Have you or a family member been injured due to a dog bite?
Good news! Pennsylvania does not have the “free bite” rule. While Philadelphia is a very dog-friendly town, all pet owners have a responsibility to the public to make sure that their dogs are well behaved and trained.
According to a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur nationally each year, and 800,000 of those bites require medical care. Dog bites are in fact a common occurrence, causing physical and mental damage, including face, hand and other body scars and infection. Some breeds are more likely than others to be aggressive, and dog attacks can result in serious injuries and even human deaths.
In many instances, someone bitten by a dog already knows the animal and regards the dog owner as a friendly neighbor. Many people suffering from a dog bite injury are hesitant to take legal action against their neighbor for the losses they suffer. It is important to remember that the legal action would be against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy, not the neighbor personally. While a dog bite victim might be wary of ruining a good neighborly relationship by pursuing a claim, it is important to remember that this is one of the reasons insurance exists: to cover damages and make injured people whole again, while protecting the insured person from an out-of-pocket claim. A good neighbor will also feel very bad about the hurt their dog has caused you and would want you to get your injuries treated and have your expenses covered. It’s about doing the right thing.
Ask Our Attorneys in Philadelphia for Help
Here at the Law Offices Bernard M. Gross, P.C., we understand how to properly handle a dog bite incident. Our experienced lawyers in Philadelphia, PA have a proven track record of success in these cases, which are often fairly easy to resolve with the proper representation. We will not let defense attorneys and insurance adjusters prevent you from recovering for your damages caused by a dog bite or attack. Call to schedule your FREE consultation by dialing 215-561-3600 or use our “contact us” box available here to send us a message. We are here for you and ready to protect your rights.