Personal Injury Lawyers Can Support You
While most of us view dogs as “man’s best friend,” not all encounters with dogs are friendly or safe. Anyone who has suffered an attack from an aggressive dog understands that. Dog bites can cause extensive injuries.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. Of these dog bite victims, nearly 20 percent will require medical intervention.
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dangerous pet, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim against the animal’s owner. At Silver & Silver, our experienced Media, PA dog bite lawyers can help you get the compensation you need to be able to heal and move on with your life.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Abrasions, cuts, and lacerations
- Serious puncture wounds
- Infection
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- PTSD
- Wrongful death
Some injuries will affect victims for the rest of their lives. If you have been injured by a dog bite or attack, our Media, PA dog bite lawyers will ensure that the dog’s owner is held liable for the injuries caused by their animal.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, don’t wait around hoping it’ll heal on its own. Here’s what to do immediately:
- Get medical help. Even a small bite can lead to a serious infection. Having a medical record also strengthens your case.
- Identify the dog and owner. If you can, get their name, address, and vaccination records.
- Take photos. Document your injuries, the location, and the dog if it’s safe to do so.
- Report the bite. Contact animal control or the local police department in Media, PA. This creates an official record and flags dangerous dogs.
- Avoid speaking to insurers. The dog owner’s insurance company isn’t on your side. Talk to a lawyer before giving any statements.
These steps help protect your health and your legal rights.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
In Pennsylvania, we have laws that hold the owner of a dog liable for any damages caused by their pet. But these laws make a distinction between a dog that is already considered dangerous and one that has never attacked or bitten someone before.
Under Pennsylvania dog bite statutes, whenever a dog bites or injures someone, the dog’s owner will be financially liable for the medical treatment of the injured party related to the bite. The injured victim will not be required to prove fault.
Dangerous Dogs and the First Bite Rule
In cases where a dog has been determined to be dangerous, the owner of the dog may be liable for additional damages. Under what is commonly known as the “first bite” rule, an owner of a dog that is considered dangerous is liable for any injuries and damages caused by the dog.
In Pennsylvania, a dog is considered dangerous when it has:
- Inflicted serious injury on a person without provocation
- Killed or inflicted serious injury on another domestic animal without provocation while off the owner’s property
- Attacked a person without provocation
- Been used in the commission of a crime
- A history of attacking people or domestic animals without provocation
- A propensity to attack people or domestic animals without provocation
If a dog has been determined to be dangerous or if the dog has severely attacked an individual, the victim may be able to recover full compensation for their injuries, including medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and other losses and legal damages. The owner of a dangerous dog that causes harm may even face criminal charges.
Getting Serious Legal Assistance After a Dog Bite
If a dog or other domestic animal has injured you, the liability of the owner can vary depending on the severity of the injuries or the status of the animal. Don’t face this alone. Our experienced Media, PA dog bite lawyers at Silver & Silver will investigate the incident and help you get the financial relief you need. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or contact our office through our website contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation.