There is no way to tell for sure that you will receive compensation for all the damages above. If the attack also damaged or destroyed any of the plaintiffs personal belongings, such as an expensive watch, designer handbag, or smartphone, the plaintiff can claim the costs of replacing or repairing these items as economic damages in a personal injury case. Some dogs carry infectious diseases which can cause severe illness and long-term medical complications for victims. If the party accused of causing the victims damages flees the state, attempts to hide under an assumed identity, or commits fraud to conceal his or her liability, these factors may also toll the statute of limitations. Call(215) 569-0200 today to schedule a free consultation. These damages aim to compensate an injured claimant for a number of medical costs, ranging from any required emergency room visits immediately following an injury, to physical therapy costs months later. Dogs can also cause severe cuts and scratches from their claws, and a large dog may knock a person to the ground, potentially causing broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries, and internal organ damage. Emotional anguish and compensation for other hardships arent always included in Pennsylvania dog bite cases. An animal control officer may seize a dog when there is reasonable cause to believe that it: The dog will be impounded until there is a decision as to whether the dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. A dogs bite may not fully penetrate the skin, but the strength of the dogs jaws can lead to severe puncture wounds, crushing injuries, nerve damage, and blood loss. Pennsylvania follows a one bite rule. While the average person may assume that a canine bite lawsuit is open-and-shut and that he or she could save money on attorneys fees by handling claims on their own, hiring an attorney not only offers a better chance of success with a lawsuit but typically leads to more compensation than a plaintiff could secure alone. After receiving medical treatment, watch for signs of infection, including swelling, redness, fever, and increased pain. This means they need to confine their dogs to their yards using fences, and they need to leash their dogs in public. If you have been attacked or witnessed an attack you should contact your local police district or use the following link: Philadelphia Police Districts. You are not to blame for your injuries and you shouldnt have to worry about how to pay for hospital bills as you heal and try to return to a normal life. Police must file charges against the owner of the dog and the case must go before a judge in order for any dog to be declared dangerous. A dog owner is strictly liable if the dog injures a person without provocation, even if the dog does not have a history or propensity of attacking people or animals. 111 West Hunting Park Avenue Physically hurt a person during an unprovoked attack and poses a threat to people, Severely injured or killed another domestic animal and poses a threat, or. Dogs of all sizes can be unpredictable. People who suffer serious injuries as a result of dog bites do not have an infinite amount of time to take legal action. Philadelphia grants a dog bite victim up to two years after the attack to file a claim for damages against a dog owner. $1 million Mega Millions ticket sold at 7-Eleven in Montgomery County, Airline tickets dropping from summer highs, report says, Police: Pedestrian struck, killed by vehicle on Route 130 in Burlington County, Motorcyclist ejected, killed in Roosevelt Boulevard crash, police say, Police: Citizens groups help arrest 17 men who attempted to lure children in Atlantic City. A dog attack can cause a variety of injuries, including: Victims with a physical wound from a dog bite should seek medical help right away. When pet owners are engaged in certain activities, such as lawful hunting or field training, they must maintain reasonable control of their dogs. Generally, the owner of the dog bears financial responsibility for any damages done by a dog attack. To get started, call today. Each year, it is estimated that4.5 million peopleare bitten by dogs and 20% of those bites require medical attention. First, the plaintiff can receive economic damages for the direct financial impact of an injury. A victim would have to prove the animal was known to be a danger to humans and even with this knowledge the owner failed to restrain the dog properly. Avoid contact. Many cases require expert witness testimony or input from other specialists with experience in niche areas of law and medicine. If it does have rabies, the dog could bite and infect other people. A child living in fear after an incident for the rest of his or her life is an unacceptable outcome. When canines lash out, the injuries can be severe. This rulewhich is still in effect in many statesonly allowed for an injury victim to recover damages if the owner had prior notice of a dogs violent nature. We offer contingency fee billing to our clients to ensure we provide the best representation possible. Some clients may even be able to claim their legal fees as damages, making legal representation essentially free. A GoFundMe campaign has been started for Nyla's recovery that hopes to raise $30k. A physician can help you ensure you are taking the necessary precautions to prevent serious infections and illnesses that could potentially result from the bite injury. Dangerous dogs must be leashed and muzzled if they are taken outside. Annually, about 14,025 Americans are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries. Our attorneys have built strong connections with expert witnesses in the Philadelphia area and throughout the country to help provide our clients with the, Thousands of successful past cases. Gay & Chackers dog attack attorneys have decades of experience in protecting the rights of people who were harmed when a dog attacked them. Keep the dog enclosed 2022 FOX Television Stations, from THU 11:00 AM EDT until FRI 8:00 PM EDT, Delaware County, Eastern Chester County, Eastern Montgomery County, Lower Bucks County, Philadelphia County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Northwestern Burlington County, Southeastern Burlington County, Ocean County, Somerset County, New Castle County, from THU 11:00 AM EDT until THU 8:00 PM EDT, Berks County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Upper Bucks County, Western Chester County, Western Montgomery County, Warren County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, Senate OKs bill to expand aid to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, sends to Biden, Police investigating deadly shooting at home in Upper Darby, Police: Man, 30, shot and killed in West Philadelphia Tuesday night, One of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen laid to rest, Phillies get Syndergaard, Robertson, Marsh in trades, Winner! 