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 forced to miss work. Some victims of bites develop anxiety around other dogs, and they may have permanent, disfiguring injuries. 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 an owner is negligent. Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. protects the rights of bite victims. Reach out to us by phone or through our online contact form to learn more about getting compensation after an animal attack. You have rights as the victim of an animal attack, and our team can help you recover money for your medical expenses, missed time at work, and the ongoing suffering and trauma you have endured.
Call us today if you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal bite, or if you need a brain injury lawyer in Philadelphia.
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 animal bites, meaning 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. Any failure to take proper precautions with their pet is considered negligence and could necessitate litigation.
Under Pennsylvania law, the owners are liable for all damages if their pet bites or attacks a person, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. You have the option to take legal action and make a liability claim against the 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 owner is liable for injuries caused by their pet. For example, if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property, the owner may not be liable because the animal was acting in defense of the property. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can tell you if any exceptions apply to your liability claim.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, pet owners are primarily liable for injuries caused by their dogs, including 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 it had never bitten anyone before.
According to Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dogs law, an owner is liable for all damages if their dog:
- Bites or attacks a person without provocation
- Injures a person, another domestic animal, or property
If you or a loved one has endured suffering related to a domestic animal bite of any kind, you may have grounds for a lawsuit, so we suggest speaking to an attorney as soon as possible about your claim.
Exceptions to Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. An 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./li>
- 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 incident 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.
Dogs with a History of Bites
Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dogs law can impose additional liabilities on pet owners whose pets have a history of attacks. If a pet has previously attacked a human or domestic animal, has caused significant property damage, or has been used previously in the commission of a crime, its owners are required to take precautions to prevent a recurrence. Once the first attack occurs, any subsequent attacks are considered no accident; dangerous pet owners must keep dangerous pets muzzled and on a leash when in public. At home, they must keep them confined within the house, out of view of children who may try to interact with them. They must also carry $50,000 in insurance for injuries caused by the animal, among many other requirements. If they fail to get that insurance or to comply with any other requirements, and their pet bites you, you will have a very good chance of receiving compensation.
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 an animal bite, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to comprehend your legal entitlements and explore avenues for obtaining compensation. Don’t let pet owners get away with negligence; call a lawyer and pursue justice for any trauma related to an animal attack.
How Dog Bite Lawyers Handle Cases Involving Children
When a child is bitten by a dog, it generally plays out the same way as it would with a similar case involving an adult, but there is an important exception. Whereas a pet owner may not be held responsible for a bite if an adult was trespassing on their property, that may not apply to a child. That’s because a dog can be considered an attractive nuisance, legally defined as something that could lure children onto a property and put them in danger. Because children are not generally capable of understanding trespassing laws or of reading warning signs, a pet owner may still bear liability if a child is bitten while entering their property without permission, especially if the animal has a documented history of attacks.
Those with pets have a responsibility to keep children and passers-by safe from animal attacks, and if your child entered another person’s property without permission and was bitten, you may still have a valid claim. The best thing to do is contact a personal injury law firm to discuss the specifics of your case.
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 is getting medical treatment. However, the following can protect your legal rights as a victim and improve your chances of getting compensation in the form of a settlement or successful lawsuit:
- Report to the police the animal attack incident for record purposes
- Get the name and contact details of witnesses
- Take photos of your wound for evidence
- Inform the Division of Disease Control in Philly of the incident
- Notify Philadelphia Animal Control Services
Taking these steps can protect your claim against the owner and make any future litigation more likely to be successful. 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-related incident is different, and the compensation awarded in a lawsuit 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, the repercussions of the incident on your daily life, and your recovery time. For instance, if you underwent significant surgery, prolonged hospitalization, or continuous rehabilitation as a result of the bite, your prospective compensation would probably be greater compared to if you only required minor medical treatment. You may also not have a valid claim at all if you were trespassing and the animal was acting in defense of the property.
Other factors that can influence the amount of your settlement include lost wages if you were unable to work during your recovery, you had significant medical bills or 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
A pet owner or their insurance company may offer you a settlement after an animal attack, but don’t accept any offers without speaking to your legal counsel. Does their offer cover the damage caused? Was the accident avoidable? Did the animal have a history of biting people? The answers to these questions can affect the amount of your compensation. Our lawyers can help you negotiate the maximum settlement and protect your rights in court, if necessary.
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 bite injury 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 animal’s 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. That’s why it is so important to get legal counsel, begin gathering evidence, and initiate litigation as soon as possible after the attack. That is your best chance of being compensated for your injuries, suffering and trauma, and the expenses you incurred during your recovery.
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 lawsuit and seek justice.
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 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. Call us today if you need bone fracture lawyers in Philadelphia or legal counsel about any other injury or damage sustained in a domestic animal attack.
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 to protect your rights and start gathering evidence as soon as possible. At Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C., we recognize the physical, emotional, and financial hurdles that bite victims encounter, and we’re dedicated to aiding you in navigating the intricate legal journey of pursuing compensation for your damages. You can be compensated for your medical bills, missed time at work, and other expenses related to your recovery.
If you are the victim of a domestic animal attack, 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. Don’t let pet owners get away with negligence. To explore your legal rights and avenues further, please contact us or use our online contact form.
