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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]]>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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]]>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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]]>The post Bitten By a Dog? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>If you or one of your kids was bitten by a dog, your first step should be to get medical attention. Puncture wounds are breeding grounds for bacteria and can result in terrible infections if they go untreated. Dogs also bite down with tremendous amounts of force, which can cause crushing-type injuries. Though you may not always be able to see the damage right away, serious injuries could have occurred below the skin.
If you got bitten by a dog at large, Philadelphia Animal Care and Control will attempt to collect it. You should contact them to let them know, but be aware that they will not take an animal from its owner unless the police tell them to. You should also contact the Division of Disease Control, as they will make a report of the incident and will assess your risk for rabies. If you were bitten by a pet dog, the risk is very low, though if the animal was a stray or did not have its shots, they may recommend that you have a series of shots to ensure you stay healthy. Lastly, the Philadelphia Police Department should be notified. An officer will perform an investigation and will follow up on any criminal aspects of the case. He’ll also file an official report that may be helpful if you need to go to court later.
People who are bitten by a dog in Philadelphia are almost always awarded the costs of their medical bills. You may be able to receive this payment directly from the dog owner’s insurance company. However, if your injuries are severe or the insurance company is not being helpful, it’s best to bring a competent attorney on board early. Your legal representative may be able to help you receive funds for your other damages as well, such as destroyed property, pain and suffering, time away from work, and any legal fees.
This site is dedicated to providing information to dog bite victims, and it includes the profiles of several of Philadelphia’s top dog bite attorneys. If you or your child was injured by someone’s pet, your lawyer will help ensure that you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve, so you can begin rebuilding your life. For a no-obligation, reach out to the attorney of your choosing and request your free case evaluation today.
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]]>The post What to Do if Bitten by a Dog: Step by Step Guide appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>1) Your first step should always be to seek medical attention. Call 911 if it’s an emergency. If not, you can see your primary care physician or an urgent care facility. When a human is bitten by a dog, the chances of an infection are incredibly high, so it’s important to have the area properly cleaned and treated.
2) Contact the Philadelphia Police Department and file a report. An officer will be dispatched and he will conduct an investigation, file a report, and follow up on any criminal charges that may need to be filed.
3) Call the Division of Disease Control. Simply tell them, “I was bitten by a dog,” and they will ask questions about the animal to assess your risk for rabies. If you were bitten by dog with shots or a by a family pet, the risk is incredibly low, but if the animal was a stray, they may recommend prophylactic treatment in the form of a series of shots. They will also make a report of the attack.
4) If the animal is at large, contact Animal Care and Control. Although the agency will not remove an animal from its owner’s care unless the officer instructs them to, they will try to pick up a stray or an animal at large.
1) Retain an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. A competent attorney will walk you through the process and help ensure you do not suffer financially as a result of the attack.
2) File a claim or negotiate with the insurance company. Many cases never need to go to court, as insurance companies prefer to avoid the expense. However, they do not always offer a fair settlement and they may intentionally process a claim slow, so you miss the deadline for filing. Refer to your attorney on which methods are best.
You don’t need to figure out what to do if bitten by a dog on your own. The professionals listed on this site handle cases just like yours on a routine basis, and can ensure that you follow the correct procedures and receive a fair settlement. To get started, contact the attorney of your preference and request your free case evaluation today.
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]]>Finding a top attorney for dog bites can be difficult, because there are a lot of “dog attack lawyers“ out there, but they don’t all truly specialize in dog attacks. An attorney for dog bites is a personal injury lawyer who helps victims of negligence get compensated for their medical bills and other expenses, but Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws are slightly different than the state’s traditional negligence laws. In other words, you must have one of the top dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in order to find someone who genuinely works on these types of cases on a regular basis. By selecting an expert in the field, you can be assured your case is getting the attention it deserves, so you receive everything you’re entitled to.
In Philadelphia, most victims are entitled to compensation for their medical bills, regardless of the circumstances of the attack. However, those with more serious injuries will have much greater expenses than the medical bills alone, but it’s more difficult to receive a fair settlement when you’re fighting for these additional expenses you’ve accrued. Top dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania may be able to help you receive payments for:
It’s quite likely that the dog owner’s insurance company will try to settle out of court with you, but their goal is always to settle a claim for as little as possible. They probably won’t consider how your injury will affect you in the years to come and they may even drag their feet in the hopes that the statute of limitations will pass before you take legal action. For this reason, it’s important to choose a top attorney for dog bites even if you hope to settle out of court. In fact, it’s better to have the attorney handle all the negotiations, so that the insurance company cannot twist your words or use them against you in court later.
At Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer, we provide information for dog bite victims, including the contact information for top dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Take a moment to review the profiles on this site and contact the ones you prefer to request your free case evaluation today.
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