Personal. Compassionate. Fearless.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Allentown, PA

Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, with more than 48 million households owning at least one. While most dogs will go their whole life without ever attacking a human, dog bites are still quite common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. These attacks result in nearly 800,000 dog bite victims receiving medical care each year.

At Mansour Law, LLC, you will work with me, personal injury lawyer Bill Mansour, to seek compensation for dog bite injuries. As a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer, I represent clients whose dogs have been seriously injured by vicious dogs. I have extensive experience holding dog owners financially liable for the injuries their animals inflicted.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws

Almost every state has a dog bite law on the books. However, every state’s law varies regarding the situations in which an animal owner is liable. In Pennsylvania, courts use a combination of strict liability and negligence.

Strict Liability

Strict liability is a legal doctrine that holds the owner of a dog liable for any injury caused by their animal, regardless of whether the owner was negligent. Thus, under a strict liability theory, there is no requirement that the animal owner knew that their dog was dangerous or had attacked a person in the past.

While Pennsylvania courts rely in part on strict liability, a dog bite victim can recover only their medical expenses from the owner under a strict liability theory. To obtain other types of economic and non-economic damages, a dog bite victim must prove that the animal’s owner was negligent.

Negligence

Negligence is another legal doctrine that allows an injury victim to hold another person financially responsible for their injuries. To succeed in a dog bite case under a theory of negligence, a dog bite victim must prove:

  1. The animal’s owner knew their dog possessed “unmistakable vicious tendencies”
  2. That the owner failed to control the animal properly

Examples of negligence may include:

  • Failing to keep a dog on an appropriate leash
  • Allowing a dog to roam freely
  • Failing to install the proper fencing to keep a dog on the owner’s property
  • Failing to warn passersby of the presence of a dangerous dog

Dog bite cases can be very complex, and anyone who was recently attacked by a dog should reach out to me at Mansour Law, LLC, to better understand their rights.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs can be vicious animals that are capable of inflicting serious, lifelong injuries. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Bruises and welts
  • Deep cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring or other disfigurement
  • Torn ligaments

In addition to physical injuries, the victims of a dog attack may suffer emotional trauma. These injuries may result in missed work, tremendous medical expenses, and prolonged physical limitations. Victims may develop a fear of dogs or even a fear of being out in public alone.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control reports that about one in five dog bites becomes infected. Signs of an infection include.

  • Blistering near the affected area
  • Confusion
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Redness or swelling at the site of the wound
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting

If you experience any of these symptoms after a dog bite, you must seek immediate medical attention.

Damages in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit

Dog bite victims who successfully bring a lawsuit against an animal’s owner can recover for the economic and non-economic damages they sustained due to the attack. Economic damages are the out-of-pocket expenses a victim incurs as a result of an attack, and include

  • Past medical expenses
  • The cost of follow-up medical treatment
  • Lost wages while you cannot work due to your injuries
  • Any decrease in your ability to earn income in the future

Non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional and psychological injuries you suffered and may include compensation for the following:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of society

At Mansour Law, I work closely with my clients to fully assess their injuries. This way, I ensure that you are fairly compensated for everything you’ve been through.

What Are the Most Dangerous Types of Dogs?

Any dog can “snap” and attack a human without reason or notice. However, some breeds are more likely to attack people. According to a 2017 study, the most dangerous dogs in the United States are:

  • Akitas
  • Alaskan malamutes
  • American Staffordshire terriers
  • Boxers
  • Chow chows
  • Doberman pinschers
  • German shepherds
  • Great Danes
  • Mastiffs
  • Perro de presa canarios
  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • Siberian huskies

Among these breeds, pit bulls are responsible for the most attacks. In fact, between 2005 and 2017, 284 people died as a result of a pit bull attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To Bring A Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawsuit?

State law requires all injured parties to bring a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date the injury occurred. Dog bite lawsuits are no exception. Thus, you have two years from the date of the bite or attack to file a claim. Failure to file a case within the appropriate amount of time will almost certainly result in the court dismissing your lawsuit.

Does Pennsylvania Have Any Breed-Specific Dog Bite Laws?

Pennsylvania state law does not label any particular type of dog “dangerous.” Thus, in every dog bite case, it is up to the victim to establish that the animal’s owner knew their dog was dangerous.

Contact an Experienced Injury Lawyer for Immediate Assistance

If a dog recently attacked you, your child, or another loved one, contact me at Mansour Law, LLC. I recognize everything you are going through in the wake of an animal attack and tailor our representation according to your unique needs. I am a skilled negotiator and an aggressive litigator, meaning I can effectively handle your case from start to finish without interruption.

I offer all prospective clients a free consultation. During this consultation, I will explain the recovery process and provide you with an honest assessment of your case. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call Mansour Law, LLC at 610-321-3538 today. You can also connect through the online form.