Dog Bite Lawyers on Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. is an expert on Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
How is a dog bite legal claim evaluated?
Pennsylvania has statues that actions are weighed against. The following is a summary of the dog bite statutes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Do not attempt to utilize this summary to make decisions about PA dog bite law without consulting qualitifed dog bite lawyers, it may jeopardize your rights if you contact the dog's owner, consult Jeffrey Penneys, The Dog Bite Lawyer, for free legal opinions about your situation.
Pennsylvania dog statutes represent Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law, and contain provisions related to licensing, quarantines, kennels, and dangerous dogs. Significant features of the law include a statewide leash requirement for dogs (Section 305) and provisions for "dangerous dogs" (Section 501 et. seq.).
Liability for killing a dangerous dog. A person may kill any dog which he sees in the act of pursuing or wounding or killing any domestic animal, including household pets, or pursuing, wounding or attacking human beings. There is no liability on such persons in damages or otherwise for such killing. Any person who has been attacked by a dog(s) may file a complaint to have the dog registered as "dangerous."
Harboring a dangerous dog. Not only is it a crime in the Commonwealth to harbor a dangerous dog, but an owner must post a surety bond for $50,000 (can be an insurance policy) and the dog must be properly enclosed unless muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash while under physical restraint of a responsible person.
The article does not apply if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog, or was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the dog, or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
Attacks by a dangerous dog. If a dangerous dog, through intentional, reckless or negligent conduct of the dog's owner or keeper, attacks a person or a domestic animal, the dog's owner or keeper is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree. The dangerous dog is immediately seized by a dog warden or police officer and placed in quarantine. After a period of ten days, if no appeal has been filed by the owner of the dangerous dog, the dangerous dog is humanely put to rest. If an appeal is filed, the dangerous dog shall remain confined until the proceedings are completed and, if found guilty of the cited offense, the dangerous dog is put down.
Attacks causing severe injury or death. A dog owner that, through the intentional, reckless or negligent conduct, allows a dog to aggressively attack and cause severe injury or death of a human shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. The dog shall be immediately confiscated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and placed in quarantine for a length. After a period of ten days, if no appeal has been filed by the owner of the dangerous dog, the dangerous dog is humanely put to rest. If an appeal is filed, the dangerous dog shall remain confined until the proceedings are completed and, if found guilty of the cited offense, the dangerous dog is put down.
What is the liability of a dog owner for dog bite injuries or damages?
Dog owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs. In most dog bite cases, the dog's owner will be required to pay all medical bills of the personal injury victim, and lost wages associated with a dog bite or dog attack. Sometimes, however, the dog's "keeper," or the person who was taking care of the animal at the time of the dog attack, may be held liable.
If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, call Philadelphia dog bite lawyer Jeffrey Harlan Penneys immediately to schedule a free consultation.
Dog Bite Lawsuits and Dog Bite Settlements in Pennsylvania.
How is liability proven in dog bite cases?
To prove that an owner of a dog is responsible for an injury due to a dog attack Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers must prove negligence. Some ways to prove negligence that violate Pennsylvania dog bite laws on the part of the dog owner include:
- Proving that the dog was "at large" when it bit or attacked its victim. In other words, the dog was running loose off of the property of the owner.
- If the dog bite victim was attacked or bitten while the victim was lawfully on the dog owner's property, it must additionally be proven that:
- The dog had a history of unprovoked attacks.
- The victim was not informed of the dangerous nature of the dog.
- The owner did not protect the victim from the dog. "Beware of Dog" signs are evidence that the owner was aware of the dangerous nature of the dog and failed to take precautions to ensure the dog did not attack persons who were lawfully on the dog owner's property.
How is the extent of dog bite injuries from dog attacks proven?
In order to receive dog bite damages, or monetary payment, for dog bite injuries due to a dog bite or dog attack, Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers may need to be prove:
- Evidence of pain and suffering shown by photos of the dog bites or injuries due to the dog attack.
- Cost of initial medical treatment and procedures shown by obtaining medical records and dog bite medical bills.
- Evidence of permanent scarring shown by photos taken one year after the dog attack.
- Cost of future surgical revision as explained by a plastic surgeon in his narrative report.
- Description of permanent scarring as explained by a plastic surgeon in his narrative report.
- Psychological damages as noted in a psychologist's report, if applicable.
- Contact me if you think you have a possible dog bite lawsuit - Let me help you with your dog bite lawsuit or dog bite settlement.
JEFFREY HARLAN PENNEYS, ESQ. THE DOG BITE LAWYER
IS AVAILABLE 24/7/365.
I may be reached either on my cell phone at 1-800InjuryLaw (1-800-465-8795)
or via my online dog bite case review form
If you or a loved one needs help understanding Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law, contact the premier dog bite lawyer and dog attack attorney in Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Harlan Penneys, Esquire
