bns-featured-category domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/philadel/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131The post Dog Bite Liability: Failure to Stop a Dog Attack in Progress appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>Full owner liability in a dog attack is almost always a certainty, due to Pennsylvania’s strict dog bite negligence laws. All victims are entitled to medical compensation, regardless of whether the animal has ever shown aggressive tendencies before. The circumstances of the attack are largely irrelevant as well. However, when a victim has severe injuries, he may also be entitled to compensation for other losses, such as loss of wages, pain and suffering, damaged property, and more. The caveat to this, is that the animal must have a previous history of aggression or the victim must prove that the attack was unprovoked, he had a lawful right to be on the property, and that he needed multiple sutures, had broken bones, required plastic surgery, or was left with some other kind of serious injury because of the attack. In short, dog bite liability is almost always assigned to the owner, regardless of whether he attempted to stop the attack or not.
Suing for medical injuries is considered a civil case, and it’s between the victim and the animal’s owner, though the owner’s home insurance policy will often pay the final settlement. However, the city, county, or state may also press criminal charges against the animal’s owner for failing to adhere to the local laws. For instance, he may face charges if the animal should have been on a leash at the time of an attack, if he encouraged the animal to attack, or if the animal was subject to Pennsylvania’s dangerous dog laws and he did not follow the mandates. He could also be considered criminally negligent for not attempting to stop the animal from attacking, and cases like this have gone to trial. This came into play during a trial over the death of Penn State graduate Diane Whipple, who was then living in California. The owners, or people responsible for the dogs that attacked Whipple, were convicted of murder in a criminal trial, for failing to stop the attack. In the civil suit, Whipple’s domestic partner was also awarded $1,500,000.
Even though dog bite liability laws in Philadelphia favor the victim, there is a lot involved in proving the extent of the injuries in order to receive a fair settlement that covers any ongoing medical needs, counseling, or other issues that have resulted from the attack. For this reason, it’s important to consult with a competent Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, prior to considering any kind of settlement or attempting to go forward alone on a case. This site is dedicated to helping victims get the information they need, and to connecting them with skilled local attorneys who will fight to ensure the victim does not suffer financially due to a pet owner’s negligence. If you or your child was attacked by someone’s pet, get in touch with one of the lawyers listed here for your no-obligation consultation today.
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]]>When a dog is bitten by a dog, treatment for the wounds is often necessary. The vet will examine the injuries and may need to take x-rays to check for broken bones or perform other diagnostic tests. The primary concern is often puncture wounds from the other dog’s teeth, though some breeds will shake their jaws as they attack. Pit bulls are known for this behavior, and their bites have been likened to shark attacks because they do a lot of tearing damage. Some canines have very powerful jaws that can crush tender tissues as well, and this may cause damage that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Your vet may need to debride and irrigate wounds so that they are clean and will heal properly. Depending on the severity of the injuries, sutures may also be necessary, and antibiotics will likely be prescribed. When your dog is bitten by another dog, treatment compensation may be awarded by the courts, though they will consider what they believe to be “prudent.” In other words, you may not be able to receive repayment for a $15,000 surgery for an aging pet or be repaid for a $5,000 surgery when a $2,000 option was available. Much of this is at the discretion of the court.
The bitten dog isn’t the only one who suffers, and the courts know this. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may also be awarded a settlement that includes payments for your pain and suffering or mental anguish. This is typically reserved for cases that are especially gruesome, or if the pet does not survive its injuries, though courts around the country have ordered payments to pet owners when someone else’s negligence directly caused injury or death.
When a dog is bitten by another dog, the owners often step in to break up the fight. The instinct to protect a “family member” is very strong, and owners are often hurt as a result. These types of claims are much easier to make in Philadelphia, as they fall under the general dog bite guidelines. In this situation, you’ll almost certainly be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, though you may receive greater compensation if your injuries resulted in permanent scarring or were otherwise “severe.”
