Sussex County recover the compensation they deserve.

Talk to a Bike Accident Attorney in Sussex and Morris County Today

Time matters after a crash. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. At Dolan & Dolan, we help clients across Northern NJ, including Newton, Sussex County, and Morris County, pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured in a bicycle accident in New Jersey?

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.
– Serving Newton, Sparta, Franklin, Vernon, Wantage and all of Sussex County and New Jersey.

Slip and Fall in Northern NJ? What to Do If You’ve Been Injured

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

Were You Hurt in a Slip and Fall in Northern NJ? Here’s What to Do Next.

Slip and fall accidents happen fast but the consequences can last for months or even years. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Sussex or Morris County, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

At Dolan & Dolan, P.A., we’ve been representing injured victims in New Jersey since 1909. Here’s what you need to know and what to do if you were hurt in a fall caused by unsafe conditions.

Act Quickly! New Jersey Has Strict Deadlines

In most slip and fall cases, you have only two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If your fall occurred on public property, the timeline can be as short as 90 days.

That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the more evidence we can gather and the stronger your case will be.

Step 1 – Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries (like head trauma or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away and having medical records strengthens your legal case.

Step 2 – Document Everything

Take photos of the scene, the hazard (wet floor, icy conditions, broken steps, uneven pavement), and your injuries. If anyone saw the fall, get their contact information. Evidence fades quickly – preserve it while you can.

Step 3 – Report the Incident

Report the fall to the property owner, store manager, or landlord. Ask for a copy of the incident report if one is made. Don’t apologize or make assumptions, it can be used against you.

Step 4 – Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Don’t give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement until you’ve spoken with our experienced Northern NJ personal injury attorneys at Dolan and Dolan.

Step 5 – Call Dolan & Dolan for a Free Consultation

We know what it takes to win a premises liability claim in New Jersey. Our attorneys investigate your fall, gather the right evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in NJ:

Icy sidewalks and parking lots
Wet or greasy floors
Loose carpets or mats
Broken stairs or missing handrails
Poor lighting in walkways
Hidden holes or uneven surfaces

Don’t Wait. Get Legal Help Today.

If you’ve been hurt in a fall, your next step matters. Let our experienced team protect your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.
– Serving Newton, Sparta, Franklin, Vernon, Wantage and all of Sussex County and New Jersey.

What to do Immediately After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

Learn the steps to take after a crash in Northern NJ to protect your health and legal rights.

Car accidents happen in a flash. Whether it’s a fender bender on Route 206 or a major collision on I-80, what you do in the moments after an accident can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation later.
If you’ve just been in a car accident in Northern New Jersey, here’s what you need to do right away:

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further damage. Turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately.

2. Call 911

Even for minor accidents, a police report is essential. It creates an official record of what happened and may include witness statements and details about the crash scene. This report will be important for your insurance claim and potentially your personal injury case.

3. Exchange Information

Be polite, but don’t admit fault. Exchange names, contact details, insurance info, driver’s license numbers, and vehicle details with the other driver(s). If there are any witnesses, get their contact info as well.

4. Document the Scene

Take clear photos and videos of all vehicles involved, including visible damage, skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and road conditions. Don’t forget to save any dashcam footage, if available. If you have visible injuries, photograph them as soon as possible.

5. Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, don’t show symptoms right away. Always visit a doctor after a car accident. If your injuries are immediately noticeable, seriously consider being transported by ambulance to the hospital. A medical record not only protects your health but can also help link your injuries to the crash.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer right away and stick to the facts. Ask if your plan has Personal Injury Protection (PIP). In New Jersey, PIP covers medical bills and some lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. It helps you get care fast, but serious injuries may still need legal action to recover full compensation.

7. Don’t Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Without a Lawyer

Their questions may seem routine, but they are trained to get you to say things that can hurt your claim. Let your personal injury attorney handle all communication to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

8. Contact a Local Car Accident Attorney

A Sussex County personal injury attorney can protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If your accident occurred in Sussex, Morris, or Warren County, the experienced team at Dolan & Dolan is ready to help. We offer a free consultation because we’re confident in our ability to win and we want you to feel the same.

