Know Your Legal Rights If You Are the Victim of a Dog Bite in Philadelphia
Man’s best friend isn’t always necessarily man’s best friend. Dogs and other pets bite millions of people each year, many times causing injuries that require medical attention. In some cases, treatment can take years to complete and may involve cosmetic surgery. In Philadelphia, dog bites are common, and when the circumstances of an incident warrant a response, you may need to retain the services of an experienced dog bite attorney to help you collect damages that you are entitled to receive.
Pennsylvania Has Strict Liability Laws That Govern Dog Bite Incidents
Pennsylvania dog bite laws center around the concept of strict liability. This means that regardless of the circumstances, the owner of a dog is responsible for their animal’s actions at all times. This includes any injuries that may result from the dog’s behavior. As long as a plaintiff can prove they had a legal right to be where they were when the incident took place and that they did not provoke the dog, then the owner must bear responsibility for the dog’s actions.
In some instances, a dog owner may not be the only party that can be held liable for an attack. Landlords may also be accountable if they allow a renter to keep a dangerous dog on their premises. Parents of minors who have dogs that cause an injury may also bear responsibility as well, even if they have no direct involvement with the dog.
In addition to civil actions, a dog owner could potentially face criminal charges as well if they recklessly or knowingly did not take reasonable precautions to restrain their dog. If this negligent behavior is proven and a person dies from an attack by the owner’s dog, the owner might even face felony charges as well.
Contact Us in Philadelphia to Explore Your Legal Options After a Dog Bite
If you are attacked by a dog without provocation, and you suffer injuries as a result, contact the experienced dog bite attorneys at Master Weinstein and Moyer to explore your legal options. We serve clients in Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York communities.
