Yes, in many instances, you can sue for a dog bite in Pennsylvania if the dog owner’s negligence contributed to the attack. If you are someone who has recently been injured in a dog attack, you are most likely now seeking financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. However, liability ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of the attack, the actions of the dog owner, and whether any applicable legal defenses are used. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you through the claims process ahead.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law places responsibility on the dog owner to maintain control of their animals and prevent harm to others. When a dog owner fails to take reasonable precautions and someone is injured, the victim may have grounds to pursue compensation through personal injury claims.
Dog bite incidents occur throughout Pennsylvania, including York County, Lancaster County, Harrisburg, and surrounding Central communities. Dog bite claims may depend on whether the owner failed to exercise reasonable control over the animal. Victims may be able to recover compensation when a dog owner knew or should have known that their dog posed a risk to others and failed to take appropriate action.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
- Pennsylvania dog owners may be liable if their negligent actions lead or contribute to an attack
- Victims may be eligible for compensation for medical bills and other damages
- Liability ultimately depends on whether or not the owner failed to properly restrain or control the dog
- Evidence collected in the immediate aftermath can help strengthen a claim
- Certain defenses, like trespassing or provoking the animal, can impact your ability to recover compensation
What Should I Do After Being Attacked by a Dog in York County?
After a dog bite, you should seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. From here, you should ask the dog owner for his/her information, ask anyone who witnessed the accident for their contact information, and take pictures of your injuries.
Once you are treated and have left the hospital, ensure you retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who knows how to satisfy the burden of proof to win you the compensation you deserve.
Important Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Call 911 or local law enforcement
- Seek immediate medical treatment
- Report the dog bite to York County animal control
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact information
- Request the dog’s vaccination records, if possible
- Take photos and videos of your injuries
- Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Keep all medical records
- Contact an experienced York County personal injury attorney
How Do I Know if I Can Sue A Dog Owner for a Bite?
To sue a dog owner after an attack, you will have to prove that the dog owner in question failed to take the necessary precautions to ensure his or her dog did not hurt anyone. For example, dog owners must keep their dogs on leashes when in public.
If you can prove that the dog owner did not have control of his or her dog and you were injured, there is a very good chance you will be able to sue.
Circumstances That May Support a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Examples may often include:
- The dog was unrestrained and running without being on a leash
- The owner failed to use a leash when required
- The person was committing a criminal act at the time of the attack
- The owner’s conduct did not contribute to the incident
Because every dog bite case is unique, these issues should be evaluated by an attorney. To establish a successful dog bite claim, an injured victim generally must show that the dog owner owed a duty of care, failed to exercise reasonable control over the animal, and that the owner’s actions directly contributed to the injuries suffered.
Does a Dog’s History Matter?
A dog’s history can sometimes play an important role in a dog bite claim. If a dog has previously displayed signs of aggression, has attacked in the past, or has a documented history of dangerous conduct, it may be used as evidence to show that the owner knew about or should have known the risk the animal posed.
Evidence That Can Help Establish Liability
- Animal control reports
- Prior bite complaints
- Witness statements
- Vet records
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Property surveillance footage
What Compensation Can I Recover After a York County Dog Bite?
In the event you are injured by a dog bite in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand that you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for the injuries you have suffered. However, the compensation you can recover will ultimately depend on the circumstances of the accident.
Commonly Awarded Damages After a Dog Bite
- Medical expenses
- Reconstructive surgery
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Damaged property
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Contact Our Experienced Pennsylvania Injury Firm
There is nothing worse than sustaining injuries at the hands of a negligent party. Now, you must recover physically, and you must also find a way to pay for your recovery. This is why if you or someone you know has sustained injuries due to another party’s negligence, you must contact the Law Offices of Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today. An attorney who is willing to fight for your right to a smooth recovery can make all the difference.
