Dog Bites

Every year in the United States, more than five million people are injured by dogs. Over one million of those people require medical attention. Not every dog bite or attack is by a Pit Bull or a dog that is considered dangerous. Dogs from different breeds are responsible for serious injuries to people. In our office, our team has seen cases involving almost every breed of dog and can help with your case. If you or loved one was attacked by someone’s pet, contact our experienced Pittsburgh dog bite injury lawyers for a free consultation.

TYPES OF INJURIES CAUSED BY DOG BITES

While many dog bites only cause minor injuries, when a bite breaks the skin it has the potential to cause serious, life-altering injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, and abrasions
• Eye, nose, and other face injuries
• Torn ears
• Infections
• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Head and neck injuries
• Amputations
• Scars and disfigurement
• Rabies

IS THE DOG OWNER ALWAYS LIABLE?

In Pennsylvania, dog owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs. A pet owner must keep control of their dog at all times. If a dog was not on a leash, was not properly secured on the owner’s premises, or if the dog owner knew that his or her dog was prone to violence yet didn’t take the proper safety measures, they can be held financially liable. Sometimes, a pet sitter or “keeper” can also be held liable for the actions of a dog in their care.

In Pennsylvania, a dog’s owner is liable for all damages when a person is severely injured, or for any severity of injury if a person is attacked by a dog already designated as dangerous. The state’s dangerous dog law defines what is considered a dangerous dog and what rules owners of such dogs are required to follow.

Whether the attacking dog was known to be dangerous or not, a victim can take legal action to recover monetary damages for their losses. Contact our Pittsburgh dog bite injury attorneys today to discuss the specifics of your situation

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A DOG ATTACKS YOU?

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Get the contact information, and, if possible, the homeowners’ insurance and dog license information from the dog’s owner.
• Get the contact information of any witnesses present.
• Take photos of your injuries, and, if possible, the dog that attacked you.
• Consult a Bucks County dog bite injury lawyer before signing anything or talking to any insurance companies.

COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITE VICTIMS

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, there may be several types of compensation available. Our dog bite lawyers will investigate what happened and want to secure the following damages:

• Medical bills for hospitalizations, prescription medicines, and surgery
• Lost wages, if your injuries caused you to miss time from work
• Future medical expenses and/or lost earning capacity, if you are permanently disabled
• Pain and suffering, both physical and mental

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA ANIMAL BITE LAWYER

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by a dog bite or attack you should contact Ron today for a free case evaluation. If you do not recover, there will be no fee. Any dog bite that has caused you to seek medical attention is a serious legal matter. If you or your child has been injured by an animal, it is in your best interest to call us at 215-396-9660 or email us to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer today