Philadelphia Animal Attack Attorney
Every year around 4.5 million Americans are victims of dog bites and attacks, with 900,000 of these victims requiring hospital care. Dog bites and other animal attacks can be especially frightening and catastrophic because they may be unprovoked and come as a complete surprise from your own beloved pet. Many dog attacks occur on the dog owner’s property so certain homeowner’s insurance companies and states may require liability insurance for dog owners. In fact, one third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claims are related to dog or animal bites.
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are required to have reasonable control over their dogs, like being restrained by a leash while off the owner’s property, or otherwise confined or secured on the dog owner’s property. If a dog attacks or bites someone, the dog owner can be responsible to cover the victim’s medical costs and possibly other damages. Pennsylvania dog bite law places strict liability on dog owners for dog bites if the dog has bitten someone before or has shown a tendency to aggression and violence. Even if a dog has never exhibited any dangerous or aggressive behavior before, its owner will at least be responsible for a victim’s medical bills, according to state law. Once a dog has attacked someone, it may be registered as a "dangerous" animal, and the owner may have to comply with further regulations, like posting warning signs on his property, and keeping a muzzle on the dog while in public.
Dog and animal attacks can cause severe injuries and require extensive medical and psychological treatment. Common dog bite injuries include crush injuries, broken bones, permanent scarring, lacerations requiring sutures, puncture wounds that cause life threatening infections, amputation, muscle damage, nerve damage, rabies and even result in death. Many times, severe lacerations will require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and the expertise of a cosmetic surgeon to properly repair. Medical costs for an average dog bite are estimated at nearly $20,000 per victim. Victims of dog bites and animal attacks may also suffer post traumatic stress disorder and require psychological care.
If you or someone you love has been catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed in an animal or dog attack, contact the experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys of Reiff & Bily to determine if you are entitled to financial compensation. With over 30 years of experience, our team of dedicated attorneys understands the complex areas of dog bite law and premises liability and have the skill necessary to successfully litigate dog bite claims. If a dog bite or attack has left you with serious injuries, permanent scarring, facial injuries, blindness, or disfigurement, we will fight to get you compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will work hard to hold negligent animal owners responsible for their dangerous pets and make sure aggressive animals are off the streets. Contact us for a no-obligation, confidential consultation today.
