FAQs About Dangerous Dog Laws in Pennsylvania
Filed under Dangerous Dogs, Dog Bites, FAQs - Dog Bite Lawsuits, PA Dog Laws & Statutes on January 19, 2011
In most cases, victims of dog bites and attacks that require medical attention can sue the dogs’ owner for reimbursement of medical expenses.
Victims of severe injuries from a dog attack may also be able to sue for legal fees and other damages including pain and suffering.
I was attacked by a dog. Can I sue the owner for medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering?
In Pennsylvania, financial compensation may be awarded to victims of serious dog bites, mauling, and dog attacks in a civil law suit. In order to file criminal charges against a dog owner, it must be shown that there was some sort of negligence on the part of the dog owner.
Two main factors determine the type and amount of financial compensation claim you can make against the owner of a dog that attacked you:
- The severity of the injury; and
- If it can be proven the dog was not provoked to attack.
If the owner of a dog does not have insurance or financial assets, in some cases, you may be able to sue a landlord or building owners’ insurance company.
Someone else (not the dog’s true owner) was watching the dog when it attacked me. Can I sue them, too?
In some cases, yes:
“…If the person ordered or made the dog attack the victim, or if the person knowingly kept a dog that previously bit a person or exhibited a tendency or intention to someday bite a person.“
If someone other than the dogs’ owner is caring for, or in control of the dog, they may sometimes also be held liable for purposeful or negligent behavior that resulted in an attack on a human while the dog was in their care.
Contact a Leading Dog Bite Attorney
It is important that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a dog has attacked you. A dog bite lawyer can advise you on how to properly document circumstances of the attack, wounds, and treatment.
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.
