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 Attorney: When Do I Need One? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>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.
The post Dog Bite Attorney: When Do I Need One? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>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.
The post Bitten By a Dog? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>The post Bitten By a Dog with Shots: Do I Need a Lawyer? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>Even if you were bitten by a dog with shots and the injuries are minor, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. For severe or life-threatening injuries, call 911. For less severe injuries, you can go to an urgent care clinic or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. Rabies is a huge concern during these kinds of attacks, but if the animal was well-cared for and had immunizations, the risk of contracting rabies is minimal. However, you should contact the Philadelphia Division of Disease Control immediately following the attack to assess your risk and to report the incident. Your physician will also take steps to minimize the risk of infection and will document your injuries, which is important if you hope to receive repayment for any medical bills or losses.
Repayment for your expenses typically comes from the animal’s owner or from his insurance company. If you were bitten by loose dog, finding the responsible party/owner is important in determining liability and obtaining your settlement. If you were bitten by a dog with shots, or an animal that has a clearly identifiable owner, proving liability is much simpler.
Have a consultation before accepting an insurance settlement. The owner’s insurance company will likely offer a settlement, and if you accept, you will not have to go to court to receive payments for your medical bills or losses. However, insurance companies tend to offer settlements that are far less than a court might award and that don’t always consider your future needs. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have a consultation with an attorney to determine if you’re being offered a fair settlement. The professionals featured on Philadelphia offer no-obligation case evaluations, so getting information on how to proceed is easy and costs you nothing.
Seek legal advice if the animal’s owner will not cooperate and provide information. Sometimes, the owner of the animal behaves in a difficult manner, whether out of fear of losing the dog or because of possible insurance penalties. If the owner refuses to provide information, you should talk to a lawyer.
Get legal help if the owner or insurance company is dragging their feet. In Philadelphia, there is a statute of limitations that prevents you from filing a legal claim after a set period of time. If the days and weeks turn into a month or more and you’re not getting help, you should talk to a lawyer. These limits apply even if you are negotiating with the insurance company, so be sure to get help even if you expect them to settle. Some unscrupulous people intentionally drag their feet until the statute of limitations passes, leaving victims with no recourse.
Hire an attorney if the injuries are severe. If you have broken bones, scarring, needed more than a couple sutures, or have any kind of disfigurement or disability as a result of your attack, it’s important to bring an attorney on board right away. Your lawyer will assess how much these things will impact your future, and may be able to help you get funds for damaged property, subsequent medical bills, future lost wages, time away from work, pain and suffering, and more.
Even if you were bitten by a dog with shots, versus being bitten by stray dog, your wounds could become infected or internal damage may have occurred that will cause serious issues down the line. If at any point after the attack you question whether you need an attorney, you owe it to yourself to at least take advantage of a free consultation. At Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer, we highlight experienced and aggressive attorneys who will fight to ensure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve. Review their profiles and schedule your no-obligation case evaluations today.
The post Bitten By a Dog with Shots: Do I Need a Lawyer? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>The post Children Bitten By a Dog: What Parents of Child Dog Bite Victims Need to Know appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>When children are bitten by a dog, it’s not always easy to assess the damage. Even if the skin is not broken, bruising, broken bones, damaged muscles, and other “invisible” damage may occur. Moreover, puncture wounds and tears can easily become infected and often require stitches, so it’s always a good idea to have your son or daughter examined by a physician to help ensure he or she recovers as quickly as possible. Documentation from the initial medical visit may also be used as evidence if you file a claim later.
In Philadelphia, children bitten by a dog may need to prove that the attack was not provoked in order to receive compensation for all damages. For this reason, it’s important to get statements from witnesses when things are still fresh in their minds. You should also take photographs of any injuries and of the area where the attack happened.
The emotional trauma of being attacked often leave children with PTSD and PTSD-like symptoms. It’s common for younger kids to be weepy or cry for seemingly no reason in the days and months following an attack. They may become fearful of all pets, of the place where they were attacked, and more. Parents of child dog bite victims can help their kids recover by being patient and giving them the opportunity to express their concerns and fears. Counseling and other forms of mental health treatments may be necessary following an attack as well.
Parents of child dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for their child’s medical expenses, the time they’ve spent away from work, for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and more. However, the state of Pennsylvania minimizes what you’re entitled to if the injures were not considered serious. Even if you are considering settling with an insurance company, it’s important to have your case reviewed by an experienced attorney to ensure you and your child are being treated fairly. You may find it’s in your best interests to file a claim if your child was seriously injured or if he or she will require extensive care following an attack. Throughout the pages of this site, you’ll find the profiles of competent and skilled Philadelphia dog bite attorneys who are glad to review your case at no cost to you. Please review the profiles and schedule your no-obligation consultations today.
The post Children Bitten By a Dog: What Parents of Child Dog Bite Victims Need to Know appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>