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, the compensation available could include losses and damages, which include the expenses from when your dog is bitten by another dog as well. The experts at Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer generally focus on cases where people were injured, though the costs of your pet’s injuries may be rolled into the same lawsuit, too. For more information on what reparations a court may award you, reach out to any of the professionals listed on this site and request your free consultation today.
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]]>Not every insurance company is willing to share their data, but State Farm offered up their statistics from 2015. For them, it was an all-time high year, with $118 million paid out in attack-related claims. Bear in mind, there are over 4.5 million bites reported every year, and State Farm only processed 3,100 claims, so their data only represents a fraction of the total claims processed by insurance companies. Even still, they do process claims all over the country, so the information is relevant. According to their totals, the average dog bite settlement in the US is $34,839.
State Farm also broke down their data regarding which states had the highest number of claims. Pennsylvania is fourth in the nation, with 161 claims processed over the course of the year. The total amount paid out in our state alone was $4.8 million, which reduces the average dog bite settlement in our area to $30,434.
It’s easy to see that the average dog bite settlement amounts vary greatly from state to state, even among states with the largest amounts of claims. From the top payout state of California, with an average payout of $47,781, to the lowest of the group, Michigan, with just $29,365, there’s a difference of over $18,000 per claim. With such a small sample of claims per group, though, it’s very easy for a single claim to swing the balance of the whole group. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the average dog bite settlement amounts are, because your case will likely not fit into this mold. The courts will consider the extent of your injuries as well as how your life will be impacted going forward. An experienced attorney will be able to examine the facts of your case and give you a better understanding of what you, personally, can expect. Reach out to any of the professionals featured on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer and request a free case evaluation, and get the information you need today.
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]]>This website is dedicated to providing dog bite prevention tips and information for victims of attacks, as well as access to Philadelphia’s top dog bite attorneys. If you or your child was attacked by someone’s pet and you need help getting compensation for your injuries, review the profiles here and contact the professional of your choice for a free consultation today.
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]]>In Philadelphia, you’re almost certainly entitled to compensation for your medical bills, but dog bite settlement awards from insurance companies don’t always include everything you should receive.
The laws here also provide greater dog bite settlement awards if your injuries are considered severe. This could mean you have a permanent scar, needed multiple sutures, broke bones, or have some other sort of permanent disability or disfigurement as a result of the attack. Dog bite compensation also increases if the animal has a history of aggression and has been labeled as a “dangerous dog” by the state.
Obtaining fair dog bite compensation so you can rebuild your life is not always easy. You may face numerous obstacles as you struggle with insurance companies or try work with the animal’s owner. Fighting to be treated fairly, after you’ve already been hurt, should not be your responsibility. Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania recognize this, which is why they allow seriously injured victims to recover their legal fees in dog bite settlement awards. It’s also why each dog bite attorney listed on this site will gladly wait to collect a fee for their time, until you have a successful case outcome. If you or your child was injured by someone’s pet, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of a free consultation, so you can make the best possible decision about your future. Get in touch with any of the professionals listed on this site and schedule your no-obligation case evaluation today.
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]]>A handful of states are considered “one bite” states, and related types of dog bite claims enable a victim to collect regardless of whether the animal has bitten someone before or not. Other states may not award victims any funds if the animal in question does not have an aggressive history. In Pennsylvania, you can file dog bite personal injury claims regardless of the animal’s history.
Most types of personal injury cases require the victim to prove that the defendant was somehow negligent and that this negligence led to the injury. You can think of this in terms of a “slip and fall” case. A restaurant may mop a floor and fail to signal the danger to customers. If someone slips and falls, the business is often considered negligent and must pay for damages. However, if the customer spills his own drink and slips on it, it’s generally ruled that the business could not have prevented the incident, and they are not held responsible for the injuries. A lot of states operate this way with dog bite personal injury claims as well. The victim must prove that the owner violated a leash law or brought a dangerous dog into a situation they should not have. Pennsylvania does not operate this way. The victim does not need to prove that the animal’s owner did anything wrong. Beyond demonstrating that the animal caused the damage and that the animal belongs to the defendant, very little else is needed to prove who the responsible party is.
