Many dog owners appreciate their pets' companionship and the positive effects of dog ownership on their physical and mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, dog attacks are a common cause of injury in the United States. It can be both physically and financially draining to recover from dog bite injuries.

You have the right to seek financial compensation for your losses after a dog bite, just as you would in any other personal injury case. However, there are a few state-wide statutes in Pennsylvania that could either help or hurt your case. According to Pennsylvania law, dog owners are fully responsible for any and all medical bills incurred as a result of a dog bite, regardless of whether or not the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. You must prove the dog owner's legal negligence in order to receive compensation for non-economic damages like lost wages, physical suffering, and permanent disability or disfigurement.

To prove negligence for a dog bite, it is usually necessary to show that the dog's owner had prior knowledge of the dog's vicious propensities and failed to take the necessary precautions to keep the dog under control and safe from harming anyone.

The law office of Brandon J. Broderick strives to provide its clients with the highest quality legal representation, as well as compassion, honesty, and respect. When hiring one of our Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys, no retainer is necessary. We are only paid if we are successful, so there is no risk involved in hiring us. If we don't succeed, you owe us nothing.

Dog bite victims who know or are related to the dog's owner may struggle with the decision to pursue legal action. However, most dog bite claims are covered by homeowner's insurance. Filing a claim for damages resulting from a dog bite does not necessarily result in euthanasia. If you do not file a claim, you may be responsible for covering your own medical expenses and other damages.

We can assist you in recovering your losses if you contact us today. An experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorney is available for free consultations by calling (877) 665-8408.

This information below discusses dog bite-related injuries and your legal options in Pennsylvania.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU RECOVER FROM YOUR SETBACK

Ensure that your current and anticipated medical needs are covered

A dog attack can be extremely traumatic, causing permanent damage to a person's physical and mental health. Think about your future healthcare needs and how to protect your legal rights. Think about how your injuries will affect you physically, emotionally, financially, and in every other way for the rest of your life. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, you should be compensated fairly. Avoid the common error of settling too quickly.

Highly skilled negotiators and litigators with extensive experience

Many Pennsylvania dog bite victims believe they do not need legal representation because of the state's dog bite laws. Even if liability is not disputed, an insurance company may reduce the value of your claim or deny payment of all damages. If you hire Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf and help you get the money that you are entitled to.

Allow us to be your advocates

Brandon J. Broderick is here to help if you find yourself in need of legal representation so that you can focus on healing. Our law office in Pennsylvania is committed to securing the compensation you need and deserve. We promise to do everything in our power to defend your rights and support you as you go through this trying time.

Contact us today for a no-cost consultation to go over your legal options.

HOW DOES PENNSYLVANIA LAW DEFINE “DANGEROUS DOGS”?

Pennsylvania has specific laws governing the liability of dog owners in the event that their animal causes harm to others. In Pennsylvania, there is a "dangerous dog" statute that holds the owner responsible if the dog injures a person, livestock, or another dog or animal.

The Definition of a "Dangerous Dog"

Under Pennsylvania's Dog Law, a "dangerous dog" is defined as a dog that has:

  • Inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property.
  • Killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal, dog, or cat without provocation while off the owner’s property.
  • Attacked a human being without provocation.
  • Been used in the commission of a crime.

And the dog has either or both of the following:

  • A history of attacking human beings and/or domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, without provocation.
  • A propensity to attack human beings and/or domestic animals, such as dogs or cats, without provocation.

*A propensity to attack may be proven by a single incident.

Severe injury is defined as [3 P.S. § 459-102] “any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.”

LIABILITY FOR DOG BITES IN PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania is one of the majority of states that imposes "strict liability" on dog owners in the event of a dog bite. This means that if a dog bites you unprovoked, the owner is automatically liable for your injuries and must cover your medical expenses. As Pennsylvania is a strict liability state, the dog bite victim is not required to demonstrate that the owner was aware of the dog's tendency to bite without provocation, and the dog's history of biting is irrelevant.

However, if the victim is seeking compensation for damages in addition to medical expenses, Pennsylvania requires the victim to demonstrate that the dog owner was negligent at the time of the attack. In other words, the injured party must demonstrate that the dog owner committed a mistake such as:

  • Failing to keep a dog restrained
  • Failing to warn others of a dog’s known dangerous propensity or aggressiveness
  • Failing to keep a dog known to be dangerous away from others

The victim may receive both economic and non-economic damages if negligence is proven. Economic damages are monetary compensation that can be awarded for monetary losses. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and loss of future earning capacity. The purpose of non-economic damages is to compensate you for any non-monetary losses you may have sustained. This includes, but is not limited to, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment, and loss of consortium.

Brandon J. Broderick, a Pennsylvania attorney specializing in dog bite cases, can assist you in determining if you are eligible for compensation beyond medical expenses. They will determine whether you can prove that the dog owner was negligent and owes you compensation.

