How Can A Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney Create A Difference?
Seeing a dog while you walk down the street is a common sight across the country. If you are like most people, you probably will not bat an eye to see a docile, four-legged creature walking at the end of a leash. However, dog attacks are far more common than most people realize. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident, take help from our competent Philadelphia Injury Lawyers who will assist you in your dog bite case.
The issue of dog attacks is so pervasive, the United States Postal Service recently announced a partnership with the PAWS Program to place dog paw stickers on Philadelphia mailboxes if a dog is known to live there, in an ongoing effort to prevent mail carriers from being attacked by dogs while they make deliveries. The stickers are intended to remind mail carriers to proceed with caution when delivering mail in that area.
A Philadelphia dog bite lawyer will help you if you have been bitten by a dog due to the negligence of the dog owner. They will evaluate your case and will let you know different legal options available for your case. Investigating, gathering evidence, and aggressive representation at court will prove to be beneficial for your case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can cause excruciating pain and disfiguring injuries. If you are the victim of a canine attack, hiring a dog bite attorney to be on your side can make a big difference when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from dog attacks include
- Broken bones,
- Facial injuries,
- Puncture wounds,
- Lacerations,
- Soft tissue damage.
Some victims are scarred or disfigured for life as a result of their ordeal. An owner’s responsibility for their animal is quite clear under Pennsylvania law.
If another person’s dog has bitten you, contact a dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible to improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us right away to learn how we can assist you in the aftermath of a dog bite injury.
Your claim must be filed within 2 years from the date of the dog bite. This statute of limitations must be followed. The plaintiff must file an injury claim within the time limitations otherwise may be forever barred from doing so.
Let’s go over some of the common injuries that dog bite victims suffer:
- Infections: Infections are the most common side effects of dog bites, and they can be far more dangerous than the physical wounds themselves. The idea that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human mouth is a myth. A dog bite can transfer a variety of bacteria. Some dog bite wounds are complicated to clean entirely by oneself.
- Disfigurement: A severe dog attack also poses the risk of permanent disfigurement. If a small child is bitten on the face, for example, they may have permanent scars for the rest of their lives. Dogs have powerful jaws that can easily injure a person in a violent attack. A dog bite can also result in the loss of fingers, toes, or even limbs in some cases.
- Psychological trauma: It is not uncommon for dog bite victims to suffer severe emotional and psychological trauma resulting from the attack. A traumatic event like this can easily lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can manifest itself in various ways, including violent nightmares and flashbacks to the attack, avoidance of any triggers, and irrational fears.
- Physical wounds: Severe dog bites can result in severed veins, arteries, muscles, or tendons, especially if the dog latches on and refuses to let go. Victims may suffer long-term injuries and take a long time to recover.
With the help of our experienced lawyers, you can be sure that your case is in safe hands. Contact us and choose a free case consultation.
Alarming Dog Bite Statistics in the United States
Many dog bite cases can lead to permanent scars and emotional trauma. Courts recognize this, and you will be surprised to know that the insurance industry pays nearly $1 billion each year to injured people due to dog bite claims. Some of the facts about canine bites are discussed. There are nearly 800,000 canine bites every year that need medical treatment. Every year nearly 4.5 million dog bites happen in the US.
The trend shows that male dogs bite more as compared to females. Approximately 92% dog bites are from male canines. 72% of dogs who were chained also attacked people are injuries occurred to the victim’s feet, hands, legs, and arms.
Liability For Dog Bites In Philadelphia
Under the one bite rule, the owner is liable for the attack if they knew or should have known that the animal might act in a dangerous or harmful way. This theory comes from the notion that an animal gets one free bite. After that, the owner is aware of and responsible for the animal’s vicious propensities.
This rule, however, is misleading. Victims who can demonstrate that the dog owner was aware that the biting dog was previously aggressive and potentially dangerous may be eligible for compensation, even if the dog had never bitten or attacked before. Here are a few important points you should consider:
- The victim of a dog bite is required to show that the dog owner was negligent. This may mean that the dog owner ignored information that could have prevented the bite, such as previous attacks or aggressive behavior.
- Pennsylvania courts are unlikely to hold a dog’s owner liable for a bite from a dog that was adequately restrained and previously docile.
- To avoid liability, a dog’s owner or handler can use a variety of defenses, including provocation, comparative negligence, and assumption of risk.
If an irresponsible dog owner’s negligence contributed to your injury, they should be held accountable. Dog bite victims younger than age 18 must file their claim within two years of turning 18.
Under Pennsylvania’s leash law, dogs are required to be under regular and adequate control. This means that they must be kept on their owner’s property, on a leash, or under the owner’s or a third party’s control.
If a victim can prove that the owner violated the leash law and that the breach resulted in the dog attack, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s injuries. Hiring the right Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney can help you create a difference in the event of any dog bite injury claim.
Dog Bites Cases Are Handled In Several Ways
Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover damages resulting from dog bites that occur on the dog owner’s property. You can file a personal injury case in Pennsylvania civil court if an insurance claim is insufficient to resolve the matter.
However, filing a lawsuit does not guarantee that your case will go to trial. Dog bite lawsuits go through several stages, often including several rounds of settlement negotiations. Fortunately, our lawyers are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies as well as other litigants. We can fight for the total amount you deserve for your dog bite-related losses, and we can handle your lawsuit from start to end.
Do I Need A Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer To Seek Compensation?
It is a good idea to hire a Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer if you are the victim of a dog attack, because a dog bite case is not always as straightforward as it may appear. The one-bite rule and elements of negligence can make it complicated to prove a dog owner’s or handler’s responsibility. Protect yourself by consulting with our dog bite lawyer, who has what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve and help you move on from your bad experience.
Do not believe anyone who claims that you can handle a dog bite case as well as a lawyer. In our experience, attempting to represent yourself in a damages claim almost always results in a financial loss for the victim.
When To File A Dog Bite Injury Claim In Philadelphia
Victims of dog bite injuries in Philadelphia only have a limited amount of time in which they may file a lawsuit against the person who is responsible for their injuries. In most cases, the personal injury statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury.
Therefore, dog bite victims in Philadelphia generally have a two-year window to file a lawsuit against a negligent dog owner. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation for your losses.
Dog bite victims frequently receive compensation through homeowner’s insurance settlements. However, if victims do not file these claims as soon as possible after the injury occurs, the insurance carrier may delay or deny the claim.
Contact The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin Today
The aftermath of a dog attack can be a nightmare for the victim and their family. If you have been injured due to a dog owner’s negligence, we recommend that you seek legal help right away.
When dogs leave their owner’s property in Pennsylvania, they should generally be restrained in some way or on a leash. Dog bites often occur when owners allow their dogs to roam freely, resulting in dog bite victims’ broken bones, deep bruises, cuts, and other wounds. In the end, victims often need psychological treatment, plastic surgery, physical therapy, and even rabies treatment.
Our experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyers can answer your questions, walk you through the legal procedure, and help you pursue the compensation that you deserve. Schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your case and your options for seeking a just outcome.