Although dogs are popular pets, their owners must remember that some dogs can cause significant harm when they bite. They should take all necessary steps to prevent this from happening, especially if the dog has a history of violent behavior. Unfortunately, dog bites are a particular problem in Pennsylvania: Our state ranks fifth in the nation for the most dog bite incidents.
If you were injured in Pennsylvania because a dog’s owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the possibility of an attack, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and related losses by filing a dog bite lawsuit. To learn more about your legal options, review your case for free with one of our Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers at Stark & Stark.
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Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite & Dangerous Animal Laws
Pennsylvania’s dog ownership laws are relatively thorough when compared to those of other states. In our state, dogs must be:
- Officially licensed when they are over three months of age
- Properly controlled and not permitted to roam without supervision
- Vaccinated for rabies
In Pennsylvania, dogs are considered to be personal property. As such, their owners can generally be held responsible for any harm they may cause to others.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
The types of injuries you might sustain as a result of being bitten by a dog can vary depending on the dog’s size, breed, where they bite, and other relevant factors. Common dog bite injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bacterial infections
- Tetanus
- Rabies
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Crushing injuries
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Disfigurement
- Death
Even if a dog bite injury appears to be minor, it is wise to seek medical attention after a dog bites you. Infections and similar types of harm may not be immediately apparent after you have been bitten.
Responsibilities of Dog Owners in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, dog owners are required to limit the chances of their pets harming others. This includes taking the following precautions:
- Keeping their dogs inside their homes or properly secured in a yard
- When a dog is outside, securing it with a collar, chain, or similar restraint
- Carefully supervising a dog while hunting or engaging in any other permitted activity during which a dog may be off the leash
Unfortunately, some Pennsylvania dog owners fail to abide by the law. When that happens and someone is hurt as a result, the owner may be held liable.
Seeking Compensation After Being Bitten By a Dog in Pennsylvania
If you are ever bitten by a dog, you will likely need some degree of medical treatment to ensure it does not become infected. Some injuries may be so severe that they require surgery and physical rehabilitation.
You are likely entitled to compensation for such losses and difficulties if you were bitten because a dog’s owner was negligent in some capacity. According to Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, “Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner or keeper of the dog.”
If you can prove that the dog owner was negligent, you may qualify to file a dog bite lawsuit to recover compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, and other related losses. You will need to show that you were bitten while in public or while you were lawfully on private property.
How a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law Firm Can Help With Your Case
It is recommended that you seek representation from a qualified Pennsylvania personal injury attorney when pursuing compensation after a dog bite. Our Pennsylvania personal injury law firm can assist you in the following critical ways:
Investigating the Dog Attack
In order to secure the compensation you may deserve, you need to prove that you were bitten because a dog’s owner was negligent. Depending on the circumstances, this may require conducting an investigation to gather evidence showing how you were bitten. Our Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys can gather evidence on your behalf.
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Handling Correspondence & Negotiations With Insurers
Generally, when you file a dog bite lawsuit, the dog owner’s homeowners insurance will compensate you.
You should be aware that insurance companies are not necessarily inclined to offer fair compensation when victims file claims. They may attempt to initially offer a settlement that does not fully compensate you for your injuries and related losses.
Negotiating with insurance adjusters can be challenging. In the aftermath of a dog bite accident, you should be focused on your recovery. Stark & Stark can handle the negotiation process on your behalf. Our Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys can aggressively pursue what would constitute a fair settlement on your behalf. If an insurer refuses to settle, we can take your case to trial.
Handling Administrative Tasks
Seeking compensation after a dog bites you in Pennsylvania can be a complicated process. Along with negotiating with insurers, you may have to complete and file paperwork by specific deadlines, coordinate with doctors, and more.
This can all be quite draining during what is already a burdensome experience. Instead of adding to your challenges and stress, one of our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers can handle the litigation process for you.
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Going to Trial
Most cases are settled outside of court. However, in some instances, insurance companies refuse to agree to fairly compensate victims for the current and future losses they will experience as a result of their dog bite injuries. If this happens, our dog bite attorneys can represent you in trial and fight for a favorable jury verdict.
Why Choose Stark & Stark?
Our law firm is one of the oldest operating law firms in Pennsylvania. We have managed to stay in business for over 80 years because we consistently provide our clients with the quality of service they deserve. To learn more about what we can do for you, review our previous results. You can also schedule a free legal consultation by contacting us online or by calling 800-535-3425.