77% of dog bites occur with a dog that is familiar to the victim, either their own or a friends dog. Filing a lawsuit can seek compensation for the medical bills resulting from the dog bite injury. Pennsylvania dog owners are legally liable for injuries their dogs cause while illegally running loose, but they may also be liable for bite injuries to people who are lawfully visiting their homes. In other words, the owner is responsible for any injuries the dog causes, even if the dog has never acted aggressively or bitten before and the owner did not know it would act that way. 1731 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Physical wounds that have broken the skin, such as lacerations, punctures, and damaged muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and more, which can lead to infections, Bone injuries including bruised and broken bones. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The investigating officer must notify the bite victim of the medical results of the offending dogs confinement (to determine whether it is exhibiting any signs of rabies infection). The owner must muzzle the dog in public, keep it secured at home so it cannot escape, post sufficient warning signs around the property, and carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance for any personal injuries the dog may cause. In this case the statute of limitations would likely begin on the victims 18thbirthday. Our clients do not pay us expenses or legal fees until we win their cases. Its best to have a competent dog bite attorney on your side who knows the state laws and has been successful in handling recent dog bite cases. If the court declares a dog to be vicious, and no appeal is made, the dog will be humanely euthanized. Animal control will make every effort to apprehend the dog. Depending on which state your dog bite occurred, your ability to recover compensation may vary. Many times, the dog will run out into the street and bite the delivery driver. The best thing to do is to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney right away. Dogsbite.org found that each day an average of 1,000 Americans require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries. Philadelphia dog bite lawyer Edith Pearce is personally involved in every dog bite case the firm handles from start to finish. Call (215) 567-7955 orfill out our online form, and one of our attorneys will review your case for free and without obligation. Most dog bites involving children are seen between the ages of five to nine. At first, the injury youve suffered from a dog bite may seem like something you can patch up at home. Copyright Hill & Associates 2022. Post a warning sign More likely, youre going after the dog owners insurance company. Pennsylvania law requires dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times. The time limit to file a Pennsylvania personal injury claim (including a dog bite claim) is two years from the date the injury occurred. If the municipal court declares the dog to be potentially dangerous, it will require the owner to apply for a special license, registration number, and proper identification. For example, the plaintiff in a dog bite case can claim compensation for his or her medical expenses resulting from the accident. A local Philadelphia personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bites can help determine who should be held responsible for a dog attack lawsuit and find the best path to compensation in a claim for damages. If a dog owner keeps a dog known to have a history of unprovoked attacks or a dog used in the commission of a crime, the owner must take appropriate steps to avoid liability for a misdemeanor offense of harboring a dangerous dog. They may not know where to turn when they face hospital and surgical bills in the aftermath of a tragic attack. The swelling near her right eye is so aggressive that her eye is swollen shut. They cant read the emotions of a dog as well as an adult and may not realize they are in danger of a dog attack. She is also a dog lover and the daughter of a veterinarian. An unrestrained, dangerous dog can end up on the loose and suddenly attack an adult or child. However, a dog owner may use several defense tactics to avoid liability. Dogs must be securely kept inside peoples homes, or on a collar and chain that prohibits them from leaving the yard. The jury reviewing the lawsuit will assess the plaintiffs claimed damages and consider expert witness testimony to determine an acceptable amount of compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, some companies will only cover the first time a dog bites someone and will refuse any subsequent claims involving the same animal. Many may brush off a dog bite, not understanding the true injuries endured. The Pearce Law Firm, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers P.C. We charge victims no legal feesuntil we recover compensation for them. In some cases, they may also need to take time off of work to recover. In addition, unvaccinated dogs can also carry rabies, which they can pass on to people and other animals through a bite. The legal team at Rosenbaum & Associates understands how devastating a dog bite can be and the effects such an attack can have on the victims life. This time limit for filing personal injury claims starts on the date of the injury and laststwo years. In Philadelphia for a dog to be declared dangerous, a police officer files a complaint with a magisterial district justice charging the owner or keeper with harboring a dangerous dog. Likewise, a bite that an adult can recover from may prove fatal to a smaller person. A person who experiences a severe dog attack may experience nightmares, flashbacks, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder after such an incident. The injury may require stitches, surgery, and a course of action by a medical professional to prevent dangerous infections. The dog may be detained and isolated in an approved kennel or at the dog owners property or at another location approved by the investigating officer. This means that if an owner of a dog knows or reasonably should have known that his or her dog was potentially dangerous due to a previous attack, the dogs owner has a