Approximately 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In 2020, 787 dog bite claims were submitted to insurance companies in Pennsylvania alone. If you’ve been injured, it’s vital to understand how Pennsylvania law may apply in your case. Our dog bite lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices help personal injury clients in the Lehigh Valley understand their rights and options for recovering compensation.
What Is the One-Bite Rule?
The one-bite rule is a legal concept applied in some states to determine liability for dog bites. Typically, under the one-bite rule, a dog owner is not liable for a dog bite unless its owner knew or should have known that their dog had a propensity to bite.
Pennsylvania Law and the One-Bite Rule
The one-bite rule does not apply in Pennsylvania, as the state’s dog bite laws are based on the principle of strict liability. This means the owner of a dog may be liable for any injuries or damages their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has a violent or aggressive history. These cases are often complex, so it’s important to hire a personal injury lawyer well-versed in Pennsylvania dog bite laws.
Proving Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
Although strict liability applies in Pennsylvania dog bite cases, if an owner is not negligent, an injured victim can only recover compensation for certain damages, such as medical expenses. However, if negligence is involved, you may be able to recover non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If the person who was injured was trespassing or provoked the dog, they are usually not entitled to recover damages.
Each circumstance is unique, so it’s best to have an experienced dog bite lawyer evaluate your case. Personal injury attorneys typically offer free consultations and take cases on contingency, which means you won’t owe attorneys’ fees unless they recover compensation for you.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania
It’s essential to take steps to protect your health and rights after a dog bite. In addition to making sure you get the medical care you need, gathering evidence can help support a dog bite lawsuit.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Identifying the owner of a dog as soon as you can is vital. If they are present when the bite or attack occurs, ask for dog license and vaccination information. Get the owner’s contact information, including phone number, address, and email if possible. If there are any witnesses to the attack, make sure to obtain their contact information as well.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’re severely injured, call 911 so you can receive medical treatment right away. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, go to the emergency room or urgent care, or see your doctor as soon as possible. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and can cause nerve damage you may not discover for days or weeks. Also, medical records provide valuable evidence you’ll need if you decide to file a dog bite lawsuit.
Take Photographs
Take photos of the scene where the attack occurred, your injuries, and any torn or bloody clothing. If you were riding a bike when a bite occurred, make sure to take pictures of any damage to your bicycle.
File a Report With Animal Control
Reporting a dog bite to local animal control authorities can help keep others safe and strengthen your claim against a dog owner. Pennsylvania dog bite law includes a dangerous dog statute, which requires owners to take certain precautions if their dog has inflicted severe injury on a human being or domestic animal or has a propensity to attack. Failure to adhere to this dog bite law could result in criminal charges against the owner and confiscation of the dog.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite cases often fall under the legal umbrella of premises liability, which means a claim may be covered by an owner’s renters or homeowners insurance. However, you should not give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from an insurance company without first seeking legal counsel. Insurers often find ways to minimize payouts and deny claims – a dog bite attorney can ensure your rights and interests are protected and fight to help you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in the Lehigh Valley
At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices, we understand that the trauma of being injured in a dog attack can be overwhelming. Our dog bite lawyers have a track record of success helping injured victims in the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania recover compensation and guide you through the process every step of the way so you can focus on healing. To schedule your consultation with a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900.