Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you were injured after being attacked or bitten by another person’s dog, you might be facing mounting medical bills and an inability to return to work. However, under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to seek compensation from a negligent pet owner through a civil lawsuit.
Therefore, after a dog bite injury, it is often vital that you immediately take steps to protect your legal rights. By working with a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, you could have your questions answered and receive legal guidance with each step of the claims process. A steadfast Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will help by working tirelessly to pursue compensation on your behalf, so that you could focus on your recovery.
Laws for Pet Owner Liability
Like most states, Pennsylvania has statutes regarding liability in a dog attack case. For years, Pennsylvania followed the legal theory known as the “one free bite” rule. This rule—which is still in effect in many states—only allowed for an injury victim to recover damages if the owner had prior notice of a dog’s violent nature. In other words, every dog had “one free bite” before an owner effectively became legally liable for any injuries caused by their attacks.
However, under the current state law, a pet owner can face liability for an attack, even when their dog has never exhibited violent tendencies before. In fact, as long as an injured person does not provoke the animal before an attack, they may be entitled to recover compensation.
Another important factor relates to leash laws. If a dog violated a local leash law at the time of the attack, there may be a presumption that the pet owner was responsible. From investigating the facts to identifying a pet’s owner, an experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorney may be able to help anyone injured in an attack to build a successful case.
Potential Damages in a Dog Attack Case
Dogs of all sizes can be unpredictable. When canines lash out, the injuries can be severe. Even bites from small dogs can lead to scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and lacerations, however. In the most severe cases, an attack can even be fatal.
Thankfully, many people who are injured by another person’s pet have the right to pursue compensation. With the help of a skilled dog attack attorney in Philadelphia, an injured individual might successfully recover damages for both past expenses, as well as for ongoing care. The types of damages commonly available in these cases include requested recovery for medical bills, disfigurement, and lost wages.
Medical Bills
Medical bills are the most common expense related to many injury claims. These damages aim to compensate an injured claimant for a number of medical costs, ranging from any required emergency room visits immediately following an injury, to physical therapy costs months later.
Disfigurement
Dog bites often lead to severe scarring. As a result, an injury victim might be able to pursue financial compensation for any scarring or disfigurement caused by an attack.
Lost Wages
When a person attacked by a dog misses work due to their injuries, they might also have a viable claim for lost wages against the pet owner. Furthermore, the injured plaintiff might also have the chance to recover damages for any diminished future earning capacity caused by the bite.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite victims often suffer a range of injuries that can lead to long-term physical and emotional trauma. In many dog bite cases, a Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help victims seek compensation for the harm inflicted by a dog owner’s negligence. Understanding common dog bite injuries is essential for anyone pursuing a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania.
Severe Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can range from minor punctures to life-threatening conditions. Many dog bite cases involve severe injury, such as broken bones, deep lacerations, and permanent scarring. Victims of a dog attack often need immediate medical treatment to address these injuries, which may require surgery or long-term care. These injuries can occur on public or private property and can result in facial injuries, which often lead to significant disfigurement.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD
While physical wounds from dog bites are common, emotional trauma is often just as severe. Many dog bite victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a dog bite incident. This psychological distress can last long after the physical injuries heal, impacting a victim’s quality of life. Experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyers understand the importance of accounting for both physical and emotional injuries in a personal injury claim.
Infections and Long-Term Medical Costs
Dog bites can result in infections, requiring extensive medical care. Rabies and tetanus are two dangerous conditions that can develop after a dog bite, especially if the dog’s history of vaccination is unclear. Many bite injuries also lead to nerve damage, which can cause ongoing pain and loss of function in the affected area. Victims may face mounting medical bills for both immediate and long-term care, including rehabilitation and physical therapy. Experienced dog bite attorneys can help ensure that victims receive compensation for their medical expenses and other damages.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
Severe dog bite injuries can prevent an injured party from returning to work, resulting in lost wages and reduced future earning potential. In many dog bite lawsuits, victims seek compensation not only for their past medical costs but also for the financial impact of being unable to work due to the injuries they sustained. Philadelphia dog bite attorneys work to recover these lost wages and ensure victims receive adequate compensation.
Fatal Dog Attacks
In the most tragic dog bite accident cases, attacks can be fatal. When dangerous dogs attack with aggressive behavior, victims may lose their lives due to the severity of the injuries inflicted. In such cases, a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the victim’s family to hold the negligent dog owner accountable.
