Go for a stroll in and around West Chester and you’re sure to see someone out walking their dog. Maybe you’re a regular dog walker yourself. Almost half of all US households own a pet. We love dogs and most of us never have any problem with them. But sometimes dogs bite someone and the injury can be devastating.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog and you aren’t sure what to do next, you may need a dog attack attorney. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, we will look over your case so you can make an informed decision.
If you are out with your children at the park and a dog walks through, maybe even with a collar on, you may be wary if you don’t see an owner around. After all, dogs are supposed to be on leashes in most public places. But what happen if the dog bites you or your child?
Though dog bites may seem rare, they happen to over 4 million people in the United States each year. Many of those bites are severe. Dogs have strong jaws and they can inflict serious soft tissue damage to people. Children are particularly vulnerable because they are at higher risk for facial injuries due to their proximity to the dog and their inability to get away from the situation quickly. Elderly people are also at a higher risk for severe injury because their skin is more fragile and they may not be able to fight back. Some dog bites can be so severe that they require surgery to fix the damage.
In Pennsylvania, a dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries their dogs cause even if the dog has not been aggressive. If the injury was caused without provocation of the person it bit but the owner was not in control of the dog, then the owner’s negligence contributed to the injury.
Dog bites are scary situations for anyone who is attacked. Out of the more than 4 million dog bites each year, almost 1 million of those become infected. This can lead to serious complications. While all dogs have the potential to bite, we recognize that not all do. We also recognize that most dog bites are not intentional, with the owner’s mistakes allowing the situation to happen. Dog bites can leave both physical and lasting emotional damage on the victims.
Contact the police or animal control after any dog bite and keep any reports made. After that, you may need a dog bite attorney in West Chester. If someone else’s negligence has caused you or a loved one harm, there is no reason you should be stuck with expensive medical bills. You may even be entitled to compensation beyond medical bills. At the Dan Doyle Law Group we know how to handle these situations and will help you through them.
You can contact us by clicking here or calling 215-987-3730 for a free consultation.