Understanding The Law and Your Rights after a Dog Attack
Dog attack may lead to personal injury claim in Pennsylvania
Being the victim of a dog attack can leave individuals feeling frightened and vulnerable. In many cases, individuals may suffer serious injuries that could lead to a multitude of financial, physical, and emotional complications. In such cases, victims may wish to consider filing personal injury claims against the parties held liable for such an attack. This type of claim could allow them to pursue compensation for allowable damages.
Case Example
Such a claim may result after a recent incident in Pennsylvania. Reports stated that a man and his 4-year-old daughter were walking when a dog escaped a fenced area and attacked them. The little girl was bitten on the finger and leg, and the dog began to attack the man when he intervened. Two additional dogs jumped out of a window of a home near where the man and child were walking and joined the attack.
Other individuals in the area came to help and were able to use sticks to get the dogs away. Authorities stated that the man suffered injuries to his hand and leg that were bleeding profusely. Details were not given on the severity of the injuries the man and his daughter suffered. It was noted that a woman was cited in relation to the attack due to harboring dangerous dogs.
The man and young girl may face difficulties as they work to recover from the injuries suffered in the incident. If they feel it could be right for them, they may wish to file a personal injury claim against the individual or individuals responsible for the dogs. This type of claim may help them work toward gaining reparations for damages permitted under Pennsylvania law.
Legal Principles Related to Dog Attacks
Strict Liability: Pennsylvania follows a strict liability rule for dog attacks. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggressive tendencies. In this case, the owners of the dogs that escaped and attacked the man and his daughter would be strictly liable for the injuries, as the dogs caused harm while not being properly restrained.
Negligence: The principle of negligence involves demonstrating that the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. In this incident, the owners may be found negligent for not securing the dogs properly, allowing them to escape from a fenced area and through a window. This failure to contain the dogs properly could be seen as a direct cause of the attack and the resulting injuries.
Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule states that an injured party can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the incident. In this situation, if there was any argument that the victims provoked the dogs (though unlikely given the circumstances), their compensation might be reduced based on their degree of fault.
Pennsylvania Dog Law: The state has specific statutes that govern the responsibilities of dog owners, including requirements for licensing, vaccinations, and confinement. Violation of these laws can strengthen a personal injury claim. In this case, the citation given to the woman for harboring dangerous dogs underlines the violation of these responsibilities and supports the victims’ claim for damages.
Seeking Legal Help
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case, gather essential evidence, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How We Can Help: Our law firm specializes in personal injury claims, including those involving dog attacks. We offer comprehensive legal services, from initial consultation to court representation, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Get Help With your Injury Claim after a Pennsylvania Dog Attack
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dog bite lawyers. We are dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Para nuestros clientes que hablan español, también ofrecemos servicios en español. Hable hoy con nuestros abogados de lesiones personales para obtener la ayuda que necesita.
Source: wkbn.com, “Police: Woman cited for Sharon pit bull attack”, Chelsea Simeon, June 6, 2016
