Pennsylvania Dog Bite Attorneys
Most dogs are beloved in the U.S. More than 78.2 million dogs have a home across the country and are known for their playful nature. They’re part of the family.
But it’s important to remember that dogs still have instincts. They may react when they feel threatened, scared, or want to protect their owners. Some are even trained to be vicious. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their animals – they must follow the leash laws and dog bite laws for the area where they live and places they visit.
If you, or your child, became the victim of a dog bite attack, you know that it can be traumatizing. It has nothing to do with you being a “dog hater” or going after owners of dangerous dog breeds. You just want the compensation you deserve for the medical bills, lost wages (if you had to miss work), scars, and pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Injury Questions
What types of dogs are known to be dangerous dog breeds?
Many of these dogs never pose a threat to people, but they are known to have the potential to be dangerous:
Who is responsible for my dog bite injuries?
Dog owners are responsible for controlling their dogs, which means they must follow the leash laws and dog bite laws for their state, and any places they visit. A person who allows their dog to run without a leash, or who owns a dog that attacks another person, may be liable for medical expenses and pain and suffering. A person who owns a dangerous dog may also face criminal penalties, including prison time and fines. Every state’s dog leash law and dog bite law is different, so be sure to know the laws for your state.
What compensation can I collect for a dog bite?
You may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages (if you had to miss work), pain and suffering, and scars.
What if the dog owner is a family member or friend?
The truth is that many dog bites happen at a friend’s house or in family member’s home. Many people worry about suing someone they care about, but they still want to get compensation for medical bills.
You may be relieved to know that we usually file a claim against the insurance company that provides renters’ or homeowners’ coverage – not the dog owner.
What is the dog bite law for Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, a dog owner is responsible for all damages when their dog attacks a person and severely injures them (broken bones, disfiguring cuts and bruises, scars, and other injuries that require cosmetic surgery). Or, an owner is responsible if their dog has been considered dangerous previously, and it attacks a person. Dog bite victims also can recover full compensation if the dog owner was negligent in some way or fails to follow the state dog laws, including the leash law.
If the dog hasn’t bitten before, two things can happen:
- If the victim’s injuries are severe, he or she can make a claim against the dog owner for medical expenses, as well as other losses and legal damages.
- A victim who was not severely injured can make a claim for medical expenses.
What if another person’s dog attacks my dog?
If another person’s dog attacks your dog, you may want the owner to pay the veterinary bills. However, we only handle cases where people are injured in dog bite attacks.
What will happen to the dog who attacked me or my child?
Once again, this depends on the state’s laws. Usually, the dog owner will have to report the attack to the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement or State Dog Warden, as well as the local police department. The dog will be placed on a list of “dangerous dogs” or “potentially dangerous dogs.” The owner has to notify the Bureau as well if they sell or give away the dog, and provide contact info for the new owner. In severe cases and when the dog is a threat to people, officers may impound the dog or put it down.
Victim of a Dog Bite? Get a Free Legal Evaluation Now
Call 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427) or fill out the form at the top right of this page for a no obligation, free legal evaluation. Find out if you have a dog bite case today.
