Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer Philadelphia After an Attack

If you’ve been injured by a dog, a dog bite lawyer Philadelphia can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Pennsylvania’s laws offer strong protections for victims, but navigating the legal process can be complex.

Quick Answer: Finding a Dog Bite Lawyer in Philadelphia

1. Pennsylvania holds dog owners strictly liable for medical costs when their dog attacks without provocation.
2. You have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim.
3. Average settlements exceed $30,000, with some cases worth much more.
4. Most lawyers work on contingency – you pay nothing unless you win.
5. Free consultations are available to review your case immediately.

Dog attacks are alarmingly common, with about 4.5 million bites occurring nationally each year. In Philadelphia, these incidents can leave victims with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens.

Pennsylvania law is favorable to victims. The state rejects the “one-bite rule,” meaning an owner can be held liable even for a first-time attack. Under the state’s strict liability statute, a dog owner must pay for your medical expenses if their dog injures you without provocation. However, strict liability only covers medical costs. To recover other damages like lost wages or pain and suffering, you must prove the owner was negligent. This is where an experienced attorney is crucial.

Insurance companies often try to settle claims for far less than they are worth. In one case, an unrepresented victim accepted $15,000 for a claim that was actually valued at over $100,000.

I’m Jason Fine, a dog bite lawyer Philadelphia victims have trusted for over 25 years. My firm has recovered millions for dog bite victims across Pennsylvania, and we know how to hold negligent owners accountable while you focus on healing.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Philadelphia

The moments after a dog attack are overwhelming, but the steps you take can significantly impact your physical and financial recovery. Here’s what to do.

First, get medical help immediately. Even minor bites can cause deep tissue damage and lead to serious infections like rabies or tetanus. Go to an urgent care center or ER. The medical records created will be crucial evidence for your claim.

Next, report the incident. Contact Philadelphia animal control or the local police to create an official record of the attack. This is essential for any legal action and helps protect the community from future incidents.

Then, gather information. If it’s safe, get the dog owner’s name and contact details. Ask any witnesses for their information. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack. These details are vital and can fade from memory quickly.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Consequences

Dog bites can cause life-altering injuries with long-term consequences.

• Physical Injuries: These range from puncture wounds and lacerations that require stitches to severe nerve damage causing chronic pain or loss of sensation. Infection is a major risk with any bite. Many victims are left with permanent scarring and disfigurement, which may require reconstructive surgery.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact is often as severe as the physical injuries. Victims, especially children, may suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and cynophobia (fear of dogs) for years after the attack.
• Fatalities: In the most tragic cases, dog attacks can be fatal. Children are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant number of these preventable deaths, with one-third of fatal dog attacks in 2020 involving children under nine.

The financial toll from medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing therapy can be staggering.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania’s laws are more victim-friendly than in many other states, which is why you need an experienced dog bite lawyer Philadelphia residents can rely on.

As noted, Pennsylvania uses strict liability for medical costs, meaning an owner is responsible for medical bills from an unprovoked bite, even if it’s the dog’s first offense. However, to recover compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, you must prove the owner was negligent. Negligence can include violating leash laws or failing to secure a known aggressive dog.

Liability isn’t always limited to the owner. A landlord or property owner may also be held responsible if they knew a dangerous dog was on their property and did nothing to protect visitors.

Crucially, you have a two-year statute of limitations to file a claim. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever. It is vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Philadelphia Can Maximize Your Claim

After a dog bite, trying to handle a legal claim while recovering from your injuries is an overwhelming burden. An experienced dog bite lawyer Philadelphia takes this stress off your shoulders and fights to maximize your compensation.

Here’s how we help:

• Proving Negligence: We investigate the attack, gather evidence, and build a strong case to prove the owner’s carelessness, which is necessary to recover damages beyond medical bills.
• Calculating Full Damages: We work with experts to assess the total cost of your injury, including future medical care, lost income, and non-economic damages, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications with insurers, protecting you from lowball offers and aggressively negotiating for the full value of your claim.
• Handling Sensitive Claims: If the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor, we can manage the claim professionally. Compensation is typically sought from their homeowner’s insurance, not their personal finances, preserving your relationship.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

We fight to secure compensation for all your losses, which fall into two main categories:

• Economic Damages: These are your direct financial losses, including all current and future medical bills, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the personal impact of the attack, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement from scarring, emotional distress like PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.

While the average dog bite claim is over $30,000, severe injuries can result in much larger settlements. In cases of extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Choosing the Right Dog Bite Lawyer in Philadelphia

Selecting the right attorney is critical. You need a dog bite lawyer Philadelphia with specific experience in these complex cases.

Look for a lawyer with:

• Proven Experience: A track record of success in Pennsylvania dog bite cases.
• Strong Results: A history of securing significant settlements and awards. We are proud of our 98% success rate and over $50 million recovered for clients.
• Contingency Fee: You should pay no fees unless your lawyer wins your case.
• Positive Client Reviews: Testimonials that speak to the firm’s dedication and results.
• Trial Readiness: A willingness to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
• Professional Standing: Active membership in legal organizations like the Pennsylvania Bar Association demonstrates a commitment to the field.

Get Your Free Case Review and Protect Your Rights

The aftermath of a dog bite is a difficult time filled with pain, stress, and uncertainty. You are likely facing mounting medical bills and calls from insurance adjusters while trying to heal. You don’t have to face this alone.

Time is critical. Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations means you must act quickly to preserve your rights. The sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case will be. Let us handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery.

Why You Need an Experienced Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Trying to handle a dog bite claim on your own is a risk. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts and will use tactics to devalue your claim. They may question your injuries or suggest you provoked the dog, pressuring you into a settlement that doesn’t cover your true losses.

An experienced lawyer understands how to counter these tactics. We know how to calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs, lost income, and pain and suffering. We manage the complex legal procedures and gather the necessary evidence, including medical records and expert testimony, to build a powerful case on your behalf.

Contact J. Fine Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we are here to help. At J. Fine Law, we have a 98% success rate and have recovered over $50 million for our clients. Our focus is on helping you get your life back.

Your initial consultation is completely free and comes with no obligation. We will review your case, explain your rights in plain English, and outline your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

We serve clients throughout Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, Erie County, Pittsburgh, and across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our team is responsive and ready to provide the answers you need.

Use our online contact form to send us a message. Let’s talk about holding the responsible parties accountable and getting you the compensation you deserve. You’ve been through enough—let us handle it from here.

Learn more about your rights on our premises liability page.