Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be facing serious injuries, financial hardship from mounting bills, loss of employment or diminished working hours, and psychological trauma. Our team of Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP can bring legal action against the dog owner and help you obtain a monetary settlement to get your life back on track.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
- Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
We may never consider our furry friends dangerous, but dogs can inflict much damage during an attack. They can be stronger than they appear, and once their teeth latch on, you or a loved one can get seriously injured. Our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP will hold the dog owner accountable and stand by your side from consultation to results.
The legal process for dog bite injuries can be tricky, and getting the compensation you deserve may feel overwhelming. But building your case and fighting for you every step of the way is what our personal injury lawyers are best at. Trust our attorneys to investigate your case and get you the biggest award we can.
Quick Links
- Why are our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys the best choice to represent you?
- How common are dog bites?
- Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
- Does Pennsylvania have a one-bite rule?
- What is a dangerous dog?
- How much is your case worth?
- Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Lawsuits
- Liability and Insurance for Dog Bites in Philadelphia, PA
- FAQs
- Contact the Philadelphia slip and fall Lawyers of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP
Why are our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys the best choice to represent you?
Almost five million Philadelphia residents own a dog. Dogs can be faithful companions and sources of joy.
But unfortunately, dog bites are not an uncommon occurrence. Being the victim of a dog bite or an attack is a devastating experience. Dogs can wreak havoc medically, financially, and psychologically on your and your loved ones’ lives.
Contact our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers immediately if a dog has injured you or your loved one. We will hold the dog owner accountable. This involves gathering and reviewing evidence of the attack, investigating the dog’s history of violent behavior or attack, and fighting for justice for you.
Our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP have an extensive background in handling tough and complex cases. We have a track record of obtaining significant settlements for our clients. Here are some examples:
- $32,000,000+ Asbestos Exposure Verdict
- $4,000,000+ Mesothelioma Settlement
- $1,000,000+ Asbestos Lung Cancer
- $675,000 Products Liability
- $200,000 Personal Injury Settlement
While it may not undo the injury and pain you or your loved one suffered, our law firm can help you recover financially from the dog bite attack and provide some peace of mind. And at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, we don’t get paid unless you do.
How common are dog bites?
Out of all 50 states, Pennsylvania ranks fifth in dog bite incidents. There were 787 dog bite claims filed in 2020, a 27% increase from the previous year.
When a dog feels threatened, its instinct may be to attack to protect itself, its owner, or its territory. If it cannot escape, it will prepare to defend itself. Another cause of dog bites is behavior problems. Dogs that are disobedient or untrained are more likely to bite.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
Under Pennsylvania law, owners must “confine and control” their dogs. In other words, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog is secure. This means making sure fencing is impenetrable so the dog cannot stray into the neighborhood unattended and restraining dogs on a leash.
The owner breaks the law when an owner does not fulfill this responsibility. If an injury occurred from the dog bite or attack, this could fall under Pennsylvania personal injury law and the owner may be liable for any damages incurred.
Our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys have years of experience analyzing dog bite cases. We will reconstruct the scene to determine if the dog owner’s failure to secure their dog constitutes negligence. If so, we will fight to get you compensation to pay medical bills from the attack, support your family, and rebuild your life.
Does Pennsylvania have a one-bite rule?
Under the one-bite rule, a dog owner is not liable for any injury caused by their dog if it is the first time. That is, the owner of a dog who has no history of prior bites cannot be held liable for injuries from a bite.
Pennsylvania does not have the one-bite rule. In Pennsylvania, dog owners can be liable for a dog bite even if it is the first time their dog has attacked anyone.
What is a dangerous dog?
Pennsylvania laws have a special rule for recognizing a dog as dangerous. A dangerous dog is one who:
- Severely injured a human without provocation
- Killed or severely injured a dog, cat, or another domesticated animal without provocation
- Attacked a human without provocation
- Was used in the commission of a crime
If an owner has a dog that is classified as dangerous, then they have certain responsibilities such as:
- Registering the dog with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
- Paying a $500 registration fee yearly
- Securing the dog either inside or outside
- Restraining the dog when outside confinement
- Spaying or neutering their dog
- Obtaining liability insurance
If owners of these dangerous dogs do not follow these rules, they can be held liable for the injuries inflicted by their dogs.
How much is your case worth?
A dog bite lawsuit is a personal injury case. At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, our team of attorneys and staff are dedicated to helping injured families receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
It is important to note that every case is different, and compensation depends on the facts of the case and the severity of the injuries. Examples of compensation include the following:
- Financial loss from medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Lawsuits
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit one has to bring a claim. Pennsylvania dog bite cases have a two-year statute of limitations.
Thus, in Pennsylvania, your dog bite case must be filed within two years of the date of injury, or you will be barred from bringing the case. If the victim was a minor, the deadline is two years after the child turns eighteen.
Liability and Insurance for Dog Bites in Philadelphia, PA
A dog owner is not required to have insurance if their dog bites or attacks someone. An exception is if the owner has a dangerous dog as defined in Pennsylvania law, and the court has mandated that the owner obtain liability insurance for their dog.
If an insurance company is involved, it’s best to have the help of an experienced lawyer. Our dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP know how to handle insurance companies. We will never settle for less than the fair and just compensation you need.
FAQs
Can you sue for a dog bite in Pennsylvania?
You can sue for a dog bite injury in Pennsylvania. A dog owner is liable for the injuries their dog causes, whether or not their dog has a history of dog bites or aggressive behavior.
What are common dog bite injuries?
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe. They can be superficial or deep lacerations. You or a loved one may have suffered debilitating pain or be left with scars and other disfigurements.
Examples of dog bite injuries include:
- Cuts and scratches
- Lacerations
- Teeth punctures
- Broken bones or limbs
- Spinal injuries
- Head injuries
- Tissue damage or scarring
A dog has various forms of bacteria living in its mouth. These bacteria are transferred into the body if bitten, resulting in an infection and potential complications like sepsis. In addition to physical damages, dog bite victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
How can you prevent future dog bites?
Dog bites can be an unpredictable and harrowing experience. But sometimes, there are warning signs a dog is about to bite. Examples include the following:
- Growling
- Aggressive or tense posture
- Intently staring (in a non-playful manner)
- Baring teeth
Contact the Philadelphia slip and fall Lawyers of Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP
If you suffered injuries after a dog bite, call the skilled Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg, LLP, at 844-446-9529 today for your free consultation to learn more about your options for compensation.
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- 1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd.Suite 1720Philadelphia, PA 19103
- (267) 507-9051
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