Dog Attack Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a dog bite or attack, it is critical to consult with a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with dog bite injuries to discover if you’re entitled to dog bite compensation and learn more about your legal options.
Call Spear Greenfield first, because our law firm has expert dog bite lawyers. Our experienced dog bite attorneys will fight to help you obtain the maximum dog bite compensation you deserve. We offer a free consultation, which will allow us to learn more about your case and educate you on the legal process surrounding your injury. This appointment carries no pressure or obligation, just information. We truly want to help and as proof, we offer a no fee guarantee. This guarantee means that we will not accept payment unless you win! If you or a family member has suffered a personal injury, please call us today.
PA & NJ Animal Attack Law Firm
Usually, a dog is a friendly animal, but its personality can be sly, alert, physically dominant, defensive, and ravenous. If a dog unexpectedly reacts in aggression, its sharp teeth and claws can cause serious harm. Whether big or small, dogs have powerful muscles in their mouths and legs that can cause significant injuries through bites or scratches.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite or animal attack, contact the lawyers at Spear Greenfield for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Us as Your Dog Bite Lawyers?
A dog bite can cause significant injury that leaves you with a stack of medical bills. If you are unable to work, this can increase your financial burden.
Spear Greenfield will serve as your dedicated legal advocate that will fight for your rights and endeavor to recover the compensation you deserve. Our dog bite attorneys have years of experience handling all types of animal attack situations. We have a proven track record of attaining successful outcomes for our clients, regardless of the case’s size, scope, or complexity.
When you choose us, you become part of our extended family. We will treat you with care and compassion throughout the process. You can count on us to answer your questions and address your concerns from start to finish.
Other reasons to choose our firm include:
- We go all the way: Our lawyers for dog bites are fully committed to winning your case. We will allocate all available resources to gathering evidence and obtaining other essential information. We have no qualms about going to trial if that is what it takes to recover the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury law firm will never sell you short.
- We offer access to high-quality medical treatment: Recovering from a severe dog bite injury requires expert medical attention. Our stellar reputation throughout the Pennsylvania and New Jersey communities we serve has enabled us to form enduring relationships with some of the top health care professionals in the region. We can help even if you do not have health insurance.
- We have a proud legacy of client service: Spear Greenfield has been serving the legal needs of people like you for more than 30 years. We have built our firm’s foundation on trust, integrity, fairness, and a sincere commitment to improving the lives of all our clients.
Dog Bite Statistics and Injury Types
Dog bites are often more severe than some people think. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites annually, and approximately 800,000 of those victims require medical attention. Every day, nearly 1,000 United States residents need emergency treatment resulting from dog bites.
Many bites involve dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
Here are some other related statistics from the AVMA:
- Nearly one out of every five bite victims needs medical attention.
- Dogs attack children more often. Children are more likely to sustain injuries than adults.
- Many bites occur during interaction with familiar dogs.
Large or vicious dogs aren’t the only ones responsible for the majority of injuries. Wounds can sometimes occur from even the smallest or friendliest of dogs. People should use caution when around dogs and remember that any breed can be dangerous.
Some of the more common dog bite injuries include:
- Physical wounds: This is the most common result of a bite and can include puncture wounds from teeth, lacerations, bruises, broken bones and muscle or ligament damage.
- Infections: Infections resulting from the bite can sometimes be more severe than the surface wound. Many types of harmful bacteria can transfer during the bite, requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Permanent disfigurement: Bites causing severe wounds can sometimes result in permanent scarring. Among the worst are facial wounds.
- Psychological injuries: These result from the psychological trauma a victim suffers from the bite. Victims sometimes incur post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dog Bite Laws
All dog bite cases boil down to the perceived responsibility of the owner. This responsibility varies based on different states and situations. Due to the various factors, it is important to consult with a dog bite injuries lawyer following a dog attack.
- Pennsylvania
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a dog owner is considered negligent if there was failure to control the dog, knowing the pet’s ability to display vicious tendencies. An owner can prove their adherence to Pennsylvania’s clear law, which requires that dogs be restrained in public at all times. Controlling a dog can be accomplished through property fencing or a dog leash. If the dog in question has previously been declared “dangerous”, the owner’s failure to meet the legal requirements to harbor their pet could be an act of negligence. - New Jersey
New Jersey is a strict liability state regarding dog bites or attacks. Similarly to most personal injury cases, establishing liability means proving the responsible party was negligent. With regards to dog bites, the owner is automatically liable if their dog attacks on public property. This liability also extends to a dog attack or bite that occurs on the owner’s property, as long as the injured party’s visit was legal. A dog’s previous training or outstanding obedience record does not mitigate an owner’s responsibility when a dog bite or attack occurs.
What To Do After a Dog Bite Attack
Pets are the responsibility of their owners, so a dog owner can be held liable if their dog injures another party. A dog’s training history or outstanding obedience record does not exempt an owner from liability for an animal attack.
Even if the injury victim was trespassing or provoked the dog’s actions, the dog owner can still be held responsible for a dog bite or attack. These cases are generally challenging, meaning investigating your legal options should consist of more than simply searching for dog bite attorneys near you. Partnering with an experienced animal attack lawyer is essential!
Determining Liability In A Dog Bite Injury Case
An individual injured by a dog bite or attack has the ability to recover compensation for the damages created by the incident. This legal option ensures the injured party does not accrue additional costs related to the injury. In the event of a successful case, this money comes from the negligent dog owner.
We understand exploring legal options can be intimidating, so the Spear Greenfield legal team will comfortably guide you through the legal process. We ensure our clients are never overwhelmed and always informed. To learn more about a partnership with Spear Greenfield, please click on the link below.
Receiving Dog Bite Compensation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Depending on the specific circumstances of the bite, most dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. Those actions may result in a victim earning compensation as a result of the bite. Some types of payment include:
- Medical expenses: These costs can include emergency room care, follow-up office visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Victims can earn compensation for missed time at work. If the injuries cause long-term or permanent disability, they can receive damages related to future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: These types of damages involve the psychological and physical pain a victim endures due to the bite or medical treatment they receive. Compensation could also reflect a victim’s loss of enjoyment in life.
- Punitive damages: If a court determines a dog owner acted with malice or negligence, a victim can receive punitive damages. An example might involve an owner who repeatedly allows their dog to run loose.
