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Dog Bites / Attacks

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 77 million dogs live in U.S. households.

Dog Bite Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 77 million dogs live in U.S. households. A dog attack can be a terrifying and traumatic incident and can cause serious injuries and both physical and emotional scars. Though dogs live peacefully with humans in most situations, millions of people are bitten by dogs every year, and the majority of dog attack victims are children. 

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law

Pennsylvania ranks 5th in the nation for dog bite claims. In Pennsylvania, dog owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries their dogs cause.

What is the “One Bite” Rule? Does it Apply in Pennsylvania?

Most states, including Pennsylvania, have specific written rules regarding dog bites. In states that do not have written laws about dog bites, the default “one bite” rule applies.

 The “one bite” rule means that a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog if the owner knew, or should have known, that their dog was likely to injure someone. It is called the “one bite” rule because, if a dog has already bitten someone once (“one bite”), the owner should have known that they could do it again. However, under Pennsylvania law, one prior bite is an indication that the owner may be liable, but it is not a strict rule. Under Pennsylvania law, a dog owner can be liable even if their dog has not bitten before, and a dog owner will not always be liable just because their dog has bitten before.

What is the Owner’s Responsibility in a Dog Bite Case?

In Pennsylvania, a dog owner found to be responsible for a dog bite or dog attack is liable for all the victim’s medical expenses, past and future. If the owner can be shown to have been negligent, the victim may be able to claim additional damages.

Preventing Dog Bites

Preventing a dog bite is obviously the best option for both the owner and any potential victims. Ways to help prevent dog bites include:

  • Formal dog training
  • Know and follow all leash laws
  • Fence in your yard
  • Always remain in control of your dog
  • Spay or neuter your dog
  • Know your dog and get extra training or better restraints, if needed

 If your dog attacks another person, not only will you be responsible for paying medical expenses, but you may also have to surrender your dog. The best way to prevent this unhappy situation is through prevention.  If a dog owner fails to take reasonable steps to control their dog and prevent it from biting or attacking another person or animal, the owner can be held liable for the injuries and damages caused.

As a Dog Owner, Can You Recover Damages if Your Dog is Attacked?

If your own dog is injured in a dog attack, you may be able to recover compensation for veterinary bills for your dog’s medical treatment as a result of the attack. If you or your dog provoked the other dog, this could reduce the amount of damages that you claim. It is important to talk to a Pennsylvania dog bite attorney to discuss whether or not you are entitled to bring a claim for compensation.

Top Causes of Dog Bite Attacks

Dogs can attack a person for many reasons, and, sadly, most dog bite victims are children. Often when a dog attacks, it is:

  • Sick or in pain
  • Afraid or Surprised
  • Feeling trapped or threatened
  • Protecting itself, its young, or its owner
  • Provoked by teasing or tormenting
  • Lacking proper training or restraint
  • Trained to behave in an aggressive manner

Common Injuries in a Dog Bite Attack

Dog bites and attacks are physically and mentally traumatic. When a dog attacks a person, especially a child who is smaller and susceptible to more severe injuries, it can cause:

  • Lacerations and scarring 
  • Puncture wounds
  • Bruising and abrasions
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding and bruising
  • Brain injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Infection

 A vicious dog attack or a subsequent infection from wounds suffered in a dog attack, can even be fatal in some cases.

How to Proceed Immediately Following a Dog Bite

If you or a family member is bitten or attacked by a dog, get to a safe place away from the attacking dog as quickly as possible, or ensure that the dog is restrained.

When you are safe, you must tend to your injuries. It is vital to get medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the bite breaks the skin because dog bites are prone to infection and can cause rabies or tetanus.

If you can, identify the dog and get contact details for the dog owner and any witnesses. If possible, you should also take photos of the dog, the injuries, and any relevant conditions that led to the dog attack, such as a broken fence or worn restraint.

Report the dog attack to your local police, so that there is a police report of your attack and so they can take appropriate action to prevent future attacks.

Finally, contact a dog bite attorney. You may need professional legal help to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve from the dog owner or insurance company.