responsibility to prevent injuries to others. It is illegal to dispense, give away move or transfer, or sell or offer to sell a convicted dangerous dog except to have it humanely euthanized or to move it to an approved kennel. That means a combined $36.8 million in dog bite claims paid by insurance companies in 2021. We can work to recover your losses, including medical bills, future treatment or therapy you might need, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Request your free consultation today and an attorney will get back to you shortly. Plaintiffs can also receive non-economic damages for things like physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish after a dog attack. In most cases, no. Dangerous dogs are governed by state law. Furthermore, the injured plaintiff might also have the chance to recover damages for any diminished future earning capacity caused by the bite as well. Many insurance companies refuse to cover certain breeds, such as Rottweilers or pit bulls. Edith Pearce does not recommend waiting this long to file a claim. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in criminal and civil liabilities for the dogs owner. By working with a dedicated and experienced attorney, you could rest assured that you have a legal professional on your side. Furthermore, the medical records from your doctors visit can help prove your case, should you decide to file a dog bite lawsuit. However, under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to seek compensation from a negligent pet owner through a civil lawsuit. For minors, that two-year time limit does not begin until the child turns 18. The owner of a dog that bites a person in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, is strictly liable for resulting damages suffered by the victim. Meanwhile, Nyla faces a long road to recover that Alonnahopes will lead to her daughter regaining her confident and spunky attitude. Caused a physical injury to a person during an unprovoked attack and poses a serious threat of harm to individuals or other domestic animals, Has been trained or encouraged to attack people or domestic animals unprovoked. Infections are a common consequence of a dog bite, and they can even be life-threatening. However, many of these injuries lead to permanent physical and emotional scars. This means they need to confine their dogs to their yards using fences, and they need to leash their dogs in public. Finding the right attorney for a dog bite lawsuit can be challenging. When large dogs are left untrained and uncontrolled, they can revert to their natural predatory instincts, sometimes with tragic results. The owner or keeper of the dog that attacked or bit a person must pay any costs to the victim for resulting medical treatment. Such attacks must occur without provocation and cannot take place on the dog owners property. A physician may provide a tetanus shot and prescribe prescription painkillers and/or an antibiotic. Its essential to find aPhiladelphia personal injury lawyerwho has a strong track record of winning cases and experience with the particular type of case a client faces. The cost of psychological counseling and emotional recovery should be included in any dog bite case settlement or award. This can include immediate costs like hospital bills as well as long-term medical costs for physical therapy and other types of rehabilitation. After a dog attack, a victim may suffer a variety of emotional and psychological effects, including: A dog bite victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which often requires psychological therapy to treat. Our attorneys represent people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. Childrenare especially vulnerable to dog attacks because theyre closer to the ground, loud, fast, and unaware of the danger. Feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Delaying treatment will also reflect poorly upon you in a future insurance claim or lawsuit, so a victim should not delay seeing a doctor after any dog-related injury. We have the experience and qualifications needed to protect dog bite victims in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and surrounding states. '," Alonna told FOX 29's Kelly Rule. Dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause when they are running loose. Do I need an Attorney for a Dog Bite Injury? Submit Your Case. The only exception to this law is when a victim was unlawfully trespassing on the dog owners property with the intent to commit a crime when the attack occurred. Furthermore, dog bite victims may be able to obtain reparations for the wages they lose while they are off of work recovering from their injuries. A neighbor claimed the dog belonged to his nephew who turned it over to a Philadelphia animal shelter immediately after the attack. There must also be an enclosure for the dog that follows the specific guidelines under state law. The most common defenses available to dog owners include trespassing and provocation. In addition, unvaccinated dogs can carry rabies, which would put you at serious risk of getting very sick. Other economic damages available in a canine bite injury lawsuit can include lost wages if the plaintiff had to miss work to recover from the attack. is a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer with proven results. When a dog forcefully bites a person and thrashes, the skin around the bite can tear, causing severe bleeding, soft tissue damage, and ruptured muscle tissue. Dog bite injuries can impact the way the victim thinks, feels, and interacts with other people, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you were injured after being attacked or bitten by another persons dog, you might be facing mounting medical bills and an inability to return to work. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you resolve your dog bite case. Since this is a public place, then the driver is allowed to be there and can make a claim for compensation if bitten. For years, Pennsylvania followed the legal theory known as the one free bite rule. Here are a few other facts that you should know about canine bites: Dogs have a natural social hierarchy. Like most states, Pennsylvania has statutes regarding liability in a dog attack case. Winning a lawsuit holds the owner accountable for their actions and can help stop a similar attack from happening in the future. After a traumatic dog attack, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer to protect you and handle your case as you recover.
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