Dog bite victims can bring a lawsuit against dog owners for the damages they sustain in an attack. If you are the recent victim of a dog attack and face mounting medical bills while having to take time away from work for medical recovery, you may be able to file and win a dog bite lawsuit. Pennsylvania law gives you the right to sue the dog owner. Winning dog bite lawsuits requires proactively exploring your legal options and steps other victims have taken to win a settlement.
The Deadline to File a Claim is Two Years After the Attack
Dog bite victims have two years from the day of the attack to file their Pennsylvania dog bite claim. The deadline to file extends two years after their 18th birthday for minors. Failure to file within this 24-month window will lead to the dismissal of your dog bite lawsuit.
Dog Owner Negligence is Not a Requirement to Win
Even if the dog owner tried to control their dog, you can still file a dog bite claim against them. Pennsylvania law requires that you prove:
- The identity of the dog that caused your injuries
- The injuries were the result of the dog attack
- The owner of the dog
- The total damages resulting from your injuries
You Can Recover Lost Wages
Beyond your medical costs, including hospital bills and medication expenses, you can also recover lost wages due to your recovery time in a Pennsylvania dog bite lawsuit. Proving your lost wages requires collecting income documentation, including pay stubs, W-2 documents, and HR statements highlighting sick days taken during recovery.
Even if you’re not a full-time employee, you can claim lost income as part of a dog bite lawsuit. For example, self-employed individuals can submit IRS documents showing previous tax year income and invoice statements from earlier months to substantiate their income loss.
Jeffrey Penneys’ recent post regarding lost wages in dog bite cases covers the topic in greater depth.
Immediate Medical Attention is Critical to Case Success
After a dog bite, book an appointment with a doctor to review your injuries as soon as possible. The insurance company will consider the time it took for you to undergo treatment and the reason for any delays in offering a dog bite settlement.
Your doctor can also administer a rabies vaccine if you do not know the rabies status of the dog that bit you. You may need more than one rabies vaccine shot based on your medical background. The vaccine cost will add to the financial damages in the dog bite lawsuit settlement.
Witness Statements Provide Tangible Value
Witness statements hold exceptional value in helping you succeed in your dog bite lawsuit. After a dog attack, ask bystanders for their contact details.
Their testimony can add to the recorded statements from your doctor and police report from the incident to help show the insurance adjuster handling your settlement the vicious nature of the incident.
Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Win the Highest Settlements
It’s often not enough to win a settlement from a dog bite. Your settlement value must be consummate with the total damages stemming from your claim. Here’s where an experienced dog bite lawyer is valuable. Find a dog bite lawyer with experience in your type of dog bite case, whether it’s a case involving your child suffering a dog bite or a dog bite you suffered at work.
Your dog bite lawyer will harness their experience to handle communications with the insurance companies in negotiating on your behalf.
Leading Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers like Jeffrey Penneys also have a reputation for powerful representation at trial. Hiring a lawyer with a strong courtroom presence and history will help raise the initial settlement offers from the insurance adjuster. Insurance companies recognize the lawyers who take dog bite claims to court and will increase their offer to help avoid a prolonged, drawn-out trial.
Explore Dog Bite Lawsuit Options with Top Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyer
As a dog bite lawyer with 30 years of experience winning dog bite lawsuits, Jeffrey Penneys is your best first call after being bitten by a dog. His unparalleled knowledge of Pennsylvania dog bite laws and forthright negotiating style have helped him and his team consistently win significant dog bite lawsuit settlements.
Book your free initial dog bite case review today by calling (215) 798-7725 or confirming your dog bite consultation online.