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Dog Bite Attorneys

Serving Pennsylvania & New Jersey

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    Getting Started
    Getting Started
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    Case Basics
    Case Basics
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    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!

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    Considering the Legal Options Following 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 a dog bite injury.

    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. Generally these cases are challenging, meaning investigating your legal options should be more than just doing an internet search for “dog bite attorney near me”. 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 need 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 the ability for a pet 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. For a basic step-by-step guide of the legal process, please click below.

    Case Basics

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    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 caused 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

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    Spear Greenfield Personal Injury Attorneys legal team

    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.

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      Why Choose Spear Greenfield?

      A dog bite or attack can lead to serious injuries and substantial medical bills, which can lead the injured party to face a financial burden. Call Spear Greenfield first, because partnering with our law firm means you become a member of the Spear Greenfield family! We will treat you like family by fighting for your justice and earning you maximum compensation! Our law firm has a proven track record of success, including winning our clients a combined half a billion dollars during our 30 years in business! Our trial lawyers and legal team have over 200 years of experience combined, which has helped us earn our successful track record. Below are some additional reasons to choose Spear Greenfield.

      • Other law firms are sometimes apprehensive about going to trial, because of the resources and time required, but Spear Greenfield regularly takes cases to court. If maximum compensation can be earned in court, we will not sell your short, even if that means taking a case all the way to a jury verdict. Spear Greenfield is not afraid to dedicate the maximum amount of time and resources on behalf of our clients.
      • Spear Greenfield has a robust portfolio of medical professionals, so your injury extent or treatment requirements will not discourage us from taking a case. Due to the law firm’s reputation in the community, we will connect you with the necessary doctor, treatment, or medical professional, even if you do not have insurance!
      • Our Spear Greenfield legal team is proud to have built a 30 year legacy on client service. Our goal continues to be to protect the seriously injured. Spear Greenfield is a family owned law firm, so we treat our clients like family by always working in their best interest. As you would expect from family, we understand the serious nature of personal injuries sustained by our clients and are 100% committed to helping our clients through the difficult times they face.   

      Why Choose Spear Greenfield

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      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.

      Personal Injury Verdicts

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

      fire icon
      $6,600,000
      Fire caused by faulty wiring
      work injury icon
      $175,000
      Stairwell fall from defective handrail
      work injury icon
      $115,000
      Fall due to malfunctioning automatic doors
      work injury icon
      $105,000
      Slipped on a wet floor 
      work injury icon
      $80,500
      Slipped and fell from icy steps
      work injury icon
      $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 personal 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. 

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