Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyers

According to statistics compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, the National Institute of Health, and the Center for Disease Control, dog bite injuries occur nearly once every minute on average in the United States. Annually, dog bites cause nearly 20 fatalities on average, and the medical and legal costs from these accidents all told add up to nearly $0.5 billion per year. Sadly, children are far more likely to be seriously injured by dog bites than adults are. Mail carriers on average get bitten around 3,000-4,000 times a year, according to studies conducted by the United States Postal Service.

For a dog bite injury to be legally actionable, it need not puncture the skin. A crush injury or a traumatic assault can still result in an actionable claim.

Obviously, not all dogs are equally likely to assault. Certain breeds are far more likely than others to attack -- Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Rottweiler-Pit Bull mixes account for well over 50% of all serious and fatal dog bite attacks in the United States. Dogs who have been mistreated, underfed, bred-to-fight, disfigured, emotionally abused or neglected, or diseased tend to be far more likely to bite.

An injured party can seek damages both from a dog-owner and from insurance companies. If a child gets bitten, a parent or guardian can bring suit on behalf of the child. Settlements typically award compensation based on:

Lost earnings
Costs of surgery
Costs of psychological therapy
General anxiety, pain and suffering
Other medical expenses
Legal fees

Even if a dog bite case appears straightforward, it’s imperative to work with an experienced Pennsylvania dog attack attorney to ensure that you make the most proactive case possible. If you disclose information to an insurance adjuster, or otherwise sign any statements or provide testimony to a third party about the matter, you may potentially ruin your chances of recovering damages for your claim. Turn to the firm of Cherry, Fieger & Marciano, LLP., to discuss your case with some of Pennsylvania's foremost personal injury attorneys. We have the experience, track record, temperament, and deep knowledge of applicable case law you need to win your dog bite claim. Please contact us through our toll-free number, 888-684-7192 or e-mail one of our experienced Philadelphia, PA dog bite attorneys to set up a free consultation today. We take personal injury claims on a contingency basis -- unless we win your dog bite claim for you, you don't have to pay any legal fees.