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What To Do After A Dog Bite in Pennsylvania

What To Do After A Dog Bite in Pennsylvania

If you have been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation. Dog bites can cause severe injuries and, in many cases, result in death. It is important to understand the legal ramifications of a dog bite and contact an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

At Justice Guardians in Pennsylvania, our dog bite lawyers are prepared to provide legal representation for victims of dog bites. If you were injured by a dog, we will thoroughly investigate the incident and gather the facts surrounding the attack. Our lawyers will gather medical records, photographs, witness statements, and other evidence to present to a jury to determine if the dog owner is liable for damages.

Local medical centers that treat dog bite injuries:

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

Dog bites are common types of injuries that occur in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 3 million dog bite victims seek medical attention each year.

Injuries caused by dogs can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations and punctures. They can occur anywhere on the body, including hands, arms, legs, feet, face, head, torso, and groin area.

Steps to take after a dog bite in Pennsylvania:

  • Seek Medical Attention Immediately

After an injury occurs, the first thing you should do is seek immediate treatment. This means going to the emergency room immediately after the incident occurred. This is especially true if the wound appears infected, has broken skin, or if the victim was bitten multiple times. If any of these symptoms appear, call 911 right away.

  • Document the Attack

It is important to document the extent of the injury. Take pictures of the wound and its surroundings. Make sure to include the following information:

  • Location of the injury
  • How deep the wound went
  • Size of the wound
  • Number of wounds
  • Type of animal involved
  • Any visible signs of infection

Documenting the details of the injury helps provide evidence in case the situation escalates.

  • Report the Injury

Report the incident to law enforcement authorities. Be sure to include information regarding the location of the attack, the breed of the dog involved, and any identifying characteristics of the dog.

Animal control officers are trained to handle situations involving animals. They can offer assistance to victims of dog bites. If the dog owner fails to provide identification, you may file a complaint against him/her. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 1.6 million dogs were euthanized due to complications caused by dog bites in 2014 alone.

  • Seek Legal Representation

If you believe that the dog owner was negligent in causing your injury, you may file a lawsuit. However, if the dog attack resulted in severe physical harm, such as broken bones or lacerations requiring stitches, then filing a lawsuit would be appropriate.

Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania? 

If you're injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation under state law. This means that you may be able to file a lawsuit against the person responsible for causing your injury.

Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding liability for dog bites. To qualify for compensation, you must prove that the dog was vicious, dangerous, or had no right to be on the property.

There are several factors that determine whether you can sue for a dog bite in Pennsylvania. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on whether you have grounds for legal action. To win a dog bite lawsuit, you must prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care. Duty of care refers to the legal obligation that one party owes to another.

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Dog Bite Claim?

Here are five things to remember when filing a dog bite claim:

  • Know What Constitutes Proof of Injury

Proof of injury means evidence that shows that the claimant sustained bodily harm due to a dog attack. For example, medical records showing injuries caused by a dog bite. Medical bills related to treatment of injuries caused by a dog attack. Photographs of wounds caused by a dog bite, such as scars, lacerations, puncture marks, and bruises.

  • Be Honest About the Facts

It is important to tell the truth when filing a dog bite case. If you lie, the insurance company may deny coverage. For instance, if you say that you were bitten by a neighbor's dog, but the owner denies that his dog bit you, the insurance company may decide that the incident did not happen.

  • File a Timely Claim

Insurance companies often give claimants a deadline to file a claim after the incident occurred. Filing a timely claim ensures that the insurance company has sufficient information to investigate the incident. Failing to file a timely claim may result in denial of coverage.

  • Get Medical Attention Immediately

If you sustain injuries from a dog bite, seek immediate medical attention. Do not wait until later to see a doctor. This is especially true if you suffer serious injuries, such as broken bones, deep cuts, and severe bleeding.

  • Document All Evidence

Take pictures of the scene, including the location of the incident, the dog involved, and any witnesses. Take notes about the incident and describe the details of the incident. Keep copies of all documents related to the incident. These include police reports, hospital records, witness statements, and anything else that proves that you were attacked by a dog.

Remember that filing a dog bite claim does not guarantee that you will receive compensation. Insurance companies may still deny coverage.

Why Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Dog bites happen every day. They may seem harmless, but they can cause serious injuries. If you were bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.

A dog bite attorney will also provide advice on how much compensation you should request. They know how and are prepared for settlement negotiations. A dog bite attorney will negotiate on your behalf.

Victims of dog attacks often suffer from anxiety and stress. Having the help of a lawyer can relieve much of this stress. Experienced dog bite attorneys can ensure the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.

Get Compensation For Your Dog Bite Injuries

We handle all types of dog bite cases, including pit bull attacks, dangerous dog attacks, attacks on children, attacks on seniors, and any type of dog attack on any other type of animal.

If you were attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer who is skilled in Pennsylvania laws with the resources to fight for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation if you were attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania. 

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David Petrone
Date Published: October 25, 2022
David Petrone is a personal injury attorney at Justice Guardians.
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