Serious dog attacks have life-changing consequences for victims and their families. Learning your rights under Pennsylvania law as they relate to permanent disabilities and serious injuries can help empower your recovery and ensure you receive a fair settlement for the impact of the attack on you and your family. This post will explore the topic of permanent disability and explain how you can recover compensation for a dog attack resulting in lifelong injuries.
How Does Pennsylvania Law Define Serious Injury?
The Pennsylvania Dog Bite Statute Section 459-102 defines severe injury as “Any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery”. While permanent disability has no definition under Pennsylvania law, the courts have generally held that permanent disability is an injury that surgery cannot correct.
Examples of a potential permanent disability after a dog attack include:
Amputations
Amputations occur when the doctor believes the loss of muscle and tissue in a limb or digit is so severe that the victim risks sepsis or septic shock without amputation. This was the case in a recent Wayne County, PA attack in which a woman lost part of her arm.
TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in dog attacks when a dog bites the skull of the victim and causes damage to the bone, which then impacts the underlying brain tissue. TBIs may also occur in a dog attack-related fall, when a victim is unable to retain their balance and hits their skull on a hard surface, such as the sidewalk.
Disfigurement
Disfigurement refers to any changes to the body or face due to the attack. For example, disfigurement may include injuries to the facial bones that change the victim’s appearance. Claims for dog bite-related disfigurement may also include hearing or eyesight changes that result from damage to the head and neck, which the data shows often occurs in dog attacks on children. Our recent post has more details about disfigurement and winning disfigurement-related dog bite cases.
The Data on Serious Dog Bite Injuries
- About 65% of dog bites on children occur on the head and neck
- According to the American Veterinary Association, hospitalizations due to dog bites have nearly doubled in the last 16 years
- Insurance Information Institute data shows dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2023 to 19,062 from 17,597 in 2022—an 8.3 percent increase
What Can I Do to Succeed with My Permanent Disability Dog Bite Case?
Gather All Diagnostic and Treatment Documentation
Collect the medical documents clarifying the nature of your injuries and the evidence the injury has reached the maximum possible recovery as stated by your doctors. This diagnostic and treatment documentation may include signed X-rays, ultrasounds, or CAT scans for TBIs. The documentation should also include your doctor’s notes after the attack, explaining their reasoning.
Collect Your Financial Records
The financial records linking your dog bite treatment with the dog bite attack will be essential to recovering a higher amount from the insurance company. Gather your bank records and receipts from the doctors showing the time and date and the total amount you spent on diagnostic care and treatment.
Coordinate Communications Between Your Insurance Company and Your Dog Bite Lawyer
Your insurance company and the adjustor on your account will determine the potential settlement for your injuries. Consequently, you should approach these stakeholders carefully and coordinating with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer can help protect your rights at each stage of the settlement process.
Once you hire a qualified lawyer, you can address all questions from your insurance company to your legal representative to strengthen your case under the Pennsylvania injury laws and safeguard your legal rights. After filing your dog bite claim, the lawyer will then begin the negotiation phase of the settlement process, keeping your best interests in the forefront as they showcase to the insurance companies the devastating financial and emotional impact of your injuries.
Call Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer Jeffrey Penneys After a Serious Attack Injury
Dog bite lawyer Jeffrey Penneys has a proven background winning large settlements for dog bite victims and their families. He and his team operate a 24/7 legal service to ensure a swift response to dog bite victims. His 5-star rating from previous clients and his numerous awards as a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer speak to the quality of his work.
Don’t delay your call to Jeffrey Penneys after a dog attack. Contact his dog bite law offices via 1-215-259-3703 to speak with Jeffrey today or confirm your dog bite case review online.