Recent New Jersey Dog Bite Case Settles for $235,000
Published by New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer, Jeffrey Hark.
New Jersey, Camden County
ANIMALS
Dog Bite — Premises Liability — Animals — Animal Control
Dog bite caused boy’s facial lacerations, suit alleged
Settlement $235,000
Case Elijah Trader, a minor child, by his mother and guardian ad litem, Angela Medina v. Arif Smith, No. CAM-L-1818-15
Court Camden County Superior Court
Judge Anthony M. Pugliese
Date 11/2/2015
Plaintiff
Attorney(s)
Jeffrey S. Hark, Hark & Hark, P.C., Cherry Hill, NJ
Defense
Attorney(s)
John R. Dalvet, Venema Proko & Keahey, Philadelphia, PA
Facts & Allegations
On April 26, 2015, plaintiff Elijah Trader, a minor, was on the premises of Arif Smith when Smith’s dog, which was running loose, attacked Trader by jumping at his face, causing lacerations. The attack was unprovoked.
Elijah’s mother sued Smith on his behalf.
New Jersey’s strict liability dog-bite statute applied to the case.
Injuries/Damages
bite mark; face; scar and/or disfigurement, face; sutures; psychiatric
Elijah was taken to a nearby hospital emergency room, where he was treated. He received numerous sutures to close facial wounds that will leave him with permanent scars.
A plastic surgeon has recommended debridement and future plastic surgery to mitigate the scarring.
Elijah was traumatized and has undergone some psychological counseling and he claimed a psychological overlay.
Result
The case settled for $235,000 on Nov. 2, 2015, and was approved at a hearing before Superior Court Judge Anthony M. Pugliese on Dec. 17, 2015.
Plaintiff(s)
Angela Medina
Elijah Trader
Demand None reported
Offer None reported
Insurer(s)
None reported
Plaintiff Expert(s)
Joy B. Cohen, Psy. D., psychology/counseling, Cherry Hill, NJ (Jeffrey S. Hark)
Defense Expert(s)
None reported
Post-Trial
None reported
Editor’s Note
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiffs’ counsel. Defense counsel declined to contribute.
Plaintiff(s) Demographics
Angela Medina
Age: None reported
Occupation: None reported
Gender: Female
Married: None reported
Children: Yes
Children Description: None reported
Elijah Trader
Age: None reported
Occupation: None reported
Gender: Male
Married: No
Children: No
Children Description: injured party
Written By –Jon Steiger