If you’ve suffered any of these common dog bite injuries, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced dog bite attorney. Pennsylvania dog bite laws protect victims, allowing them to file claims for the injuries and emotional trauma sustained. Whether the dog bite accident occurred on the dog owner’s property or elsewhere, a Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a dog bite injury claim and work to prove negligence on the part of the dog’s owner.
A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can provide a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and determine the best legal strategy for recovering damages. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Contact a Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney for Help
When the careless or reckless behavior of a pet owner caused your injuries, you should not have to cover your related medical costs and associated expenses alone. With the help of a well-versed Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, you could pursue these damages by filing a lawsuit against the owner.
However, navigating the claims process alone can be difficult. By working with a dedicated and experienced attorney, you could rest assured that you have a legal professional on your side. To get started, call today.
FAQ: Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident?
If you are the victim of a dog bite accident, it is important to take immediate action. First, seek medical treatment to address your injuries. Next, report the incident to local authorities, such as the state dog warden, especially if the attack occurred on public or private property. Gathering information about the dog’s owner and any witnesses can also help strengthen your dog bite claim. Finally, consult with Philadelphia dog bite attorneys to understand your legal rights and how to prove negligence.
2. What types of injuries can result from a dog bite?
Common dog bite injuries include broken bones, lacerations, facial injuries, and nerve damage. Infections such as rabies or tetanus can also occur. In some cases, victims may experience emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to the attack. Severe bites can lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, and fatal dog attacks can tragically occur. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, contributing to high medical costs.
3. Can I file a dog bite lawsuit if the dog has no prior history of aggression?
Yes, under Pennsylvania dog bite laws, you can file a dog bite lawsuit even if the dog had no previous record of aggressive behavior. The state’s laws allow victims to seek compensation if they were attacked unprovoked, regardless of the dog’s history. An experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can help guide you through the process of filing a dog bite injury claim.
4. What compensation can I seek in a dog bite case?
In a dog bite injury case, victims can seek compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to claim compensation for future medical expenses if long-term care is required, as well as for emotional distress. In cases of severe disfigurement or diminished earning capacity, a dog bite attorney can help calculate and pursue appropriate damages.
5. What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, you typically have two years from the date of the dog bite attack to file a personal injury claim. This time limit applies to many personal injury cases, including dog bite cases. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation. A Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
6. Does homeowners’ insurance cover dog bite claims?
In many cases, liability insurance through a homeowner’s policy may cover damages related to a dog bite injury. This coverage may apply even if the attack occurred on public or private property. An experienced dog bite attorney can help negotiate with the insurance company to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
7. Can I file a claim if I was bitten by a dog on the owner’s property?
Yes, you may still file a dog bite claim even if the attack occurred on the dog owner’s property. Pennsylvania dog bite laws allow victims to pursue compensation regardless of where the incident took place. If the dog bite incident resulted from negligent dog owner behavior, such as failing to confine a dangerous dog, you have the right to seek damages.
8. How can an experienced dog bite lawyer help my case?
An experienced dog bite attorney can help you by building a strong case to demonstrate that the dog’s owner was negligent. They can gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary. Experienced dog bite lawyers also ensure that your dog bite injury case is filed within the required timeframe and that you receive compensation for all relevant damages, including lost wages, medical costs, and emotional distress.
9. What is the “one free bite” rule?
The “one free bite” rule, still followed in some states, allowed a dog’s owner to avoid liability for the first bite unless the dog had a history of aggression. However, Pennsylvania dog bite laws no longer follow this rule. A Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can help you understand how this change in law affects your right to seek compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite.
10. How do I get started with a dog bite injury claim?
Contact Philadelphia dog bite attorneys for a free consultation to begin your dog bite injury claim. They will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through each step of the claims process. By working with experienced dog bite attorneys, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and secure the compensation you deserve under Pennsylvania law.
Contact a Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
When the careless or reckless behavior of a pet owner caused your injuries, you should not have to cover your related medical costs and associated expenses alone. With the help of a well-versed Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, you could pursue these damages by filing a lawsuit against the owner.
By working with a dedicated and experienced attorney, you could rest assured that you have a legal professional on your side.
Philadelphia Office Location
1700 Market St Suite 3150,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-7600