Dog Bite Attorneys | Animal Attack Lawyers

attorneys Scott T. Taggart, Esq. and Stuart A. Richman, Esq. talking in office

Making Sense of a Dog Bite

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 family member has had a minor or major injury due to a dog bite or attack, contact Spear Greenfield to learn more about your legal options. 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. Click below to schedule a consultation either by phone or line form, and the Spear Greenfield legal team would be happy to help you!

FREE CONSULTATION BY PHONE

FREE CONSULTATION ONLINE

Your Possible Legal Options 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!

Contact A Dog Bite Attorney

Quick Jump to a section

Dog Bite Statistics & Injury Types

Dog Bite Laws

Determining Liability

Why Choose Spear Greenfield

Dog Bite Compensation

Personal Injury Verdicts

Get Started

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).

Injured? Contact Us!

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.

When you work with Spear Greenfield, our goal is always to ensure you are informed but never overwhelmed. We will guide you through the legal process and represent your best interests. See our basic step-by-step guide to the legal process by reviewing our case basics.

Case Basics

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.

Getting Started

When you schedule a consultation, that initial session is free, because we truly care about our client’s well being. This meeting will contain no pressure or obligation, just information, so you have nothing to lose! In order to schedule a complimentary case review with the Spear Greenfield legal team, please complete the form below.

Why Choose Us as Your Animal Attack 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.

Why Choose Spear Greenfield

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.

See How Much Your Case Is Worth

Personal Injury Verdicts

The following summary of recent personal injury verdicts and settlements demonstrates our proven track record.

$6,600,000

Fire caused by faulty wiring

$175,000

Stairwell fall from defective handrail

$115,000

Fall due to malfunctioning automatic doors

$105,000

Slipped on a wet floor

$80,500

Slipped and fell from icy steps

$75,000

Slipped and fell from snow and ice

Verdicts and Settlements

Get Started With Your Dog Bite Injury Case

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a dog bite or attack, it is critical to consult with a dog bite lawyer to learn if you’re entitled to dog bite compensation. Call Spear Greenfield first, because our law firm has expert lawyers for dog bites. We fight for those suffering physical, emotional, or financial burdens from an injury. 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! We understand potential clients are tentative to reach out, because some dog bite injury lawyers are expensive. We want to eliminate that fear by offering a free consultation. If you or a family member has suffered a personal injury, please call us today.

Making Sense of a Dog Bite

Your Possible Legal Options After a Dog Bite Attack

Quick Jump to a section

Dog Bite Statistics and Injury Types

Dog Bite Laws

Determining Liability In A Dog Bite Injury Case

Why Choose Us as Your Animal Attack Lawyers?

Dog Bite Compensation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Personal Injury Verdicts

Get Started With Your Dog Bite Injury Case

PHILADELPHIA

NEW JERSEY