It’s common for a victim to miss time from work and to require ongoing treatment, in addition to the medical bills that are accrued right after the incident. Philadelphia laws allow victims to collect funds for these types of expenses and more under the dog attack claims laws. The different types of dog bite claims may make it easier for a victim to begin a case, but the victim must still prove the extent of his injuries and how those injuries have affected his life in order to receive fair compensation. If you or your child was attacked by someone’s pet, the experienced professionals featured on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer can help ensure you receive a fair settlement so your family is not burdened with debt and can move forward with your lives. Review the profiles and contact the attorneys of your choice for a free case evaluation today.
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]]>The post If a Dog Bites a Child, What Happens? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>Your attitude can make all the difference in the world in how your child responds to treatment and how he recovers emotionally after the incident. Above all else, try to remain calm, and make sure your child is taken to a safe environment.
Call 911 and/ or Perform First Aid: If the injuries are severe, call an ambulance right away. If not, you may perform first aid at home, including cleaning the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering it. You may also apply pressure to help stop bleeding. After this, the child should be taken to a medical office for examination and treatment.
Contact the Authorities: The Philadelphia Police Department will conduct an investigation and file a report.
When a child is bitten by a dog, various injuries can occur. There are often scratches from the animal’s claws, as well as puncture wounds from its teeth. Some breeds have the tendency to shake their heads as they attack, which will tear the tissue and can cause immense amounts of damage. These areas are breeding grounds for bacteria and often become infected if not treated promptly. Stitches are commonly required to close up the wounds, after they are thoroughly cleaned by a medical professional. Some breeds also bite down with incredible force, and the pressure of this causes “crushing-type” injuries internally that may not be visible to the naked eye. They require immediate medical attention and specialized treatment. A dog bite on a kid should always be examined by a doctor right afterwards, so that the wounds heal properly and complications can be avoided.
Children are especially prone to emotional trauma resulting from an attack. It’s very common for kids to have PTSD-like symptoms and anxiety. They may become fearful of all pets, of places, or just be emotional in general. Counseling can help with this. Most kids are familiar with the dogs that attack them, and they often have fears over what will happen to the pet. Providing reassurance can help put these fears at ease. In Philadelphia, mandatory euthanasia is reserved only for very aggressive animals, though the dog will be quarantined and its actions will be scrutinized. The officer who investigates will decide where the quarantine occurs, and he may well allow the animal to stay with its owners, depending on the severity of the attack and the dog’s track record, but dangerous dogs will be transported elsewhere. Knowing these things can help a child cope, whether it’s reassurance that a family pet will not be taken away, or that a “bad dog” can no longer hurt anyone.
After the dust has settled and immediate medical needs are seen to, you will likely find yourself facing medical bills from the attack. If it was severe, you may also have future medical expenses, have to take time off work, and more. The state allows you to recoup these losses, so you can help your child move on and recover, without being burdened with the debts that come from it. If you’d like to find out what you can be compensated for, or would like to begin the process of recovering damages, contact any of the experienced attorneys featured on this site and request your free case evaluation today.
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]]>It’s true that many cases settle out of court. When a person does not have serious injuries and the animal’s owner’s insurance company is willing to cover all medical expenses without question, filing a dog bite claim directly with the insurance company may be the easiest way to go about things. However, not every insurance company behaves in a fair manner. Some offer victims far less than what will cover their ongoing expenses, others move slowly, with the hopes that the statute of limitations will pass and the victim will lose the ability to sue, and others will try to blame the victim or twist words. It’s times like these that a lawyer for dog bite cases should be brought on board, if only to ease negotiations with the insurance company.
If you have severe injuries that have caused you to miss work or you’ll need ongoing treatment to manage scars and other damage, the state will allow you to file a dog bite claim that covers more than just your medical expenses. However, you will have to prove the extent of your injuries, demonstrate how they have affected your life, and meet other criteria in order to receive a fair settlement. In these situations, retaining an experienced attorney for a dog bite case is essential.
