Dog Bite and Animal Attacks
Approximately five million people are bitten, attacked, or mauled by dogs every year in the United States. Many of those victims visit a doctor or go to an emergency room to receive medical care. Contrary to popular belief, any dog is capable of seriously injuring or killing human beings. Not only can dog bite injuries be physically and psychologically difficult, they can also result in a significant financial burden. Thankfully, Pennsylvania dog bite victims may recover compensation if the owner’s negligence was to blame for the attack.
Pennsylvania law provides that dog attack victims can seek restitution from the owner of the dog responsible for the attack. This means you can file a claim or a lawsuit against the owner and receive compensation for damages related to your dog bite injuries.
Types of Compensable Damages in Dog Bite Claims
If you or your loved one were attacked and seriously wounded by a dog and are entitled to recovery under Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, you may seek compensation for the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Emergency room bills
- Hospitalization
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Surgeries and future reconstructive surgeries
- Medical appointments
- Medications
- Emotional and psychological injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Since a dog bite can occur anywhere on the body and range in severity, it is difficult to generalize a “dog bite injury.” However, some of the most common types of injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- LacerationsBroken Bones
- Facial Injuries
- Permanent Scaring
- Contagious diseases
- Infections, such as osteomyelitis and the potentially deadly sepsis infection
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Death
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are responsible for dog bites, if they knew, or had reason to know, of their dog’s deliberately violent nature. Under Pennsylvania law, dogs are seen as domesticated animals, and thus, deemed harmless, unless otherwise indicated by a vicious tendency or past history of attacks.
That being said, dog owners are legally obligated to restrain, control, or take other safety precautions in order to prevent harm, if they have any indication that their dog may be a physical threat. If a dog is not secured on a leash, properly secured on their owner’s premises or under reasonable control, the owner can be held liable for any unprovoked attack.
Establishing liability can be complicated by factors like the dog’s previous bite history and the severity of the injury. To determine if you’re eligible for compensation and to begin moving forward with your case, consult the Law Offices of Williams & Scheetz for dedicated zealous and compassionate representation for your dog bite injury in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your case. Please call us at 215-322-7340 to schedule a free consultation.
