Dog Bite FAQ

Philadelphia Dog Attack Attorneys

How much is your Pennsylvania dog bite claim potentially worth?

Settlements depend on a range of factors including the nature and severity of the injuries, the medical and therapy bills, wages lost as a result of the attacks, the degree of negligence of the owner, whether or not you had to undergo corrective surgery, and the dog owner's insurance provisions.

If you get bitten while pulling apart two fighting dogs, who is liable for your injuries?

The answer here depends on the circumstances of the dog fight and the degree to which the owners of the dog involved were negligent.

In most cases, trespassers who get bitten cannot reasonably claim damages. However, so-called premises liability cases can get quite complex, and there may be situations in which bitten trespassers can win a settlement.

A dog attacked you but didn't actually break the skin. Is this still technically considered "bite" under the law?

A dog attack that doesn't break the skin can nevertheless be construed as a "bite" -- for instance, the clamping of a dog's jaws on the hand can break bones and cause soft tissue injuries without actually cutting the skin.

How many dog bites occur in the United States on an average per year?

Approximately, 5 million, according to CDC figures. Of these, nearly 800,000 on average, result in minor injuries or worse.

Is it true that dogs that have not been neutered are more dangerous than dogs that have been?

Yes. According to statistics, a non-spayed or non-neutered dog is 300% more likely to bite than a spade or neutered animal.

Have certain dogs actually been outlawed due to their aggressive behavior?

Yes. Due to their aggressive tendencies, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, and other aggressive breeds have been banned in some communities. Dog owners who insist on keeping banned dogs can be subject to fines.

If a dog bites you or your child, whom should you call?

Number one, call the police and report the accident. Number two, call a medical professional to treat wounds. Number three, call your community animal control agency. Number four, contact a Philadelphia dog bite attorney who specializes in personal injury liability cases.

To learn more about what to do in the event of a dog bite injury, contact the attorneys here at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano, LLP. For decades, our trial-tested lawyers have fought on behalf of injured parties, and we know Pennsylvania dog bite law inside and out. Call our offices toll-free to set up a consultation -- 888-684-7192 -- or e-mail one of our experienced Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers.