Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite? We’ve Got You Covered

Why You Need Legal Help After a Dog Bite

  Lawyers that handle dog bites can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma after a dog attack. Here’s what you need to know: Key Services a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Provide:

• Calculate the full value of your claim (medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering)
• Investigate the dog’s history and owner negligence
• Handle all insurance company negotiations
• Gather crucial evidence like witness statements and medical records
• Steer state-specific liability laws and deadlines

When to Contact a Lawyer for a Dog Bite:

• Immediately after seeking medical treatment
• If injuries are severe or require ongoing care
• When insurance offers seem too low
• If the dog owner’s insurance denies your claim

Dogs are beloved pets, but they can cause serious harm in an instant. As one legal resource notes: “Dogs are a very popular and beloved pet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. However, in the blink of an eye, a playful moment can turn into a traumatic experience when a dog bite occurs.” The numbers tell a sobering story. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Of these incidents, over half involve children. The financial impact is massive too – dog bite claims totaled over $1.1 billion in 2023, with the average claim costing around $64,555. Beyond the physical wounds, dog bites often leave lasting emotional scars. Victims may develop anxiety around dogs or suffer from post-traumatic stress. The medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if you need surgery, physical therapy, or counseling. You shouldn’t have to bear these costs alone. Most dog bite cases are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not their personal savings. A skilled lawyer for dog bite knows how to work with these insurance companies to get you fair compensation.  

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Being attacked by a dog can happen so quickly that you might feel shocked and confused afterward. Your heart is probably racing, you might be in pain, and you’re not sure what to do next. Take a deep breath – we’re here to help you understand exactly what steps to take. The actions you take in the first few hours after a dog bite can make a huge difference for your health and any potential legal case. While it might feel overwhelming, following these steps will help protect both your physical well-being and your legal rights.

Essential First Steps for Your Health and Safety

Your health comes first, always. Even if the bite doesn’t look too serious, dog bites can be deceiving. What seems like a small puncture wound on the surface might be much deeper, and infections are a real concern. Start by stopping any bleeding. Apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or towel. Don’t worry if you don’t have medical supplies nearby – even a clean shirt will work in a pinch. Next, you’ll want to clean the wound thoroughly. The National Library of Medicine recommends washing the wound gently with mild soap and warm water for several minutes. This step is crucial for reducing your risk of infection. It might sting, but it’s worth doing properly. Apply antibiotic ointment if you have it available. Any over-the-counter antibiotic ointment will help prevent bacteria from taking hold in the wound. Cover the area with a clean, sterile bandage to keep dirt and germs out while you seek medical care. Here’s the most important part: get medical attention right away. Even if you think the bite isn’t that bad, a healthcare professional should examine it. You might need stitches, a tetanus shot, or antibiotics. Dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause serious infections, and there’s always the concern about rabies if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Plus, having medical records from right after the incident will be valuable if you decide to work with lawyers that handle dog bites later on.  

Documenting the Incident to Protect Your Rights

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, it’s time to think about protecting your legal rights. The evidence you gather now could be crucial if you need to file a claim later. Take photos of everything you can. Use your phone to capture clear pictures of your injuries from multiple angles. The wound might look different in a few days as it begins to heal, so these initial photos are important. Also photograph the location where the attack happened – was there a broken fence? No leash? These details matter. Get the dog owner’s information immediately. You’ll need their full name, address, phone number, and if they’re willing to share it, their homeowner’s insurance information. If the owner isn’t around or refuses to cooperate, contact the police or local animal control right away. Don’t let them disappear without getting this crucial information. Talk to any witnesses who saw what happened. People are usually willing to help after seeing someone get hurt. Ask for their names and phone numbers – their independent account of what happened could be invaluable later. Even if they only saw part of the incident, their testimony might fill in important gaps. Report the bite to animal control or local authorities. This creates an official record of what happened and starts an investigation into the dog’s history. Has this dog bitten anyone before? Are there other complaints? This information helps build your case and protects other people in your community from future attacks.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can cause much more damage than people realize. The powerful jaws and sharp teeth can create injuries that go far beyond what you can see on the surface. Puncture wounds are extremely common and can be deceptively dangerous. These deep holes can damage muscles, nerves, and blood vessels underneath your skin. Lacerations – those jagged tears in your skin – often need stitches and can leave permanent scars. Nerve damage is a serious concern, particularly if you were bitten on your hands, face, or limbs. Some people lose feeling or function in the affected area permanently. Scarring and disfigurement can require multiple surgeries to repair, especially when the bite is on visible areas like your face or arms. Infections are always a risk with dog bites. The bacteria in a dog’s mouth can cause cellulitis, staph infections, and in rare cases, rabies or tetanus if the dog wasn’t properly vaccinated. Broken bones can happen when larger, more powerful dogs bite down with significant force. Don’t underestimate the emotional and psychological impact of being attacked by a dog. Many victims develop anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Children are particularly vulnerable to these lasting emotional effects. This trauma is real, and it’s something that lawyers that handle dog bites understand and can help you seek compensation for. The road to recovery from a dog bite often involves ongoing medical care, therapy, and sometimes reconstructive surgery. You shouldn’t have to face this journey alone or bear these costs by yourself.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws and Liability

  Dog bite laws can feel like a maze, with each state having its own rules and approaches.  The truth is, lawyers that handle dog bites need to understand these differences because they can dramatically affect your case. What might be a straightforward claim in one state could require much more evidence in another.

