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 Bitten By Another Dog: Can I Sue? appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>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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]]>The post Average Dog Bite Settlement: How Much You Should Expect appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>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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]]>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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]]>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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]]>The post Dog Bite Lawsuits: How and When to File appeared first on Dog Bite Lawyer.
]]>In Philadelphia, getting bitten by a dog almost certainly entitles you to compensation for your medical bills, regardless of the circumstances. If the dog has a past history of aggression or your injuries are severe, you may also be able to receive payments for your legal fees, pain and suffering, damaged property, lost wages, and more. Scarring, broken bones, the need for multiple sutures, and disfigurement or disability all qualify as “severe,” and may qualify you for the higher level of coverage, though you will likely need to file a dog bite lawsuit in order to receive the full amount you’re entitled to. There is a statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a dog bite, so it’s important to file right away, even if you think you’ll settle out of court. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to file at all, which means you cannot fight for any funds- not even coverage for medical bills that you’ve paid out of your own pocket.
Filing an injury lawsuit for a dog bite can be very involved. You’ll need to use the correct court forms, include all the pertinent information, and include the proper documentation to substantiate your claims. This is incredibly difficult to do if you’re seeking non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. It’s always best to have an experienced professional handle the court documents, because you often only get once chance to handle the case properly. If you fail to include an expense, you may not be able to request compensation for it at all.
The experts on this site handle dog bite lawsuits all the time, and they can ensure that the courts receive all necessary documentation, in the proper format, within the correct timeframe. They can also evaluate the amounts you’re requesting and offer advice as to which expenses you may have overlooked, so you can be sure you’re getting compensation for all of your expenses and do not suffer a financial burden. They also wait for payment until your injury lawsuit for the dog bite successfully concludes, and the fees are usually included in the settlement, separate from any other compensation you receive, so you won’t be overwhelmed with expenses from the case. If you’d like to take advantage of their no-obligation consultations, contact the professional of your choice and book your appointment 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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]]>To begin, Pennsylvania is considered a one-bite state in terms of liability. The dog bite laws are written such that the owner is held accountable for the animal the very first time it hurts someone, even if he had no reason to believe the animal would behave aggressively or might attack. The animal does not have to have bitten someone in the past. The victim can almost always receive compensation for medical bills, though it’s worth noting that most homeowner’s polices have coverage included for these situations. So, although the owner will be the one legally responsible for paying the costs of the injuries and damages, it’s generally his insurance that issues the funds.
One of the first steps you should take following an attack is to contact the Philadelphia Police Department. An officer will come out and investigate the incident. What happens next will be largely based on what occurred and the history of the dog.
When it cannot be determined who the animal’s owner is, or the dog is at large, Animal Care and Control may collect it. Depending on the case, euthanasia of the aggressive dog is a possibility, though this is a decision made by the on-call vet. It is generally not their first choice to euthanize a dog after dog attack, though they will if they believe the animal is dangerous and/or cannot be helped. A healthy and otherwise docile animal may be kept in quarantine.
Pennsylvania breaks up dog bite cases based on animals with and without a past history of aggression. For those with no past history of aggression, dog bite euthanasia is not generally a concern. The animal will, however, be subject to a 10-day quarantine, and the officer that investigates the attack will determine where the quarantine is to take place. He may permit the animal to stay with its owners or he may require that the dog be taken into custody at the owner’s expense. Following this, the owners will generally get a choice between putting a dog down after a dog bite or registering it as a dangerous dog.
Animals that have a history of aggression are subject to the state’s dangerous dog requirements, which lay out specific guidelines for the care and licensure of the animal. The law states “The owner or keeper of a dangerous dog who commits a subsequent violation under subsection (a) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and, upon conviction, shall pay a fine not to exceed $5,000, plus the costs of quarantine, kennel charges and destruction of the dangerous dog.” In other words, euthanasia for an aggressive dog is quite likely, and is a certainty if the owner has not been following the dangerous dog laws.
Dog bite euthanasia is generally reserved for animals that are truly dangerous, and the state gives owners the opportunity to keep a family pet, provided they can do so safely. However, regardless of whether the animal is put to sleep, the owner remains liable for any damage it has caused. If you or your child was injured by someone’s pet, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. To find out what the courts may award, contact one of the experienced attorneys featured on this site for your free case evaluation today.
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]]>Dog bite treatment should be your first priority if you’re trying to determine what to do if bitten by a dog. Infection is a very serious risk, as bacteria is present in at least 50% of dog bite cases. Puncture wound and dog bite nerve damage treatments are also necessary. Some dogs can bite down with as much as 600 pounds of pressure per square inch, causing crush-type injuries. These require special attention which must occur immediately after the attack in order to speed up the healing process and avoid long-term damage or ongoing issues.
There are many agencies you’ll need to get in touch with to report the incident. Each one handles a different aspect of the case, so it’s important to contact them all.
Animal Care and Control: Philadelphia Animal Control should be contacted if the animal was roaming freely, though they will not take an animal from its owners unless instructed to do so by the authorities. You can report a stray or unrestrained pet on their website.
Division of Disease Control: The Division of Disease Control is the agency that logs all bite reports and will assess your risk for rabies. You can report your incident by calling them at 215-685-6748.
Philadelphia Police Department: It’s important to file a police report for a couple of reasons. First, the police will investigate, collect information, and will compile a report that may be beneficial if you file a claim later, so can receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Secondly, the animal’s owner may have violated laws that the authorities will want to pursue. For example, animal leash laws or dangerous dog statutes may come into play. These breeches of the law will be followed up wholly by the authorities, whereas you’ll be responsible for filing a separate claim for compensation. Check the police department website to locate the correct non-emergency number for your district.
Determining what to do if bitten by a dog can seem confusing because there are a lot of steps to take at a time when you are likely dealing with a medical crisis and trying to manage all your normal responsibilities at the same time. The good news is that you do not need to go through it alone. The professionals listed on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer handle cases just like yours every single day and will stand by you every step of the way. Unlike other attorneys, they do not ask for money up front, even as they’re guiding you through the process. Instead, they help you file a claim and wait until you receive a settlement, which typically includes full coverage for your legal fees on top of reparations for things like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. To get started, select an attorney from this site and request your free consultation today.
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