Knowing what to do in a Pennsylvania dog bite case can help protect your right to recover for your injuries. Pennsylvania law states that a dog owner can be liable for damages when a person is severely attacked, or if a person is attacked and the dog has previously been considered, or been shown to be dangerous or have dangerous propensities. An injured person can recover compensation for a dog bite incident if it can be proven the dog owner was negligent or the dog owner violates Pennsylvania dog laws and regulations.
If you recall from a previous dog bite article I wrote here, a dog owner could not be held liable if the dog bite incident was the first time the dog bit or showed violent tendencies. The so called “one bite rule,” is no longer applicable in Pennsylvania. The law now provides that a dog owner can be held legally responsible any time their dog bites another. What we look to is whether the dog owner should have known or was aware of the likelihood of the dog biting another or that the dog had aggressive propensities. If so, dog owners must take all reasonable steps to ensure their dog does not bite someone. Failure to do so creates legal liability.
What should you do if you become a victim of a dig bite? Take these steps to protect your personal injury case.
-
- Report the dog bite immediately to animal control in your area. Filing an official report is required.
- As with any injury case, seek immediate medical attention. Be sure to explain to the medical provider you go to that the injuries occurred from a dog bite. Provide specifics. Get it documented in the medical records.
- Write down what happen. Write down the breed of the dog (if known). Write down what you were doing at the time the bite occurred. Write down details so you do not forget.
- Take pictures of the dog bite wounds.
- Get the dog owner’s information. Document whether or not you know if the dog owner owns the property. Recovery in your case will more than likely be from a homeowners’ insurance policy. Obtain the dog owner’s contact information and insurance information, if possible.
- Keep clear records of all medical providers you see for the dog bite incident. Keep a log of unpaid medical bills, co-pays, deductibles, and out of pocket expenses.
- Call Mooney Law right away. We can guide you through the case, explain the law, and negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement for you. Remember, Pennsylvania has a two year statute of limitations to file a complaint in personal injury. Waiting too long can severely harm your case.
Mooney Law has helped many clients throughout Pennsylvania that have suffered dog bite injuries. We offer absolutely free consultations for dog bite, and all personal injury cases. We can discuss by phone, by video, or in person at any one of our 15 office locations. Call today for an absolutely free consultation at 717-200-HELP or 717-632-4656. You can also email us direct at info@mooney4law.com.
