Pittsburgh Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bites & Attacks in Pittsburgh

Nearly five million people are attacked and bitten by dogs in the U.S. every year. One million of these victims have to seek hospitalization for their injuries. 20 people are killed. And approximately 60% of all those injured are children. If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack, it is important that you contact a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer who can help you seek compensation for the injuries suffered.

Pennsylvania's Dog Bite Law

The state of Pennsylvania is very thorough in their analysis and explanation of dog bite law – as established by the common law known as "Dog Law" and as interpreted in Miller v. Hurst and Commonwealth v. Hake. In Pennsylvania, victims are given ways in which to pursue compensation following a dog bite, however, the degree of compensation that they are entitled to will depend on several different factors involved in the attack. For example, if a victim is bit by a dog which had previously attacked before without provocation, they can seek full compensation.

If, however, a dog has never bitten before, it will become more complex. In instances of dog attacks where the dog has never had a history of biting before, victims will be separated into two categories – those with severe injuries and those with non-severe injuries. Pennsylvania Statute §459-102 defines a severe injury as something that results in either broken bones or lacerations that require sutures or cosmetic surgery. For victims of severe injuries, a claim can be made to recover compensation that will cover medical expenses, as well as other related damages. For victims of non-severe injuries, however, they can only recover compensation that covers medical expenses.

Both, however, could potentially make a claim for full compensation if it can be proven that the dog owner had acted negligently in some manner. For example, if an owner does not take due care in controlling, constraining or chaining their dog—especially when it's known to be dangerous—they can be held liable for any attacks that the dog makes that result in physical injury. If you have questions and would like to discuss your potential case, we encourage you to consult with a knowledgeable lawyer from our firm today. We may be able to help seek the compensation you deserve.

Pittsburgh Personal Injury Attorney: Protection for Dog Bite Victims

In our state, dog owners are required by law to restrain or control their dogs when they are in public places, or in a place where others are in close proximity to the dog. If a dog attacks someone while off the leash, or while unsecured on the owner's premises, the owner can be held financially liable for the victim's injuries. Owners can also be held liable if they are aware of their dog's tendency towards violent behavior but fail to take safety measures to protect others from attack. As a dog bite victim, you are entitled to take action to recover compensation for any and all expenses that you have incurred as a result of your injuries.

After a dog bite attack, you want a lawyer who will not only fight for the best possible outcome to your case, but will be honest and straightforward with you throughout the legal process. Attorney Frank Walker will tell you what you need to hear in your dog bite case and, in doing so, protect your best interests. Our legal staff will examine the circumstances surrounding the case and provide you with advice and guidance based on what we have found. If you a have a solid claim for damages, we are prepared to fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation available to you. Contact a Pittsburgh injury lawyer at our office to learn more about the legal measures that can be taken on behalf of your case.