The Timeline of Your Dog Bite Case

The timing of any personal injury case, including a dog bite or dog attack case, depends on a number of factors and every case is different and must be assessed and handled based on the particular facts and circumstances involved. In cases where a victim has minimal harm or where the dog owner or insurance company makes a reasonable settlement offer, the case may be settled relatively quickly. However, if a victim has severe physical or mental injuries, it might be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit, and such cases might involve drawn-out negotiations, and sometimes a trial. These more complex cases can last upwards of 2 years. The team at Solnick Lawyers understands that these timelines can be frustrating, but they are necessary to ensure that the full details of your attack and injuries are uncovered and that you receive the maximum compensation for your dog attack.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Injury Claim

If you have suffered a dog bite injury, your right to compensation will be determined by state law, and you should speak to an attorney in your state to discuss your options. In Pennsylvania, a dog owner is legally and financially liable for a victim’s past and future medical bill as a result of the dog attack.

 However, Pennsylvania dog bite law does not automatically entitle you to compensation over and above medical expenses. In order to obtain compensation for other harm caused, including your physical discomfort, scarring and emotional trauma (known as “pain and suffering”), you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit and prove that the dog owner (or another person) was negligent.

 Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Lawsuit

There are four elements to negligence in a dog bite or dog attack lawsuit or any personal injury claim.

First, you must show that someone owed you a duty of reasonable care. We all owe a duty to take reasonable care to other people in the world around us, such as by driving carefully or restraining a potentially dangerous dog.

Next, you must prove that the person breached that duty; for example, by allowing a dog that they know is likely to bite someone to run off-leash in a children’s play area.

Third, you must show that you were harmed or suffered loss as a result of a dog bite or dog attack, which could include anything from physical injuries and lost wages to emotional distress and anxiety.

Finally, to be successful in proving negligence, you must show the connection between your harm and the defendant’s failure to take reasonable care. Basically, you must prove that their failure caused your harm.

If you succeed in proving each of these four elements, you will have a successful negligence claim and you should be entitled to higher compensation, compensation that includes more than basic medical expenses, for injuries which you suffer as a result of a dog attack or dog bite.

Why It’s Vital to Work with a Dog Bite Accident Lawyer

It is important to work with a dog bite injury attorney if you are considering a dog bite claim. A dog bite case can involve multiple parties, including the dog owner and their insurance company. Insurance companies handle claims like these every day and have the lawyers and the resources to fight your claim and reduce your compensation. A dog bite lawyer can level the playing field and protect your right to compensation.

 A dog bite or dog attack case can also be particularly antagonistic because dog owners are concerned that their dog could be taken away or euthanized. This can lead to difficult negotiations and angry exchanges. A dog attack attorney will handle these conversations for you, and protect your legal rights.

Cases we handle:

  • Personal Injury Claims
  • Bicycle Accidents
  • Bus Accidents
  • SEPTA Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Construction Site Accidents
  • Dog Bites / Attacks
  • Electric Scooter Accidents
  • Insurance / Bad Faith Claims
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents
  • Premises Liability Claims
  • Rideshare Accidents
  • Lyft Accidents
  • Uber Accidents
  • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Wrongful Death

Work with Solnick Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Case in Pennsylvania

Solnick Lawyers has been representing victims of dog bites and attacks in the Greater Philadelphia area, and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, for more than 20 years. We are not intimidated by the tactics of aggressive corporations, insurance companies, or government agencies. We face them day after day in negotiations and courtrooms to secure justice for our clients, and we will do the same for you. We are on your side. Contact us today for a free consultation.

FAQs on Dog Bites and Dog Attacks in Pennsylvania

Every state has a deadline by which personal injury claims must be filed. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident.

Those who fail to file claims within the statute of limitations may forfeit the right to pursue legal action against the dog owner.

To ensure your claim is filed in a timely manner, you should consult an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the dog attack.

Damages in a dog bite claim may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Scarring, including scar revision surgery
  • Lost wages
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical care

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