In some instances, the owner can avoid liability even if their dog bit you or caused you injury.

Some examples include:

  • Because the dog was a working police dog, it did not meet the statutory definition of "dangerous dog."
  • The dog attacked while defending its home from someone who was trespassing or breaking the law on the property.
  • Someone provoked the dog by torturing, abusing, or assaulting it prior to the bite or attack.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A DOG BITES ME IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Following a dog bite in Pennsylvania, our law firm recommends the following actions:

  • Contact the police - Dog bite injuries are frequently complicated by conflicting accounts of what transpired. Let the police conduct interviews and determine the truth.

  • Take pictures - the more proof you have, the better. Images can be used as valuable evidence in your case. Take photographs of your injury, the dog, the location where the dog was kept, and anything else you deem important. Evidence strengthens arguments.

  • Take notes - Document the time and location of the dog attack, whether the dog was contained by a fence, and any additional relevant details.

  • Speak with witnesses - If someone saw the dog bite you or a loved one, obtain their complete name, address, and telephone number. You or the police may need to reinterview them in order to obtain additional information.

  • Speak with the dog's owner - Simply obtain the owner's exact name, address, and phone number. This information may prove essential to the investigation.

  • Seek medical attention - Even if the dog bite does not appear to be severe, a doctor should evaluate the injury. What may appear to be a minor injury could be significantly worse.

  • Contact us - Allow our knowledgeable Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers to assist you in building a strong case.

THE MOST COMMON DOG BITE-RELATED INJURIES

Dog bite victims may suffer from anything from minor wounds like scratches and scrapes to more serious injuries that could be life-threatening and require months or even years of medical care. The elderly and very young are at a heightened risk of fatal dog bite injuries.

Those who are bitten by dogs often sustain injuries to their faces, hands, and feet. Bone fractures and ligament tears are common, and they often require extensive or even multiple surgeries to repair. Reduced blood flow to the limbs can lead to delayed healing and infection.

Extreme dog attacks can cause a wide variety of injuries, including avulsions, amputations, and nerve damage. Extreme trauma may leave the victim with a permanent or long-term disability.

Infection at the bite site is the biggest risk for people who have been bitten by dogs. Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of dogs and animals that resemble dogs. The bacteria appear harmless to animals, but they are capable of causing severe infections and even sepsis in humans. Multiple human-transmissible pathogenic bacteria thrive in the mouths of dogs.

HOW TO LOWER THE RISK OF DOG BITES

Any dog is obviously capable of biting, so you should never be overconfident around animals, even those you are familiar with or are of a friendly breed. Every dog, regardless of breed, is capable of biting and does so frequently in self-defense or in response to something. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), education, responsible pet ownership, and avoiding unsafe situations are the three most effective means of protection against dog bites. One of the most important ways to prevent serious dog bites is to always have an adult present when children interact with dogs.

It is crucial to understand what to do and what not to do following a dog bite. Additionally, proper pet care and training are required. One of your initial responsibilities as a dog owner is to select a dog that will thrive in your home and community. Learn how to properly socialize and train your dog to reduce the possibility of an attack.

You and your dog may discover that you have different needs after a number of years together. One such occurrence is the rise in dog bite injuries and subsequent puppy boom that followed the coronavirus outbreak. If your dog has not been socialized in a while, it is imperative that you remain informed about methods for reintroducing him or her to society.

Victims of dog bites should immediately wash the injured area with soap and warm water before going to the doctor. Please contact the police or a local animal shelter to report the dog attack. If you or a loved one has been injured and medical attention is needed, it is recommended that you speak with a PA dog bite lawyer.

DO I NEED A LAWYER IF A DOG BITES ME?

Hiring a seasoned dog bite lawyer in Pennsylvania can greatly increase your chances of successfully recovering damages. Insurance companies sometimes underpay or refuse to pay claimants even when fault is clear. An attorney can represent your interests in negotiations and correspondence with insurance companies. Only if the client wins in court is the attorney entitled to payment for representing them.

BRANDON J. BRODERICK, A PA DOG BITE LAWYER IS READY TO HELP YOU TODAY

Victims of dog attacks often suffer severe mental trauma in addition to physical wounds that refuse to heal. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we prioritize our clients' wellbeing. You can put your trust in our legal team to get you the best possible outcome so that you can focus on your family and healing while we handle the legal details.

Our dog bite lawyers in Pennsylvania do not require clients to pay any upfront fees. Only if we provide a successful resolution are we compensated. The insurance company may offer you a very small settlement if you do not file a claim, and it may not be enough to cover your basic needs. Contact us as soon as possible so that we can help you seek compensation for the losses and damages to which you are entitled.

Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are just a few of the Pennsylvania cities where we maintain offices. We're here to lend a hand and get you back on your feet after this recent setback.

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