Dog bite lawsuits allow victims to secure a settlement for the expense associated with their bite injury recovery process. Expenses such as retraining at work and medical treatment costs form part of the dog bite lawsuit settlement. Other damages dog bite victims might seek through a lawsuit include hedonic damages and ongoing mental health support. If you’re a recent dog bite victim and exploring your legal options, you likely have a number of questions.
Let’s explore the dog bite settlement process and answer some of the most common questions dog bite victims have regarding dog bite settlements.
What Costs Can I Recover In a Dog Bite Settlement?
In the State of Pennsylvania, the laws allow dog bite victims to recover the following in a dog bite settlement:
- Medical Bills
Your dog bite medical bills may include diagnostic procedure expenses, including x-rays and physical exams. Medical bills also comprise all treatment-related costs, such as transportation to and from the hospital and surgical expenses. In some cases, you may be able to sue for the total cost of scar removal.
- Lost Income
If you spent time away from work due to injury treatment and recovery, your lost wages and salary form part of the total dog bite settlement costs.
- Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium relates to the dog bite’s impact on your personal and familial relationships.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment in life compensation can attempt to repay your loss of bodily function that prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities.
- Emotional Distress
Dog bite settlements also help you recover the costs associated with the emotional impact of the attack, including treatment for sudden mood shifts and changes in social behavior.
- Rehabilitation Expenses
Rehabilitation expenses after a dog bite can include medical services to help improve muscle function and physiotherapy services.
- Punitive Damages
While Pennsylvania courts rarely award punitive damages in dog bite settlements, there may be a case for recovering punitive damages if the owner, for example, trained the animal to attack.
Can I Recover Damages if My Dog Is Attacked?
Yes, Pennsylvania law enables dog owners whose dogs are attacked to recover the costs associated with helping their dog’s recovery from their injuries. Dog owners whose dog injures another dog may be liable to pay for any vet bills relating to the attack injuries.
What is the One-Bite Rule?
The One-Bite Rule used to be a law in Pennsylvania that meant a dog owner was not held responsible for their dog’s first bite if that dog had no history of aggressive behavior. Since 1996, the One Bite Rule no longer applies in Pennsylvania, all dog owners can now be held responsible after their first bite, even if the dog has no history of aggression.
Which Parties Can I Hold Responsible for My Dog Bite Injuries?
Under Pennsylvania law, the main party responsible for dog bite injuries is the owner. However, there are cases in which other parties can be held accountable for breaching the duty of care they owe you. For example, landlords have been held liable for dog bites on their property and inside apartment buildings.
There are many examples of landlords being warned of dangerous dogs on their property, and those dogs then attacking tenants, causing significant injuries. In such cases, the tenant can hold the landlord responsible for their injuries.
What Steps Should I Take if My Child is Bitten by a Dog?
The majority of serious dog bite injury victims are children. If your child is bitten by a dog, either at the family home or within the community, visit your local urgent care or hospital emergency department as soon as possible. Ensure a pediatrician assesses your child’s injury to help you determine the next phase in their recovery process. After receiving medical guidance, speak with a dog bite lawyer specializing in child dog bite cases to ensure your child has the best chances of a fair settlement.
How Much Will I Pay If I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
One of the most common reasons dog bite victims don’t hire a dog bite lawyer is they believe it will be cost-prohibitive. As one of Philadelphia’s top dog bite attorneys, Jeffrey Penneys offers a free case review as part of his introduction to new clients. Should you then choose Jeffrey Penneys to represent you in your dog bite case, you will only pay for his legal services if you win a settlement.
What If I’m Experiencing Pain Months After a Dog Bite?
Often, the full extent of a dog bite injury isn’t clear until several months after the initial incident. In Pennsylvania, you have up to two years after the initial dog bite to file your claim with the courts. If you’re experiencing pain in the months after a dog bite, book an assessment with your physician and speak with a dog bite attorney about your settlement options to ensure coverage for medical bills and time off work.
Have an Urgent Question About a Dog Bite? Call Dog Bite Attorney Jeffrey Penneys.
Pennsylvania Dog bite lawyer Jeffrey Penneys is here to answer your dog bite settlement questions and help you navigate the complex process of securing fair compensation for your injuries. To have your questions answered by a lawyer with decades of experience who has won millions of dollars for his clients, call Jeffrey Penneys. The office is open 24/7 for your urgent dog bite questions.