Dog Bite Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If a dog has bitten you, you may have questions about your rights moving forward. If you have sustained injuries that require medical attention, you may be entitled to compensation. If you’re in Pennsylvania, dog bite lawyers from Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you recover the damages to which you’re entitled after such an attack.
- Last Modified:
- September 25, 2023
Pennsylvania Common Liability Law
There are three cases in Pennsylvania in which the owner of a dog will be automatically liable in the event that his dog bites or attacks someone else. The first is in the case that the victim suffers severe injuries. Severe injuries are typically defined as an injury that causes permanent impairment or disfigurement.
The second case in which a dog owner will automatically be liable is if the dog has exhibited dangerous behavior before, such as having previously attacked another animal or person. Finally, the third case in which a dog owner may be automatically liable for a dog bite or dog attack is in the case that the owner violated the law stipulating that a dog be properly restrained, kept in the yard, kept on a leash, or otherwise reasonably controlled.
In either case above, a dog owner will be liable for all damages. In other cases – if injuries are not severe or if the dog was not previously determined to be dangerous – the victim of the dog bite can still make a claim for medical expenses, but not other damages (such as pain and suffering).
What is a dangerous dog?
As stated above, an owner will be liable for all damages if the dog is determined to be dangerous. According to Pennsylvania law, a dog is considered dangerous if it did the following.
- Previously injured a person
- Killed or injured a domestic animal
- Attacked a human without provocation
- Was used to commit a crime
Again, if the dog was improperly restrained, the dangerous dog law does not have to apply for liability to be applied. If you’re confused about whether the dog meets any of the criteria mentioned thus far, talk to our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania for clarification.
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Types of Damages Recoverable Following a Dog Bite
If you’ve been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. Assuming that full liability is assigned to the owner of the dog (based on one of the three criteria mentioned above), then you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If the dog bite does not meet the criteria mentioned above, then you may still be able to recover damages for medical expenses. In order to recover non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), you will have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner.
If you plan to file a personal injury suit against the dog owner, you must do so within two years of the injury’s occurrence. If you have been bitten by a dog, get help from animal attack attorneys in Pennsylvania from Cordisco & Saile LLC.
Call Our Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyers Now
Being attacked by a dog or other domestic animal can be an extremely traumatizing experience, and can cause long-term anxiety and stress, as well as permanent scarring and disability. This isn’t even mentioning the financial burden it can cause.
If a dog has attacked you, get assistance from a legal advocate who will fight for your rights and help you pursue the damages you deserve. At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania will make sure you get the legal care and attention your case needs. For guidance filing your claim today and recovering damages, you can reach our offices at 215-642-2335 or via our online contact form.
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