Dog Bite Lawyers in Philadelphia PA
Dog bite incidents are common in Philadelphia and the United States as a whole. Centers for Disease Control data show that millions of people are victims of dog bites every year. In some cases, the dog bite is part of a violent attack that results in very painful injuries and emotional scarring. A Philadelphia dog bite attorney will help you in the claim process in case of serious bodily injury and disfigurement.
Dog bite injuries comprise approximately 1 percent of all emergency visits in the United States. About 44,000 of those dog attack injuries involved facial injuries, and two-thirds of those victims required reconstructive surgery for the damage incurred. Children ages 5 to 9 are common victims of dog bites and frequently require medical attention for their injuries. Because of the children’s size, these victims are more likely to be bitten in the neck and head.
Seeking Compensation Following a Dog Bite Injury
After the dog bite wounds have been treated by a medical professional, it is time to address the question of legal responsibility. Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner for pain and suffering, medical costs, physical disfigurement, loss of income, and more.
The experienced injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman know that a dog bite injury can take months, years, or longer to heal. This is why we follow a unique strategy for each dog bite injury case to best position claimants to receive sufficient compensation from the responsible party. Samuel Fishman and his highly skilled team regularly represent dog bite claimants in both state and federal court.
We are a reputable law firm, with a particular focus on handling a wide array of personal injury cases. Not all dog bite injury cases in Philadelphia are legally actionable, but an experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can help determine whether to proceed with a claim and how to secure the compensation owed to you for your loss.
If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, it is advisable to consult our team of dog bite injury lawyers to understand your eligibility for compensation.
Contacting a Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney
The options available to dog bite victims who suffer injuries are often dictated by personal injury laws. Following a dog bite accident, contacting a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer is a great way to learn about your rights. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Cases and circumstances vary, and professional dog bite lawyers can assess the merits of your case on an individual basis.
The following factors may affect the amount of compensation you may receive following a dog bite:
- Where the attack took place
- The dog’s age
- Whether the dog has a history of aggression
- The victim’s age
- Whether the dog is properly vaccinated
The laws concerning dog bites vary from state to state. In some states, there is a doctrine called the one-bite rule, under which pet owners are liable only if the dog has a history of biting or similarly aggressive behavior.
Pennsylvania uses both case history and laws to assign responsibility for dog bite injuries. State law no longer recognizes the one-bite statute, meaning that an owner can now be held liable even if the dog does not have a history. Owner negligence and the circumstances surrounding the attack also come into play when assigning responsibility for the injuries.
Because the personal injury laws regarding dog bites are complex, it is important to consult a Philadelphia injury attorney who has experience handling dog bite cases in the region.
Pennsylvania laws allows dog bite attack victims to seek compensation and outlines penalties for owners of vicious dogs based on the extent of the injuries the victim incurred. For minor injuries, a victim may only recover compensation for reimbursing medical expenses. Victims with more serious injuries are entitled to additional compensation.
Talk to an experienced Philadelphia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer today!
If you have been injured in a dog bite accident, the Law Offices of Samuel Fishman’s experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorneys have helped clients in similar cases for more than 20 years and can guide you through the personal injury claim process. Contact us today at (215) 464-4600 to schedule a free consultation session.
Common Questions about Dog Bite Injury Claims
Who may be responsible for a dog bite injury?
Not all dog bite cases are actionable, which means not every dog bite case can be taken to court. Under state law, dog owners has a responsibility to take care of their pets in a way that keeps other people safe.
If the dog owner fails to uphold their standard of care and their negligence causes another person to suffer injuries sustained in a dog bite attack, then the owner is likely liable for the damages you suffered.
If found liable, the owner usually must financially compensate the victim for their losses. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of dog bite law and can help you seek compensation for your losses in these kinds of accidents.
What types of injuries do dog bite victims sustain?
While some dog bite victims suffer fatal injuries, other common injuries that dog bite victims face include:
- Facial injuries
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft-tissue damage
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Infection
- Disfigurement
If a dog bites you due to its owner’s negligence, you may have an actionable personal injury claim. It is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog remains at a safe distance from people in the surrounding area.
What should I do if I suffer a dog bite injury?
- It is essential to act immediately if you are bitten by a dog, even if the bite does not seem serious at first. Seeking initial medical assistance should be the priority for the dog bite victim. If the injury is severe, call an ambulance.
- If the injury does not seem severe, be sure to clean the wound appropriately to stave off infection.
- Report the incident to the proper law enforcement authorities.
- Speak to an experienced dog bite attorney, who can help you get better insight into your condition and the legal options available to you.