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Philadelphia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Philadelphia, our lawyer is ready to fight for your rights and hold the owner accountable.

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Dangerous dogs often come from careless owners. Don’t pay the price for their negligence.

Dogs, though often regarded as “man’s best friend,” have the instinctual ability to inflict severe damage on anyone or anything in their path. If you have suffered a dog bite or animal attack, you have experienced the extreme aggression and harrowing aftermath firsthand. From deep lacerations and infections to broken bones and torn muscle tissue, dog bite injuries are excruciating and devastating for you and your entire family.

Unfortunately, these attacks are often the result of the owner's carelessness and negligence. In Pennsylvania, the owner can be held strictly liable for all injuries resulting from a dog bite. However, it could be difficult to establish liability and hold the dog owner accountable. In these tremendously challenging times, too much is at stake to navigate the complicated aftermath of a dog attack alone. If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, you have a right to seek compensation to cover medical bills, time off work, and more. You deserve answers to your questions, compassionate support, and peace of mind as you focus on your recovery. This is where a dog bite injury attorney at (215) GOT-HURT steps in.

Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA

What is the Definition of “Dangerous Dogs?”

In Pennsylvania, the term "dangerous dogs" refers to dogs that have either:

  1. Attacked or inflicted severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property.
  2. Has a history of attacking, without provocation, a human being, domestic animal, dog or cat
  3. Killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal, dog, or cat without provocation while off the owner's property.
  4. Been used in the commission of a crime.

Pennsylvania law requires certain precautions for owners of a dangerous dog, including registration with the state, proper confinement or restraint, and the display of warning signs. Owners may also be required to obtain liability insurance. Additionally, there are specific requirements for handling dangerous dogs, including muzzling and leash requirements in public. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even the removal of the dog from the owner's custody.

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How the Dog Bite Attorneys at 215-GOT-HURT Can Help

A Philadelphia dog bite injury attorney at (215) GOT-HURT will thoroughly investigate the dog attack, get to the bottom of what happened, and protect your rights to help secure the maximum compensation you could be entitled to by law. Backed by valuable courtroom experience, in-depth knowledge of insurance companies, and a hardworking team, a dog bite injury lawyer at (215) GOT-HURT could offer you much more than just a settlement.

Years of Experience Fighting for Clients Before a Judge and Jury

Our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys at (215) GOT-HURT will protect your rights and best interests and take your case to court if necessary. While many personal injury attorneys in Philadelphia only pursue a settlement, we don’t stop there. With extensive trial experience, our dog bite lawyers are ready to represent you before a judge to help secure the compensation you deserve and bring your dog bite case to justice.

Leveraging Over a Decade of Insurance Defense Law

Our personal injury lawyers have been on the other side of the insurance claims process, protecting the interests of insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side and employ numerous tactics to minimize claims and keep more money in their pockets. We won’t let that happen to you. If the insurance companies push back against your claim, that’s nothing new to us. We will put our experience to work to help ensure that you are not taken advantage of and receive the maximum compensation to cover your injuries and damages now and in the future.

Continuous Communication and Support

Struggling with injuries from a dog bite or animal attack can take a toll on a victim physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the added stress of medical bills and time off work, this could prove to be a tremendously difficult time for a dog bite victim and their family. At (215) GOT-HURT, you can count on our legal team and staff to provide the regular case updates you need and the comprehensive support you deserve.

What Can a Personal Injury Lawyer at (215) GOT-HURT Do for Me?

A Philadelphia dog bite attorney can provide several valuable services if you've been bitten or injured by a dog:

Legal support. A dog bite lawyer can assess your case and provide guidance regarding your legal rights and options. They can explain the relevant laws in your jurisdiction, such as liability laws and statutes of limitations. They can also provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping alleviate some of the burden and protecting your rights.

A thorough investigation. A lawyer can investigate the dog bite's circumstances, including gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and incident documentation. This can strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal action.

Negotiation. If you're seeking compensation for your injuries, a dog bite lawyer can negotiate with the dog owner's insurance company on your behalf. They can work to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Representation in court. If a settlement cannot be reached, a dog bite lawyer can represent you in court. They can advocate for your interests, present evidence, and argue your case before a judge or jury.

A dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, pursue compensation for your injuries, and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

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It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable Philadelphia accident attorney at 215-GOT-HURT as soon as possible after a accident to ensure that you meet legal deadlines and gather relevant evidence while it's still fresh. Choosing a local attorney experienced in handling personal injury cases in Philadelphia is essential for a complete recovery and secure financial future.

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What to Do After Suffering a Dog Bite

If you've been bitten by a dog, it's essential to take the following steps:

  1. Seek medical attention. Your health and safety are the top priorities. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then seek medical attention promptly. Even minor dog bites can lead to infections or complications if not adequately treated.
  2. Identify the dog and its owner. If possible, obtain information about the dog that bit you, including the owner's name and contact information and any information about the dog's vaccination history. This information may be necessary for medical treatment and legal purposes.
  3. Report the incident. Report the dog bite to the appropriate authorities, such as animal control or the local police department. This helps ensure that the incident is documented and that proper measures can be taken to prevent future incidents.
  4. Document everything. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the dog bite occurred, and any other relevant details. Keep records of your medical treatment, including doctor's visits, medications prescribed, and any other expenses related to the dog bite.
  5. Consult with a dog bite lawyer. If you've been seriously injured or the dog has a history of aggression, you may want to consult a personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases. They can provide legal advice and help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
  6. Follow up on medical treatment. Follow your doctor's instructions for caring for the wound and attend any follow-up appointments as recommended. If you experience any signs of infection or other complications, seek medical attention promptly.

By taking these steps, you can protect your health, document the incident, and take appropriate action to address the consequences of the dog bite.

Types of Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims

As a dog attack victim in Philadelphia, you may be entitled to various types of compensation for your injuries and damages. The specific types of compensation available to you will depend on the circumstances of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction. However, common types of compensation for dog bite victims include:

Medical expenses. This can include compensation for the cost of medical treatment related to the dog bite, such as hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and therapy.

Lost wages. If the dog bite injuries prevent you from working or require you to take time off from work to recover, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and income.

Pain and suffering. Dog bite victims may be awarded compensation for physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress, trauma, and mental anguish resulting from the attack.

Scarring and disfigurement. If the dog bite leaves permanent scars or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for these injuries' physical and emotional impact.

Disability or impairment. If the dog bite results in a permanent disability or impairment that affects your ability to work or perform daily activities, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of earning capacity and quality of life.

Property damage. In some cases, dog bites may also damage personal property, such as clothing or belongings, for which you may be entitled to compensation.

Punitive damages. In cases where the dog owner's conduct was particularly reckless or egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages as a form of punishment and deterrence.

It's essential to consult a qualified lawyer to evaluate your case, assess the full extent of your damages, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

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Understanding Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim

As a dog bite victim, you have certain rights aimed at protecting your health, safety, and well-being. These rights may vary depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, but common rights for dog bite victims often include the following:

  1. Right to seek medical treatment: You can receive prompt and appropriate medical treatment for your injuries resulting from the dog bite. This includes treatment for physical injuries and any necessary follow-up care, such as vaccinations or therapy.
  2. Right to report the incident: You have the right to report the dog bite incident to the appropriate authorities, such as animal control or the local police department. Reporting the incident helps ensure that it is documented and that proper measures can be taken to prevent future incidents.
  3. Right to compensation: If you've been injured due to a dog bite, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. This may involve filing a personal injury claim against the dog owner or their insurance company.
  4. Right to legal representation: You have the right to consult with a lawyer specializing in dog bite cases and have legal representation throughout the process. A lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the legal system, and advocate on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your injuries.
  5. Right to safety: You have the right to feel safe in your community and to take reasonable steps to protect yourself from future dog bite incidents. This may include obtaining a restraining order against the dog or pursuing other legal remedies to prevent further harm.

These are just a few examples of Philadelphia dog bite victims' rights. It's essential to consult with a qualified lawyer who can advise you on your specific rights and options based on the circumstances of your case and the laws in your jurisdiction.

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I've had a great experience with Steven's firm. They are competent, responsive and professional. I enjoyed interacting with the office members (especially Gail G.). Thanks for all your help!

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We Protect and Defend the Rights of Dog Bite Victims in Philadelphia

Have you or someone you love been bitten or attacked by a dog due to owner negligence? Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are ready to listen to your story and provide essential guidance and support every step of the way. With a dog bite attorney at (215) GOT-HURT in your corner, you can rest assured that your case will be brought to justice.

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