Philadelphia, PA Personal Injury Dog Bite Trial Lawyers for Plaintiffs

Many factors can have impact the value of your dog bite / dog attack lawsuit including where you were attacked and the circumstances of the attack.  In most cases, the victim will have to show that the dog was unprovoked. Different laws apply to attacks by police dogs, service dogs, and in some cases, off-leash farm dogs. But one of the biggest factors that will affect the outcome of your dog bite lawsuit or settlement is the attorney you hire. Inexperienced attorneys can make mistakes that could decrease your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

For example, if you break a leg or are hit by a car while running from a vicious dog to avoid being attacked, you may be entitled to damages – even if the dog never touched you.

Our lawyers fully understand the laws in Pennsylvania that regulate dog owners’ responsibilities and the legal rights of victims of dog attacks.  If you have been seriously injured by a dog, we can help.

We do not defend negligent dog owners for their irresponsible acts – we fight for the victims of dog attacks.

An Overview of Pennsylvania Dog Law

Pennsylvania law defines dog bites and dog attacks. Pennsylvania Dog Law also regulates the type of damages you can recover in a lawsuit based on the severity of injuries caused by dog bites and canine mauling. The law also provides legal remedy for a victim who suffers injuries while trying to escape from a vicious dog – even if the dog never inflicts a wound itself. You may be able to sue to recover medical expenses, and in some cases, damages, for other injuries such as a broken ankle while running away from a vicious dog. To find out if you have a case, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Pennsylvania Dog Law requires dog owners to have “reasonable control” of their dogs in public places but does not require all dogs to be leashed. However, there is a leash restraint law that does require all dogs that have been classified as a “dangerous dog” to be on a secure leash or chain and to wear a certain type of muzzle.

Pennsylvania Vicious Dog Laws

Vicious dog laws are also complicated and open to interpretation – another reason why you need an attorney with experience in handling dog attack cases. A dog must be declared “dangerous” by a court for dangerous dogs to be applied. However, Pennsylvania does not have a “one-bite rule.” This means dog owners can be held liable even for the first time their dog bites or attacks a human. However, Pennsylvania dog bite statutes only apply to a dog bite or attack that causes severe injury. If the injury is minor, the victim might be able to seek reimbursement for medical expenses, but will not be able to sue for any damages.

Owners of dangerous dogs have certain legal responsibilities they must comply with including muzzling the dog and having proper leash restraints whenever the dog is not on the owners’ premises.  Additionally, dog owners must properly register their vicious dog annually in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and comply with many other vicious dog regulations.

Depending upon the year a dog was declared a vicious dog, or, if the dog is transferred to a new owner, different vicious dog laws may apply to the owner.

Pennsylvania Plaintiff’s Trial Lawyer for Dog Bite Victims

Proving the owner of a dog or vicious dog was negligent in some way is critical to your case. Our expert attorneys have the knowledge and experience to uncover the facts of your case and pursue legal action against the negligent owner of a dog that attacks and seriously injures a human.  We can get you the compensation you deserve including payment for medical expenses and damages for severe injuries.

For a free consultation, contact an experienced dog bite attorney today toll free at 866-720-4699 or use our online submission form to tell us about your case.

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