Dog Bite Victims Have Recourse
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, with more than 48 million households owning one or more dogs. 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 suffer dog bites 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, Bill Mansour, to seek compensation for dog bite injuries. As a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer, I represent clients 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 when it comes to 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 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:
- The animal’s owner knew their dog possessed “unmistakable vicious tendencies.”
- 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 become 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, it is imperative you seek immediate medical attention.
Damages In A Pennsylvania Dog Bite 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 the 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, LLC, I work closely with my clients to identify the full extent of 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
Of these breeds, pit bulls are responsible for the highest number of attacks. In fact, between 2005 and 2017, 284 people died as the 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 Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyer For Immediate Assistance
If you, your child, or another loved one was recently attacked by a dog, contact me at Mansour Law, LLC. I recognize everything you are going through in the wake of an animal attack and cater our representation according to your unique needs. I am a skilled negotiator as well as an aggressive litigator, meaning I can effectively handle your case from beginning to end without any 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 to schedule a free consultation, give Mansour Law, LLC, a call at 610-936-6863 today. You can also connect with my through the online form.