Being attacked by a dog can be a painful, terrifying experience, but that is just the beginning of the struggles victims of dog bites face. Medical bills may be draining your savings, and you could be missing work. Some victims of dog bites develop anxiety around other dogs. This can be a lifelong battle that warrants compensation.
Dogs may be considered man’s best friends, but that can change in an instant when a dog owner is negligent. Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. protects the rights of dog bite victims. Reach out to us by phone or through our online contact form to learn more about getting compensation after an animal attack.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Philadelphia, PA?
Yes, you can file a dog bite lawsuit in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania follows strict liability laws for dog bites, meaning dog owners are held responsible for the actions of their pets, even if they didn’t know beforehand of their dog’s aggressive behavior or propensity to bite.
Under Pennsylvania law, the dog owners are liable for all damages if their dog bites or attacks a person, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. You have the option to take legal action and make a claim against the dog owner to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
There are some exceptions to the rule that a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog. For example, if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property, the owner may not be liable. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can tell you if any exceptions apply to your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are primarily liable for injuries caused by their dogs, including dog bites. The state follows a strict liability rule, which means that the dog owner is responsible for damages even if they had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies or if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
According to Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dogs law, a dog owner is liable for all damages if their dog:
- Bites or attacks a person without provocation
- Injures a person, another domestic animal, or property
Exceptions to Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. A dog owner may not be liable if:
- The victim was found to be trespassing on the property owned by the dog owner.
- The victim was either in the process of committing a crime or attempting to do so.
- The victim provoked the dog.
- The dog was being used by law enforcement or military personnel in the course of their official duties.
Shared Liability in Philadelphia Dog Bite Claims
In certain situations, additional parties may also bear responsibility for a dog bite incident, including:
- Property owners: If the dog bite took place on another individual’s property, the property owner could be held liable if they were aware of the dog’s presence and its capacity to inflict harm but neglected to implement reasonable precautions.
- Parents or guardians: If a minor owns a dog that causes injury, the parents or legal guardians may be liable for the damages.
- Keepers or harborers: People who are tasked with the care and supervision of a dog, even if they are not its legal owner, could be held accountable for injuries caused by the animal.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the laws regarding dog bites in Pennsylvania can be intricate, and the liability for resulting damages hinges on the unique circumstances of each case. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a dog bite, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to comprehend your legal entitlements and explore avenues for obtaining compensation.
What to Do if You Were Bitten By a Dog in Philadelphia
Suffering from a dog attack can be overwhelming. The immediate concern after being bitten by a dog is getting medical treatment. However, the following can protect your legal rights as a victim.
- Report to the police the dog/pet attack incident for record purposes
- Get the name and contact details of witnesses
- Take photos of your wound
- Inform the Division of Disease Control in Philly of the dog attack incident
- Notify Philadelphia Animal Control Services
Taking these steps can protect your claim against the dog’s owner. Contact Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. or reach out to us online to learn more about how to protect your rights after an animal attack in Pennsylvania.
How Much Money Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?
The amount of money you receive from a dog bite claim varies significantly depending on the unique circumstances of your case. Each dog bite incident is different, and the compensation awarded will be tailored to the specific factors involved.
Numerous factors are pivotal in assessing the worth of your claim, including the seriousness of your injuries, the scope of your medical care, and the repercussions of the incident on your daily life. For instance, if you underwent significant surgery, prolonged hospitalization, or continuous rehabilitation as a result of the dog bite, your prospective compensation would probably be greater compared to if you only required minor medical treatment.
Other factors that can influence the amount of your settlement include lost wages if you were unable to work during your recovery, any permanent scarring or disfigurement, and the emotional trauma you experienced as a result of the attack.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Dog Bite in Philadelphia?
If you or a loved one like your child has been bitten or seriously injured after a dog attack, you can be eligible for compensation. How much you receive will vary and be dependent on various factors, the extent of injuries acquired after the dog attack. The compensation you can claim may cover the following:
- Medical expenses
- Emergency room visits
- Hospitalization costs
- Surgery and medication
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Plastic surgery for scarring or disfigurement
- Counseling for emotional trauma
- Future medical expenses related to the injury
- Loss of earnings (both present and future)
- Wages lost due to time off work for recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work
- Loss of future income if the injury results in a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Physical pain endured during and after the attack
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Psychological trauma
The Deadline to File a Claim After a Dog Bite in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, as well as the rest of Pennsylvania, the deadline to file a claim after a dog bite is governed by the state’s statute of limitations. It’s crucial to understand these time limits to ensure that you don’t lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you have been bitten by a dog and intend to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner, you typically have a two-year window from the date of the incident to take action. This two-year timeframe is applicable to the majority of cases involving dog bites and other injuries inflicted by dogs.
The Time Limit for Minors
Often, the victims of dog bites are minors. If the victim of a dog bite is a minor (under 18 years old), the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until the child reaches their 18th birthday. This means that a minor victim has until their 20th birthday to file a dog bite lawsuit.
The Discovery Rule
In some cases, the “discovery rule” may extend the time limit for filing a lawsuit. This rule applies when the victim did not immediately discover the extent or cause of their injuries. In such circumstances, the two-year countdown may commence from the date when the victim realized, or should have reasonably realized, the link between the dog bite and their injuries.
It’s essential to recognize that although you have a two-year window to initiate a dog bite lawsuit, it’s wise to begin the process promptly. Promptly consulting with an experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help you gather evidence while it’s still fresh, locate witnesses, and build a case for compensation.
What Are the Types of Dog Injuries That May Qualify for Compensation in a Civil Claim?
Many victims of dog attacks file civil claims in Pennsylvania after sustaining injuries:
- Puncture wounds
- Blood loss
- Crushing wounds
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Fractures
- Nerve injuries
- Head and brain trauma
- Rabies
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one suffered dog bite injuries, seeking legal action can provide compensation at this challenging moment.
Get a Free Consultation With a Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or someone you love has experienced a dog bite in Philadelphia, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from a dog bite lawyer. At Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C., we recognize the physical, emotional, and financial hurdles that dog bite victims encounter, and we’re dedicated to aiding you in navigating the intricate legal journey of pursuing compensation for your damages.
Our committed team can construct a compelling case on your behalf. We’ll conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident, retrieve evidence, and tirelessly strive to hold negligent dog owners responsible for the injuries inflicted by their animals. To explore your legal rights and avenues further, please contact us or use our online contact form.
