Meanwhile, Nyla faces a long road to recover that Alonnahopes will lead to her daughter regaining her confident and spunky attitude. The owner of a dog that bites a person in a public place, or lawfully in a private place, is strictly liable for resulting damages suffered by the victim. If you have suffered from these injuries, a qualified Philadelphia dog bite attorney at Rosenbaum & Associates knows how to help you get the compensation you deserve. When pet owners are engaged in certain activities, such as lawful hunting or field training, they must maintain reasonable control of their dogs. When a dog that bites or attacks a person is a service dog or a police work dog in the performance of duties, the dog does not need to be confined if it is under the active supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They did not information on the dog's whereabouts when FOX 29 reached out for comment. The damages available to a plaintiff in a dog bite lawsuit are generally the same available in other personal injury claims. In some cases, they may also need to take time off of work to recover. It is illegal to dispense, give away move or transfer, or sell or offer to sell a convicted dangerous dog except to have it humanely euthanized or to move it to an approved kennel. A victim would have to prove the animal was known to be a danger to humans and even with this knowledge the owner failed to restrain the dog properly. More likely, youre going after the dog owners insurance company. In Philadelphia for a dog to be declared dangerous, a police officer files a complaint with a magisterial district justice charging the owner or keeper with harboring a dangerous dog. Medical expenses, including ER visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, prescription medication, surgery, therapies, rehabilitation, and other resulting medical bills, Other monetary expenses related to your injury, Lost income (past, current, and future) from missing work the incident and any related disability you may have sustained as a result of the bite, Loss of quality of life and relationships because of the injury. Dogsbite.org found that each day an average of 1,000 Americans require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating the attack. The sooner you file your claim, the easier it will be to document evidence and locate witnesses youll need to build your legal argument against the dogs owner for your dog bite case. Many times, the dog will run out into the street and bite the delivery driver. It is also important to check your policy to find out if it only covers bites on the property. Pennsylvania follows a one bite rule. If a dogs first bite causes a severe injury such as a bone fracture, severe laceration, or disfigurement, the victim has the right to pursue full recovery. This includes recompense for past and future medical expenses. Dogs must be securely kept inside peoples homes, or on a collar and chain that prohibits them from leaving the yard. They cant read the emotions of a dog as well as an adult and may not realize they are in danger of a dog attack. Police must file charges against the owner of the dog and the case must go before a judge in order for any dog to be declared dangerous. Once a dog is deemed dangerous, the dogs owner must comply with the following requirements in order to keep their animals: Register the dog by paying $500 to the states Department of Agriculture Another important factor relates to leash laws. Philadelphia dog bite lawyer Edith Pearce is personally involved in every dog bite case the firm handles from start to finish. A GoFundMe campaign has been started for Nyla's recovery that hopes to raise $30k. The experienced dog bite attorneys at the law firm of Rosenbaum & Associates have extensive experience with all types of personal injury claims in the Philadelphia area. This rulewhich is still in effect in many statesonly allowed for an injury victim to recover damages if the owner had prior notice of a dogs violent nature. The law is similar in New Jersey; the only exception to this law is when the bite victim was unlawfully trespassing on the dog owners property with the intent to commit a crime when the dog attacked. Visit ACCT Philly at: She is also a dog lover and the daughter of a veterinarian. If you or your child was bitten by a dog, please seek medical attention immediately. You arent going after the dog owner. Use a clean cloth to slow the bleeding. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We offer contingency fee billing to our clients to ensure we provide the best representation possible. By law a dog may be declared dangerous dog if it has attacked, inflicted severe injury to, or killed a human being or a domestic animal without provocation while off an owners property. For minors, that two-year time limit does not begin until the child turns 18. Thankfully, many people who are injured by another persons pet have the right to pursue compensation. They want to pay you as little as possible for your pain and suffering. Below are a few tips to follow and teach your children that can prevent dog attacks in Philadelphia: Its important to act quickly after a dog bite injury to protect yourself and improve your chances of success with a future lawsuit. For example, the plaintiff in a dog bite case can claim compensation for his or her medical expenses resulting from the accident. Contrary to popular belief that dogs mouths are very clean, they are actually full of bacteria. You may have the right to receive compensation for the following damages: Of course, each case is different. "I'm shocked.". You are not to blame for your injuries and you shouldnt have to worry about how to pay for hospital bills as you heal and try to return to a normal life. Two days after surgery, Nyla's face is swollen and stitched. In the state of Pennsylvania, a judge may deem a dog dangerous if it has attacked, caused severe injury or killed a person or domestic animal. If you or your child was bitten by a dog, it is important to understand your rights and how to seek the compensation you need for resulting medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages youve suffered. A person charged with harboring a dangerous dog must keep the dog confined in a proper enclosure or muzzled and on a leash when off the property to see a vet until a report or appeal is complete. Be aware, if you are wondering how much can I get for a dog bite lawsuit? this statute only requires the owner to pay for the medical costs resulting from a dog attack. Many insurance companies refuse to cover certain breeds, such as Rottweilers or pit bulls. A child living in fear after an incident for the rest of his or her life is an unacceptable outcome. Copyright 2022 Rosenbaum Injury Law. Dangerous dogs are governed by state law. The investigating officer must notify the bite victim of the medical results of the offending dogs confinement (to determine whether it is exhibiting any signs of rabies infection). Avoid contact. The Cleveland Clinic recommends taking these steps after suffering a dog bite: Of course, if the bite is severe, call 9-1-1 right away. I felt heard and supported during the stressful situation. After a dog attack, a victim may suffer a variety of emotional and psychological effects, including: A dog bite victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which often requires psychological therapy to treat. However, if a dog attacked you elsewhere, we may still be able to help. He or she will begin investigating your case to determine who is responsible and how much compensation you should receive through your claim. $1 million Mega Millions ticket sold at 7-Eleven in Montgomery County, Airline tickets dropping from summer highs, report says, Police: Pedestrian struck, killed by vehicle on Route 130 in Burlington County, Motorcyclist ejected, killed in Roosevelt Boulevard crash, police say, Police: Citizens groups help arrest 17 men who attempted to lure children in Atlantic City. The right lawyer can help you determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit against a negligent dog owner, your odds of success with your lawsuit, and the types of compensation you might expect if you win your case. An unrestrained, dangerous dog can end up on the loose and suddenly attack an adult or child. That officer will investigate the situation and possibly file charges against the owner of the dog, if an owner can be located. Injured victims in dog bite cases will need protection during their recovery. 77% of dog bites occur with a dog that is familiar to the victim, either their own or a friends dog. You can view Pennsylvanias Dangerous Dogs laws here. There are several reasons for you to consider Rosenbaum & Associates to represent you in a dog bite lawsuit, including: A dog bite lawsuit may appear straightforward at first, but these legal matters can quickly escalate into complicated litigation battles that can take months or even years to resolve. Anyone on behalf of a person who has been attacked by a dog, A person whose domestic animal was killed or injured without provocation. The best thing to do is to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney right away. They can also leave victims with massive skin damage, broken bones, blood loss, damage to organs and sometimes serious infections. It doesnt matter whether the dog previously acted viciously, or the owner knew about its viciousness. Even bites from small dogs can lead to scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and lacerations, however. The owner or keeper of the dog that attacked or bit a person must pay any costs to the victim for resulting medical treatment. With the help of a well-versed Philadelphia dog bite lawyer, you could pursue these damages by filing a lawsuit against the owner. After a traumatic dog attack, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer to protect you and handle your case as you recover. Children are at the greatest risk of dog bites. '," Alonna told FOX 29's Kelly Rule. A North Philadelphia mother said her 5-year-old daughter was viciously attacked by a dog Tuesday afternoon. Winning a lawsuit holds the owner accountable for their actions and can help stop a similar attack from happening in the future. It is not necessary to prove that the dog had any history of vicious tendencies. Evidence, like a gap in a fence or a broken chain, can be repaired. Sometimes a dog owner is negligent in these duties, and sometimes an owner may even actually encourage dangerous behavior in a dog. In some rare cases, if the dog is determined to be a danger to the public, the law allows it to be put down. Some clients may even be able to claim their legal fees as damages, making legal representation essentially free. All Rights Reserved. A person can still be injured after being knocked down, scratched, jumped on, or otherwise harmed by a dog. From investigating the facts to identifying a pets owner, an experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorney may be able to help anyone injured in an attack to build a successful case. However, navigating the claims process alone can be difficult. However, many of these injuries lead to permanent physical and emotional scars. Most dog bites involving children are seen between the ages of five to nine. A steadfast attorney could help by working tirelessly to pursue compensation on your behalf, so that you could focus on your recovery. Attacked a person and caused serious physical injury or death. The childs future physical and emotional health must also be provided for. When canines lash out, the injuries can be severe. Feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let your attorney make sure your future is completely covered. Adog attack lawyer may help them to understand their rights, as well as their options for seeking financial compensation. So if a driver is in the back of the yard when a package is usually left on the front porch, then the law might not allow him or her to sue for damages. The following people can file a complaint to charge a person with harboring a dangerous dog: The owner or keeper of the dog will be guilty of harboring a dangerous dog if the judge finds beyond a reasonable doubt that the dog: This rule does not apply to dogs used by law enforcement for police work or certified aid dogs. Some policies will not cover bites that happen on the street or in a vehicle, for example. There is no way to tell for sure that you will receive compensation for all the damages above. Like most states, Pennsylvania has statutes regarding liability in a dog attack case. Dog bite injuries have killed people, especially children. Request Free Consultation. Whether a dog in New Jersey attacks someone on public property or in its own home or yard, the dogs owner is responsible. Unfortunately, even with appropriate treatment, a dog bite injury can be permanently disfiguring. The legal team at Rosenbaum & Associates understands how devastating a dog bite can be and the effects such an attack can have on the victims life. Our attorneys represent people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas. These delicate cases require special care. When the careless or reckless behavior of a pet owner caused your injuries, you should not have to cover your related medical costs and associated expenses alone. Ask to speak to the Community Relations Officer in the district. A dog attack can cause a variety of injuries, including: Victims with a physical wound from a dog bite should seek medical help right away. An attorney can help clients sort out how the law applies in their cases. A legal claim ensures that victims get the medical care they need, including future follow-up care, as well as fair compensation for their injuries. Contact Rosenbaum & Associates todayto schedule a free consultation about your dog bite injury claim in Philadelphia. She used to work for insurance companies and knows how they like to short-change victims settlements in dog bite cases. Philadelphia grants a dog bite victim up to two years after the attack to file a claim for damages against a dog owner. Dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause when they are running loose. A bite is only one possible injury that can result from a dog attack. Philadelphia, PA 19140 Some victims need plastic surgery to make additional repairs after the wound heals. Fractures & Broken Bones from Car Acciddent, Compassionate, comprehensive representation. Request your free consultation today and an attorney will get back to you shortly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Over $500 Million Recovered For Our Clients. Then, our experienced dog bite lawyers will explain your options. If a dog violated a local leash law at the time of the attack, there may be a presumption that the pet owner was responsible. Each year, it is estimated that4.5 million peopleare bitten by dogs and 20% of those bites require medical attention. This usually extends to the portion of the yard necessary to make the delivery. Dogs can also cause severe cuts and scratches from their claws, and a large dog may knock a person to the ground, potentially causing broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, facial injuries, and internal organ damage. (map), Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Extreme Weather Information (Code Blue and Code Red). Pennsylvania dog owners are legally liable for injuries their dogs cause while illegally running loose, but they may also be liable for bite injuries to people who are lawfully visiting their homes. She is a great negotiator and secured a fair settlement., Were extremely proud of our 4,8 rating across 75+ reviews on Google. Furthermore, dog bite victims may be able to obtain reparations for the wages they lose while they are off of work recovering from their injuries. Here are a few other facts that you should know about canine bites: Dogs have a natural social hierarchy. If charges are filed, the dog owner will have to appear before a judge who will make the final disposition on the animal. Every state has unique laws for handling dog bite claims. Caused a physical injury to a person during an unprovoked attack and poses a serious threat of harm to individuals or other domestic animals, Has been trained or encouraged to attack people or domestic animals unprovoked. Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream, wrap the wound in a sterile bandage, and seek professional medical attention. This leads to a great number of dog attack cases, lawsuits, and settlements. Post a warning sign Hiring the right Philadelphia dog bite lawyer can make a tremendous difference in the outcome of a dog bite injury case, and the legal team at Rosenbaum & Associates is here to help anyone in this situation. Likewise, a bite that an adult can recover from may prove fatal to a smaller person. Seek medical treatment immediately to prevent diseases and long-term medical complications. A physician can help you ensure you are taking the necessary precautions to prevent serious infections and illnesses that could potentially result from the bite injury. They may not know where to turn when they face hospital and surgical bills in the aftermath of a tragic attack. This will help ensure you get the maximum settlement amount and have someone looking out for you so you can focus on recovery while we focus on your case. In the event the dog attack renders them partially or permanently disabled, they may also receive compensation for the income they may lose as a result. is a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer with proven results. Some dogs carry infectious diseases which can cause severe illness and long-term medical complications for victims. Depending on which state your dog bite occurred, your ability to recover compensation may vary. In New Jersey, dog owners are strictly liable for bite injuries. In other words, the owner is responsible for any injuries the dog causes, even if the dog has never acted aggressively or bitten before and the owner did not know it would act that way. To get started, call today. The Pearce Law Firm, Personal Injury and Accident Lawyers P.C. Other economic damages available in a canine bite injury lawsuit can include lost wages if the plaintiff had to miss work to recover from the attack. Kids-n-k9s.com compiled some scary data on recent dog attacks on children. Edith Pearce does not recommend waiting this long to file a claim. When a person attacked by a dog misses work due to their injuries, they might also have a viable claim for lost wages against the pet owner. The cost of psychological counseling and emotional recovery should be included in any dog bite case settlement or award. If the municipal court declares the dog to be potentially dangerous, it will require the owner to apply for a special license, registration number, and proper identification. There is no risk or obligation. We charge victims no legal feesuntil we recover compensation for them. Working with Edith was a pleasure and would recommend her services to anyone. A dog is declared vicious if there is strong evidence that the dog killed a person or caused serious bodily injury or has engaged in dogfighting activities. In some cases, the dog might have been under the control of a dog walker or someone other than the owner, and this person might also bear some responsibility. Many people hesitate to file dog bite claims because they feel as if they are suing the dog owner, who is often a neighbor or friend. If a thief breaks into a home and the homeowners dog attacks the thief, the thief would not have grounds for a lawsuit against the dog owner. The goal for a dog bite lawsuit is to ensure the child gets the best medical attention and that that care is completely paid for. However, insurance companies depend on expensive top-tiered attorneys to defend their clients. Others may use a per diem system that awards a set amount of compensation for every day the victim spends in recovery until he or she reaches maximum medical improvement. Our attorneys have built strong connections with expert witnesses in the Philadelphia area and throughout the country to help provide our clients with the, Thousands of successful past cases. Edith Pearce is the Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer near you who supports and represents dog bite victims. Finding the right attorney for a dog bite lawsuit can be challenging. Pennsylvania law requires dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times. Killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal, dog, or cat without provocation while off the owners property, Attacked a person without provocation, or, Has a history of attacking people or domestic animals without provocation, and/or has a propensity to attack without provocation. Its your responsibility. Some factors may toll or delay the statute of limitations. Alonna Wyatt, Nyla's mother, said she ran outside and picked up her daughter, screaming for someone to call an ambulance. An animal control officer may seize a dog when there is reasonable cause to believe that it: The dog will be impounded until there is a decision as to whether the dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. Register the animal with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement and re-register on an annual basis, Registration fee is $500 per calendar year for the life of the dog plus an additional amount as set by the Department to cover administrative cost, Post a warning sign with a symbol that warns children of the presence of a dangerous dog, Keep the dog muzzled and leashed when outside the proper enclosure, Be compliant with court ordered restitution, Post a bond or purchase and maintain liability insurance in the amount of $50,000 to pay for injuries inflicted by the dog, Agree not to cancel the liability insurance during the license period unless he/she disposes of the dog, Sign a statement providing that he/she will notify the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, state dog warden and local police if the dog is loose, attacks a human or an animal, dies or is sold/donated. Financial compensation dog Tuesday afternoon of dog bites involving children are at the greatest risk dog... 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