Understanding Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying from minor wounds to severe trauma.
Common injuries in dog bite accidents may include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Dog bites often lead to puncture wounds and deep lacerations due to the sharpness of a dog's teeth. These injuries can cause substantial pain and may require extensive medical treatment, including stitches and wound care.
- Infections: Dog bites carry a risk of infection because of the bacteria present in a dog's mouth. Infections can lead to complications, affecting both the skin and deeper tissues. Timely medical attention is essential to prevent the development of severe infections.
- Nerve Damage: The force of a dog bite may lead to nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the impacted area. Nerve damage may require specialized medical care and rehabilitation to regain functionality.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Powerful bites or aggressive behavior from a dog can cause fractures and broken bones. These injuries may necessitate surgery, immobilization, and rehabilitation to achieve a full recovery.
- Psychological Trauma: Dog bites can leave lasting psychological effects, causing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may require counseling and therapy to address the emotional toll of the incident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe dog bites can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, impacting a victim's appearance and self-esteem. Plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures may be necessary to address these lasting effects.
Pennsylvania's Dog Bite Liability Laws Explained
There is no so-called “one free bite” under Pennsylvania law. Owners can be held liable when their dog or other animal bites or attacks someone. This means the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses even if the dog was previously thought to be “mild-mannered” or “good with kids.” It doesn’t matter if the dog never bit or chased anyone before. All that matters under the law is whether the dog was confined by a fence or chain, on a leash, or under reasonable control at the time.
If the dog was running loose, there is little defense, except:
- Dog owners may contest liability. They may try to say it was a different dog, that their animal was provoked, or that the victim was trespassing.
- Insurance companies may reject the claim or dispute the damages. More and more policies exclude “dangerous breed” dogs (e.g., pit bulls), or the insurer may refuse coverage for harboring a vicious dog that had attacked before.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?
The Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys of Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George are adept at making liability stick, documenting damages, and making insurance companies pay.
Through settlements and verdicts, we have secured the compensation our clients deserve for:
- Treatment of bite wounds (including painful rabies shots)
- Infections or nerve damage
- Permanent scars or reconstructive surgery
- Escape injuries (falling down or being knocked down)
In some cases where a dog was identified as dangerous because of prior bites or aggressive behavior, victims can also collect damages for:
- Emotional trauma (a young child or a severe mauling)
- Lost wages
- Harm to a pet or personal property
Get Help from Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in New Castle
Even if you think your injuries are not severe or think that you were partly at fault, you should still contact an attorney. Our dog bite lawyer in Pennsylvania can determine if you have a valid claim for damages.
Arrange a free consultation at one of five convenient locations. Call us today at (724) 576-8855 to speak with our New Castle dog bite lawyer.
