Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite

A dog bite or a dog attack can cause serious injuries and sometimes permanent scarring or disfigurement. Even for someone who understands and loves dogs, the experience of a dog attack can be traumatic. According to the American Veterinary Association, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Of those, 20 percent require emergency treatment. Children are especially susceptible to dog bites. Between 2010 and 2012, 359,000 children were bitten by dogs.

A dog owner is responsible for being in control of their dog. If a dog bites you on the owner’s premises or otherwise, you have a right to financial compensation for the medical costs associated with your injury, and for your pain and suffering. You may be entitled to recover the following:

  • Any medication you may need
  • Cosmetic surgery, when required
  • Loss of income
  • Medical evaluation and treatment for your wounds
  • Ongoing treatment if needed
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Psychological Counseling
  • Surgery to repair the wound if needed

Injured on Someone’s Property

When you are a guest on someone’s property, or when you have a valid legal reason to be on someone’s property to conduct business, you have a right to be safe. This falls under the legal category of premises liability. If you are bitten by a dog on someone’s property, you are entitled to payment for your medical care along with other financial recovery because the property owner is responsible for ensuring that you are not put in harm’s way.

Injured on Public Property

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to adhere to municipal and state ordinances, such as keeping their dogs on a leash and maintaining control of their dog. If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, you have a right to compensation for your injuries.

 Dog Bite Injuries

Depending on the size and power of the dog, there are a range of injuries that can occur during a dog attack. These may include:

  • Broken bones
  • Death, in rare cases
  • Defensive hand injuries
  • Disfiguring injuries
  • Heart attacks
  • Infections
  • Puncture wounds
  • Strains and sprains
  • Tears and lacerations

Certain professions may be more vulnerable to dog bites. These may include:

  • Cable technicians
  • Delivery drivers
  • Electrical and other repair personnel
  • Home security system installers
  • Meter readers
  • Postal carriers

Delaware County Dog Bite Lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello Hold Irresponsible Dog Owners Accountable for Your Injuries

If you have suffered a dog bite, you have the right to financial compensation for your injury. By standing up for your rights after a dog bite or a dog attack, our Delaware County dog bite lawyers at the Law Office of Deborah M. Truscello can help to ensure that laws are enforced. We provide compassionate, responsive personal service based on years of experience and successful case outcomes.

Please call us today at 610-892-4940 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Media, Pennsylvania, we serve clients from the surrounding areas, including Delaware County and West Chester, Pennsylvania.