You Are Entitled to Compensation After an Animal Attack: Learn How Our Dog Bite Lawyer in West Chester, PA Can Help You

Liability in a Dog Bite Case in Pennsylvania
Dog bite law in the United States is divided between several types of statutory schemes. Each type of law requires a victim to establish a different level of proof—usually regarding the owner’s knowledge about whether the dog had a propensity to cause harm. Pennsylvania has a dual-track system. Dog owners are strictly liable for medical bills of dog bite victims, no matter whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog could bite or another animal could attack. The fact that it occurred means that the owner is liable. This does not, however, include pain and suffering. But when an animal attack results in a “severe injury” such as a broken bone or a disfiguring laceration requiring stitches or surgery, a victim may be able to file a personal injury action against the dog owner or handler.Damages in a Dog Bite Case
The term “damages” is the measure of relief that a party may be entitled to in a lawsuit. That is usually monetary compensation in a dog bite case. There are various grounds to recover financial compensation, including the following: – Pain and suffering – Medical bills – Lost wages – Loss of future earnings if unable to work in the same job – Loss of consortium – Punitive damages – Wrongful death damages, and – Other types of compensation related to an animal attack or dog bite in West Chester, PA.Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?
There is no requirement to have a lawyer for a dog bite or animal attack case in Pennsylvania. However, it is highly recommended that you do. Although it may seem obvious that you were bitten and attacked by an animal, insurance adjusters and defense lawyers will do everything in their power to ensure that you do not recover the compensation you deserve. Most times, this means using one of the most common defenses to an animal attack, such as 1) you were trespassing, and 2) you provoked the attack. Both of these are strong defenses and may even be spun in such a way that you believe them. However, remember that if you were in a public area or invited to private property, you were not trespassing. And petting, giving a treat, walking near, playing with, or talking to a dog are all actions that are not considered to be adequate provocation. Moreover, most homeowners insurance policies will create artificial hurdles in submitting a claim. Sometimes they will even claim they did not know about a dog and disclaim, or argue, they did not know about the animal’s specific breed, which would have increased premiums. These are all issues that may seem plausible but really should not prevent you from recovering compensation.Ask Us for Help in West Chester, PA
Any type of dog bite or animal attack is a serious type of case. If you or a loved one were seriously injured, or if a loved one suffered a wrongful death from an animal attack, ask our dog bite attorneys in West Chester, PA at Law Offices Bernard M. Gross, P.C. for a FREE consultation by dialing (215) 561-3600 or use our “contact us” box available here to send us a message explaining what happened to you.