Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney

Dog Bite Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Providing Legal Advocacy for Animal Attack Victims in Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

A bite injury from man's best friend can feel like a painful betrayal. A dog bite can result in severe physical trauma, emotional damage, and a hefty bill. Pennsylvania law says that dog owners are responsible for preventing any attacks or bites. When a dog owner fails to protect you from preventable injury, a Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help you hold them accountable.

Many dog owners try to avoid liability or downplay the severity of the injuries to avoid paying for the consequences of their dog’s actions. If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious bite, a dog bite lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, can be just what you need to recover from your injuries.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys recognize the true value of a dog bite claim. These injuries can be far more severe than you expect, so you need to be sure you have the resources you need to recover from your injuries. We have a team of more than a dozen personal injury attorneys who are prepared to guide you through every step of your injury claim, from filing the claim to receiving compensation.

When Is a Dog Owner Liable for a Dog Bite?

Pennsylvania uses a strict liability rule that holds dog owners responsible for the costs of a dog bite, even if that dog has never bitten anyone before. Before we can hold a dog owner liable, our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys need to look into the facts of the case to find evidence that can support our claim. Common scenarios that establish liability include:

• The owner ignores any warning signs of aggression in their dog
• The dog is not being properly restrained or fenced in
• The dog has a history of aggression or biting
• The dog was not on a leash in a public area

By proving the dog owner was reckless or negligent with their pet, such as by violating leash laws or other dog statutes, we can help you recover from any dog bite injury.

Possible Injuries From a Dog Bite

You may be surprised by how serious the consequences of a dog bite can be. In order to secure the fair and full compensation you deserve, you first need to understand the total consequences of a dog bite. For example, some complications of your injuries may include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Disease
• Disfigurement
• Psychological injuries

These injuries can have long-term financial costs, including therapy and reconstructive surgery. When our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys take your case, one of the first things we will do is review medical records and consult with experts to determine an accurate expectation of your injury costs. A complete assessment of your damages allows us to better negotiate for a settlement that reflects your needs and best interests.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

The actions you take following your injury can greatly improve the quality of your recovery. By following these steps, you can not only protect your health but also your claim for compensation:

• Seek medical attention for your injuries
• Report the bite to animal control
• Thoroughly document your injuries with photos and videos
• Gather contact and personal information of the dog owner
• Contact a Philadelphia dog bite injury lawyer at our law office

While you are focusing on your health, we can act on your behalf to negotiate with the owner or their insurance to secure a swift and accurate settlement offer. With our services, you can have peace of mind that you are doing the right thing to protect your needs.

Getting Fair Compensation With a Dog Bite Lawyer From Philadelphia, PA

Handling these claims without a Philadelphia dog bite attorney can keep you from earning the fair and full compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our legal team can guide you through any negotiation or litigation to see that your compensation accounts for:

• Economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning potential, and physical or emotional therapy costs
• Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of life enjoyment, or permanent scarring or disfigurement

In cases where a dog owner was acting with gross negligence, we can also pursue punitive damages as a way of punishing them for their recklessness.

Every personal injury claim is different, and so is the amount of money we secure for our clients. What you can be sure of is that we will do everything in our power to earn every cent you deserve for your injuries.

What Makes Our Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyers Right for You

Any dog bite lawyer in Philadelphia, PA, will claim to be able to effectively support your best interests through a personal injury claim, but not every law firm can offer the same level of representation that we can. We have decades of combined experience handling all types of injury claims involving children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults.

We have also secured millions of dollars for our clients with our thorough investigations and aggressive pursuit of justice. Our client-first approach means that you do not pay for our services unless we win compensation for you. We are available seven days a week and will provide you with direct attorney access throughout your claim.

Let a Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney Help You Recover

The guidance of a personal injury law firm may be instrumental in earning the ideal outcome in your claim. We are not a law firm that takes shortcuts in our work, and we do not settle for less when negotiating for compensation. Our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys are eager to act fast to gather evidence, preserve records, and consult with witnesses as soon as we take your case, so be sure to act with the same urgency by contacting us today.

Reach out to our Philadelphia law office by calling us at 215-486-0123 or contacting us online to schedule your confidential, free, and no-obligation initial consultation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin resolving your claim and put you on the best path to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites Claims in Philadelphia, PA