Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Dog Bites

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of postal service workers that have become the victims of dog bites makes up approximately 1.15 percent of the total workforce for the United States Postal Service. In 2020, Pennsylvania made up for 291 of those dog bite incidents, and those only involved postal service workers.

The recent stats are interesting, as they show just how important it is for everyone to understand the dangers dog bites pose.

If you are bitten by a dog, you can hold the owner liable for paying for your medical expenses and pain and suffering associated with the bite or attack.

Proving liability in a dog bite case can include showing the owner knew of the dog’s aggressive or violent history, or failing to keep the dog on a leash or restrained when around other people.

Many people fail to take legal action after a dog bite because the dog that bit them belonged to a friend or family member. It is not uncommon for these individuals to think that when they file a dog bite claim, they are filing it directly against their loved one, but that is not always the case.

Homeowners and renters, and insurance policies often provide coverage to dog owners in the event that their pet bites or attacks someone. If you are bitten while on the property of your loved one, such as at their home or in their vehicle, you may be able to recover damages from their insurer. Insurance companies commonly try to dispute these claims though, so it is important to work with a personal injury lawyer when filing your claim.

It is not uncommon for people to think that if a dog bites them, there is no way they could be at fault for the incident. This is not true. If you provoke a dog or enter a property illegally and a dog that lives on that property bites you, it could hurt your claim. The degree to which these actions will impact your claim will depend on the facts of your case, but they could reduce the total amount of damages you receive.

Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Philadelphia Can Help with Your Claim

If you have been bitten by a dog, our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us today at (215) 610-3440 or fill out our online form to learn more about how we can help.

Resource:

spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2021/06/10/usps-dog-attack-training-bite-texas-california-new-york