Who is Legally Responsible for a Dog Bite?

When a dog bites someone, figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always as simple as pointing to the owner. While the dog owner is usually the main person held accountable, especially if they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies or failed to control it properly, the responsibility can sometimes spread to others. Landlords might find themselves in legal hot water if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous but didn’t take reasonable steps to protect other people. Similarly, property owners who aren’t the dog’s owner could share liability if the bite happened on their property and they failed to maintain a safe environment or properly secure the dog. Don’t forget about keepers or caretakers either. If someone was temporarily watching the dog – like a dog sitter or walker – and their negligence led to the bite, they could be held responsible too.

Strict Liability vs. The “One-Bite Rule”

This is where things get really interesting, and frankly, a bit frustrating for victims. The legal standard for proving who’s at fault varies dramatically depending on where you live. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, generally follows what’s called the “one-bite rule” or negligence standard. This doesn’t literally mean every dog gets one free bite – that’s a common misconception. Instead, it means you usually need to prove the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. This might come from previous bites, complaints from neighbors, or the owner’s own admissions about their dog’s behavior.

Common Defenses in a Dog Bite Case

Dog owners and their insurance companies don’t just roll over when faced with a claim. They’ll often argue that the victim somehow contributed to or caused the incident. Provocation is probably the most common defense you’ll hear. The owner might claim you teased, hit, or otherwise antagonized their dog. What counts as provocation can be tricky – even accidentally stepping on a dog’s tail might be considered provocation in some cases. Trespassing is another favorite defense. If you were on someone’s property without permission when the bite occurred, they might argue they don’t owe you the same level of protection they’d owe an invited guest. Comparative negligence comes into play when they argue you were partially at fault. Maybe they’ll say you ignored warning signs or didn’t follow the owner’s instructions about how to interact with their dog. Finally, there’s the assumption of risk. This applies when you voluntarily put yourself in a situation where you knew there was a chance of getting bitten – like volunteering at an animal shelter or agreeing to pet a dog the owner warned you about.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

Here’s something that catches a lot of people off guard: you can’t wait forever to file a lawsuit. Each state sets a deadline, and if you miss it, you’re generally out of luck – no matter how strong your case might be. Two years might sound like plenty of time, but it goes by faster than you’d think. Between dealing with medical treatment, insurance companies, and just trying to get your life back to normal, time has a way of slipping away. Plus, lawyers that handle dog bites need time to investigate your case properly, gather evidence, and build a strong claim. The bottom line? Don’t wait. The sooner you reach out for legal help, the better your chances of preserving crucial evidence and keeping all your options open.

Why You Need A Lawyer for Dog Bite That Handle Dog Bites

After a dog bite, the thought of navigating the legal system might feel overwhelming. That’s where lawyers that handle dog bites come in. Our firm, Metzger Wickersham, has been assisting injured individuals across Pennsylvania for over 135 years, focusing on securing justice and compensation for our clients. We bring that extensive experience to every case, including those involving dog bites.

Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim

One of the most critical roles we play is ensuring that all your damages are accurately calculated and accounted for. This goes beyond just immediate medical bills. Your claim can include both economic and non-economic damages: Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

• • Medical Bills: Current and future costs for doctor visits, emergency room care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and counseling.
  • Lost Wages: Income you’ve lost due to time off work for recovery or appointments.
  • Future Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income.
  • Property Damage: If the dog damaged any personal property during the attack.

Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective, non-financial losses that impact your quality of life.

• • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the bite.
  • Emotional Distress: Including anxiety, fear, and PTSD resulting from the traumatic event.
  • Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring, which can have significant psychological impacts.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
  • Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, this compensates a spouse for the loss of companionship and support.

Our team works diligently to ensure every aspect of your suffering and loss is considered when pursuing your claim.

What do lawyers that handle dog bites investigate?

Building a strong dog bite case requires a thorough investigation. Our dedicated team approaches each case with a comprehensive strategy, examining every detail to establish liability and maximize your compensation. Here’s what we typically investigate:

• The Dog’s History: We look into whether the dog has a record of prior aggressive behavior or bites. This includes contacting animal control, reviewing veterinary records, and interviewing neighbors. Even if a state follows a strict liability rule, a history of aggression can strengthen a case.
• Leash Law Violations: Many municipalities have leash laws. If the dog was off-leash in violation of a local ordinance when the bite occurred, this can establish “negligence per se,” meaning the owner is automatically presumed negligent due to breaking the law.
• Property Conditions: We assess the security of the property where the dog was kept, checking for inadequate fencing, gates, or other enclosures that may have allowed the dog to escape or reach a victim.
• Owner’s Negligence: We evaluate the owner’s actions or inactions that contributed to the bite, such as failing to properly train, restrain, or supervise the dog, or failing to warn others of the dog’s known aggressive tendencies.

For more information on how we approach these complex cases, you can learn about our Dog Bite Accident Lawyer services.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a dog bite, you’ll likely find yourself dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company, most often their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. This can be a challenging process, as insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts.

• Role of Homeowner’s Insurance: Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies provide liability coverage for dog bites. This means that if the dog owner is found liable, their insurance company will typically be responsible for paying your damages.
• Adjuster Negotiation Tactics: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make recorded statements, downplay your injuries, or offer a quick, lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your full losses. They might also try to shift blame to you, claiming provocation or trespassing.
• How a Lawyer Handles All Communication: When you retain our firm, we handle all communications with the insurance company. This protects you from making statements that could harm your claim and ensures that your rights are always protected. Our team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance providers, advocating tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.
• What to Do if a Claim is Denied: If an insurance company denies your claim, it can be incredibly frustrating. However, a denial is not the end of the road. We can investigate the reason for the denial, challenge the insurer’s decision, and, if necessary, pursue a bad faith claim against the insurance company for their improper handling of your case. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite Claims

After a dog bite, it’s completely natural to have questions swirling through your mind. You’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and probably mounting medical bills. We’ve been helping dog bite victims in Pennsylvania for over 135 years, so we understand the concerns you’re facing. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often:

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a dog bite?

Here’s some good news during what’s likely a stressful time: lawyers that handle dog bites typically work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t need to worry about coming up with money upfront to get the legal help you deserve. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe everyone should have access to justice, regardless of their bank account. That’s why you pay no upfront fees when we take your case. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you, and our fee comes as a percentage of whatever settlement or award we secure on your behalf. This arrangement removes the financial stress from pursuing your claim. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us attorney fees – it’s that simple.

Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?

This question weighs heavily on many people’s hearts, especially when they know the dog or its owner. The short answer is: filing a civil claim for compensation does not automatically mean the dog will be euthanized. Think of it this way – there are two separate tracks here. Your personal injury claim is about getting you the financial compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Meanwhile, any decisions about the dog’s future are handled completely separately by local animal control authorities or municipal courts. These officials base their decisions on factors like how severe the attack was, whether the dog has bitten before, and what local laws require. Their focus is on public safety, while our focus is on getting you the compensation you deserve. The two processes run independently of each other.

Can I sue if I was bitten by a friend’s or family member’s dog?

Yes, you absolutely can – and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it. We know this situation feels incredibly uncomfortable. The last thing you want is to damage a relationship with someone you care about, especially when you’re already dealing with the trauma of being bitten. Here’s what brings most people comfort: your claim will almost always be made against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not against their personal money or belongings. The insurance company handles the payout, not your friend or family member directly. Think about it like this – if you were in a car accident with a friend, you’d file a claim with their auto insurance without thinking twice about it. This situation is similar. The whole point of liability insurance is to protect both the policyholder and people who might be injured. Our team handles these delicate situations with extra care and discretion. We understand that preserving your relationship matters to you, and we work to steer the legal process while being as sensitive as possible to the personal dynamics involved. The goal is simple: make sure your medical expenses and other losses are covered by the available insurance, so you don’t end up facing financial hardship on top of your physical and emotional recovery.

Get the Help You Deserve

The journey after a dog bite doesn’t have to be one you walk alone. While the physical wounds may heal with time, the emotional trauma and financial burden can linger much longer. That’s where having the right legal support makes all the difference. At Metzger Wickersham, we’ve been standing beside injured Pennsylvanians for over 135 years. Our team understands that every dog bite case is unique, just like every person who walks through our doors. We’re not just lawyers that handle dog bites – we’re your advocates, your support system, and your voice when insurance companies try to minimize what you’ve been through. We know this isn’t easy. You might be dealing with medical appointments, worried about mounting bills, or struggling with anxiety around dogs that weren’t there before. Maybe you’re losing sleep over how this will affect your family’s finances. These concerns are completely valid, and they’re exactly why we’re here. Our client-focused approach means you’re never just another case number. When you call us – whether it’s 2 PM on a Tuesday or 2 AM on a weekend – someone from our team is available to listen. We believe that 24/7 availability isn’t just a nice feature; it’s essential when you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident. You deserve justice and fair compensation for what you’ve endured. The dog owner’s insurance company has teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. Shouldn’t you have someone equally dedicated fighting for your interests? If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Harrisburg PA, Pottsville PA, Lancaster PA, Shippensburg PA, Wilkes-Barre PA, Williamsport PA, York PA, or Frederick MD, we’re ready to help. Our team approach means multiple experienced legal minds will work together on your case, bringing different perspectives and strategies to secure the best possible outcome. The first step is simple. Contact our personal injury team for a free consultation. We’ll review your situation thoroughly, answer all your questions, and help you understand your options. There’s no obligation and no upfront cost – just honest guidance from people who genuinely care about your recovery. You’ve already been through enough. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.