When you are in a car accident, you file an accident report with the police and then usually receive a call from an insurance claims adjuster. However, when you are bitten by a dog, there isn’t a clear process that automatically begins unfolding in front of you. It is up to you to seek legal help if you want to recover financially for the harm that you have suffered. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to navigate the entire process alone. Having a dedicated legal advocate to guide you through the civil court process and ensure that you get a fair settlement is an invaluable asset. The less that you have to think about your court case, the more you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
If you have suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite that required medical attention, the dog’s owner is liable for your medical expenses under Pennsylvania law, regardless of whether they were negligent or in any way at fault for causing or preventing the bite. However, in the event that they were negligent, you are entitled to additional damages, such as pain and suffering.
When is a Pennsylvania Dog Owner Negligent?
There are a number of ways that a Pennsylvania dog owner can be negligent. First, if the dog has a propensity of biting or the owner had reason to know that the dog was dangerous or vicious, the owner will be found negligent if they did not take appropriate action to remedy those issues and ensure that the dog was not a danger to the public. A dog owner is also negligent if they did not have their dog on a leash, in violation of Pennsylvania law. A personal injury attorney can help you determine whether the dog’s owner was negligent and what the best course of recovery is, as well as the total amount of damages that you are entitled to.
Time Limit on Dog Bite Claims
Pennsylvania, like all states, has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, including dog bite claims. In Pennsylvania, this time limit is 2 years. While that may sound like a lot of time, it often takes a while to get your claim through, in order, and filed. The longer that you put off talking to a lawyer, the longer you are also putting off your recovery and financial support. For this reason, it is always better to seek legal help sooner rather than later. If you wait until the statute of limitations has expired then you lose your ability to bring a claim for the matter.
Talk to O’Donnell Law Offices
If you have been bitten by a dog, our personal injury attorneys want to hear from you. Schedule a free initial consultation with the personal injury attorneys at the O’Donnell Law Offices serving clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton and Pittston at 570-821-5717 or online today. There is no fee or costs until we win your case.