Dog attacks can transform an ordinary day into a nightmare of medical bills, scarring, and emotional trauma that follows victims for years. When a seemingly friendly neighborhood pet suddenly turns aggressive, the physical wounds may heal, but the financial burden and psychological impact can devastate families throughout Bucks County.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand the nature of personal injury cases involving dog bites and attacks. Our legal team has successfully represented countless clients who suffered injuries from dangerous animals, securing the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Rights Do Dog Bite Victims Have in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania law provides strong protections for dog bite victims through its strict liability statute. Under this legal framework, dog owners are held automatically responsible when their pets cause harm to others, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressive tendencies.
The state’s dog bite statute explicitly addresses situations where victims suffer severe injuries requiring medical treatment. Pennsylvania law defines “severe injury” as any wound that results in broken bones, disfigurement, or the need for cosmetic surgery. This comprehensive definition ensures that many victims of dog attacks can pursue compensation through the legal system.
How Much Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Dog bite settlements and jury awards vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, long-term medical needs, and impact on the victim’s quality of life. Pennsylvania does not cap economic damages in personal injury cases, allowing victims to recover full compensation for their financial losses.
Victims may pursue several categories of damages following a dog attack. Economic damages include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income during recovery, and future medical care needs. Non-economic damages encompass pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and permanent disability. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct by dog owners, punitive damages may also be available.
Factors That Influence Dog Bite Case Values
Several key elements determine the potential value of a dog bite claim. The location and severity of injuries play a crucial role, as facial wounds, hand injuries, and attacks on children typically result in higher settlements due to their lasting impact on appearance and function.
Children who suffer dog bites may face decades of reconstructive surgery and psychological counseling, making child injury cases particularly complex and requiring substantial compensation for their future needs. Children who suffer dog bites may face decades of reconstructive surgery and psychological counseling, while working adults may lose significant income during extended recovery periods. Documentation of medical treatment, therapy sessions, and expert testimony regarding future needs all contribute to building a comprehensive damage claim.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Successful Dog Bite Case?
Immediate evidence collection proves essential for case success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 dog bites result in significant injuries that require medical attention each year, making proper documentation crucial for legal proceedings.
Evidence gathering should include these key components:
- Photographs of all injuries, showing the severity and location of wounds
- Pictures of the attack scene, including property conditions and any hazards
- Witness contact information and written statements from anyone who saw the incident
- Medical records from emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, and specialist consultations
- Police reports were filed immediately after the attack occurred
- Animal control records showing the dog’s history and vaccination status
This thorough documentation approach provides the foundation needed to build a compelling case. Medical records documenting treatment, police reports filed after the incident, and animal control records all contribute to establishing both liability and damages in dog bite cases.
How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite
Pennsylvania law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but these rights require active protection from the moment an attack occurs. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often begin working immediately to minimize claims, making it crucial to understand how to safeguard your legal interests. The statute of limitations gives victims two years to file a lawsuit, but waiting too long can weaken your case as evidence disappears and witnesses become harder to locate.
Insurance adjusters frequently contact victims within hours of an attack, offering quick settlements that seem generous but fall far short of covering long-term medical needs. You have the absolute right to decline these offers and refuse to provide recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal representation present. These conversations are designed to gather information that can be used against you later, and adjusters may ask seemingly innocent questions seeking ways to minimize their liability.
Dog owners and their insurance companies may attempt to shift blame by claiming the victim provoked the attack or was trespassing, similar to tactics used in slip and fall cases where liability is disputed. Pennsylvania law places the burden of proof on dog owners to demonstrate provocation occurred, not on victims to prove their innocence. We help clients navigate these complex legal waters while they focus on recovery, ensuring their rights remain protected throughout the entire process.
Benefits of Professional Legal Representation
Working with talented dog bite attorneys provides numerous advantages throughout the legal process. We understand Pennsylvania’s specific laws regarding dog attacks and know how to build compelling cases that maximize compensation for our clients.
Our team handles communication with insurance companies, preventing victims from making statements that could harm their cases. We also ensure that all deadlines are met, proper legal procedures are followed, and clients receive the medical care they need while their cases are proceeding. This approach allows victims to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.
Consult Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford for Your Dog Bite Case in Bucks County
Dog bite incidents cause physical, emotional, and financial hardship that no victim should face alone. Pennsylvania law provides strong protections for those injured by dangerous animals, and securing experienced legal representation ensures you receive the full compensation available under state law.
As a nationally and locally recognized law firm, we have earned prestigious honors, including recognition as a “Best Law Firm” by the U.S. News & World Report every year since 2010. Our AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell reflects our commitment to ethical representation, and our attorneys have been recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers for their professional achievements. Call us today at (215) 822-7575 or complete a contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your dog bite case. We’ll help you recover the compensation you deserve.
