Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia, PA Fight for the Rights of Animal Attack Victims in Philadelphia County and the Surrounding Areas

Every 27 seconds in the United States alone, someone is bitten by a dog severely enough to seek medical attention. While that statistic seems staggering, it is one of many shocking numbers surrounding dog bite accidents, such as the 4.5 million Americans bitten each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). However, only a very small number of those accidents are fatal. Instead, people are often left with significant physical and emotional pain and suffering, and sizable medical bills due to:

• Abrasions and lacerations
• Broken or fractured bones and other crush-related injuries
• Bruising
• Death
• Disfigurement
• Emotional trauma
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
• Facial fractures
• Infections, including rabies, C canimorsus infections, and cellulitis
• Muscle sprains and strains
• Nerve damage
• Open wounds and punctures
• Permanent scarring
• Traumatic brain injuries

Dog Bites in New Jersey

In New Jersey, there is a statute of limitations on personal injury cases, which includes dog bite accidents. An injured victim has two years after the incident to file a claim, or risks their case being dismissed before reaching a court.

Under New Jersey Statutes section 4:19-16, a dog owner is liable for injuries that a dog bite accident causes. This includes:

• When a dog bites an individual in a private place or a public place; and
• Even if the dog has no prior history of vicious behavior.

The statute that applies to dog bites is “strict liability,” meaning the owner is responsible for injuries even if they attempted to restrain the dog, or attempted to protect or warn the individual approaching. Because of this, those bitten do not need to prove negligence or carelessness to establish their case. Instead, all they need to prove is that the dog bite attack happened.

Dog Bites in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has the same statute of limitations as New Jersey and has similar policies when it comes to bite injuries. This includes a strict liability applied. The Pennsylvania Superior Court has held judgments in favor of victims even when a dog was not previously vicious, citing the dog confinement law. Dog owners are held liable if they fail to keep the dog in the house or yard, or on a leash, and the dog attacks without being provoked.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Advocate for Dog Bite Victims

Our team of Philadelphia dog bite lawyers at DiTomaso Law understand the intricacies that come with a dog bite injury in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact us online or call 215-426-4493 today to find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.