If you’re unsure whether you need to hire a dog bite attorney or not, it’s always best to get a consultation, so you can arm yourself with information. The professionals listed on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer provide free consultations, and have the experience and dedication necessary to help you, regardless of whether you are trying to negotiate with an insurance company or your matter must be fought in court. Take a moment to review the profiles highlighted here and get in touch with any or all of them to request your free case evaluation today.
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]]>The post Dog Bite Settlement Amounts: What You Can Expect for Your Dog Bite Compensation appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>It is almost a certainty that you will receive reimbursement for your medical expenses, under Pennsylvania’s legislation, which clearly states that animal owners are liable for damages, even if their pet has never shown any sign of aggression in the past. When injuries are minor, however, dog bite lawsuit awards in Philadelphia tend to be limited to the cost of medical expenses only. If the animal has a history of aggression, the case will be treated as if you have severe injuries, and you will be able to file a claim that includes things like your lost wages, legal fees, and pain and suffering.
The state looks for disfigurement (which includes scarring), disability, multiple sutures, and broken bones when they’re determining if an injury is considered “severe.” A victim with severe injuries is permitted to file for a higher level of dog bite compensation than someone with minor injuries is. There are no “typical dog bite settlements” where severe injuries are concerned. Your dog bite lawsuit amount could include payments for medical bills (both present and future), lost wages (again, both present and future), pain and suffering, legal fees, damaged property, and other expenses. The court will look at how much the attack has impacted your life and what the aftereffects will be in your future. They will also look at previous dog bite settlement amounts in cases similar to yours, to help determine what “fair dog bite compensation” is in your case. Because there are so many variables in dog bite settlement amounts, your award could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than a million dollars. An experienced attorney who has worked on many cases will be able to look at the specifics in yours and determine what your dog attack settlement amount is likely to be.
If you’d like to speak with an experienced attorney about how much dog bite compensation you may be entitled to, speak with one of the professionals listed here on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer. Each one has dedicated a portion of his or her practice to fighting cases just like yours, and has a wealth of information on the topic. Best of all, they offer their consultation services at absolutely no cost to you, and they don’t collect any fees unless they win dog bite compensation for you. To take advantage of this, reach out to the professional of your choice and request your free case evaluation today.
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]]>If the injuries are minor and the dog has no history of aggression, the state will almost always award compensation, but will limit your compensation to medical bills only. An insurance company will often cover your expenses in their entirety without question because of this. If you choose to seek damages from the insurance company, be sure to include any future expenses you may have as well, such as follow-ups and suture removals, but you may be able to handle it on your own.
Sometimes, insurance companies will twist your words or will refuse to cover the full cost of your medical bills. They may even delay payments or slow the processing of your claim so that the statute of limitations passes and you can no longer sue. If you have any issues with the insurance company, or even get a bad feeling about how they’re processing the claim, consult with an experienced lawyer for dog bites.
Lawyers for dog attacks are highly beneficial when you’ve been seriously injured by an animal. In these cases, the state opens up a new tier of compensation, which will allow financial reparations for your lost wages, damaged property, legal fees, pain and suffering, and more. Per the state’s guidelines, something as simple as scarring could be considered a “severe” injury, though your attorney for dog attacks will have to prove the extent of your injuries and how your life has been impacted, among other things. Navigating the court system can be difficult, and you can be sure that the insurance company will have a legal representative as well. If you do not have a skilled dog bite attorney, it may well be like David and Goliath, though insurance companies rarely fail when they’re facing someone who is not a legal professional.
Lawyers for dog bites are essential any time the injuries are severe, though it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert if you have questions or you’re not sure which steps to take. The attorneys highlighted on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer are experts in the field and offer free consultations, so you can get the information you need without any obligation. Review the profiles you see here and contact the professionals of your choice for your free case evaluation today.
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