Why Choose Dolan & Dolan?

Our Attorneys have over 100 years of legal experience
Our Attorneys have deep roots in Northern New Jersey
Our Attorneys have proven success in car accident and injury claims

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation.

Personal Injury during Quarantine Uncertainty

Posted by bcampbell in Personal Injury

Personal Injury During Quarantine Uncertainty

The majority of us have been sheltering in place for months. We have endured unprecedented stress and perhaps, even loss. As our state begins to reopen, we emerge from quarantine uncertain of whatâ€™s to come and saddled with concerns. With increased travel and mobility comes increased risk for injury. Further complicating this threat is our â€œnew normalâ€ where medical treatment, insurance claims and court proceedings are now far more complicated to navigate. This causes fear, doubt and frustration for those who are suffering and in need of answers.

Now, more than ever, we must rely on our experienced professionals to guide us through these unfamiliar times, while keeping succinct pace with constantly developing changes to our laws and procedures in personal injury cases.

Robert T. Morgenstern is a litigation attorney with over 40 years of experience and expertise in Personal Injury Law. He is a Certified Civil Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court. In this past year, he earned his clients over $4.5 million dollars in compensation. His cases have included:

a. Nursing Home Neglect Death

b. Wrongful Death

c. Traumatic Brain Injury

d. Electrocution

e. Slip and Fall

f. Dog Bite

g. Tractor Accident

h. Bodily Injury

Please contact our office to arrange for a free consultation with Mr. Morgenstern by phone or with your preferred video-chat application.

Catherine Anne Gacquin Joins Firm as Partner

Posted by bcampbell in Family Law, Firm News

Catherine Anne Gacquin Joins Firm as Partner

Catherine Anne Gacquin, Esq. has become a partner in the law firm Dolan & Dolan, PA. She will continue to concentrate her practice on Family Law and related matters.

A graduate of the National University of Ireland (Galway) and Seton Hall Law School, Ms. Gacquin has been in practice for twenty-three years. She is admitted to the bar in New York and New Jersey and is a Court approved Family Law Mediator. Ms. Gacquin is a frequent volunteer for Project Self-Sufficiency and recently received a 2018 Mosaic Award for her contributions to the community. Ms. Gacquin has also volunteered for DASI and Legal Services of Northwest Jersey. Ms. Gacquin sits on the Sussex County Family Law Early Settlement Panel and has served on Blue Ribbon Panels. Originally from Ireland, Ms. Gacquin has lived and worked in Sussex County for the last thirty years. She resides in Wantage with her husband and their son.

Florence A. Hood, Sussex County’s First Female Attorney, Began Her Career at Dolan & Dolan, PA

Posted by bcampbell in Firm News

Florence A. Hood, Sussex County’s First Female Attorney, Began Her Career at Dolan & Dolan, PA

Eleanor Roosevelt joined the female members of the Law School at New York University for afternoon tea in 1929.

Florence A. Hood was initially employed as a stenographer with Dolan & Dolan, PA in 1921. After graduating form the School of Law of New York University in 1930, she returned to Dolan & Dolan to become the first female attorney in Sussex County.

Click here to read Wayne McCabe’s informative article from the New Jersey Herald about one of Dolan & Dolan’s most illustrious alumni.

Why You Should Use a Certified Attorney

Posted by bcampbell in Legal Information, Workers' Compensation

The Board on Attorney Certification was established by the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1980 for the purpose of helping consumers find attorneys who have a recognized level of competence in particular fields of law.

Roger Thomas is the only Certified Workers Compensation Attorney and Robert Morgenstern is one of only three Certified Civil Trial Attorneys practicing in a Sussex County firm.

A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. Attorneys may be designated by the Supreme Court as “certified attorneys” only if they: are able to demonstrate high levels of experience, education, knowledge and skill in a specific area of law or practice; have passed a rigorous examination; and have been recognized by their peers and judges as having sufficient skills and reputation in the designated specialty. Currently, there are five certified specialties: civil trial law, criminal trial law, matrimonial trial law, municipal court law, and workers’ compensation law. For more information, visit the Board on Attorney Certification website at https://njcourts.gov/attorneys/attcert.html .