Dogs kept their hunting and territorial instincts through domestication, and without proper training some never learn to set those instincts aside. A dog that feels threatened can bite a stranger or its own owner. That is not a character flaw in the animal so much as a failure of the person responsible for controlling it, and the law places that responsibility squarely on the owner.
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In Philadelphia, a dog must be on a leash no longer than six feet and confined to the owner's property when let outside. A dog roaming loose can be taken into custody by an animal control officer and placed in an appropriate area of confinement. If the state finds an owner is harboring a dangerous dog, the owner can face misdemeanor liability and must register the dog with the state, muzzle it, warn the public, and carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. An injury to another person or another dog can trigger criminal action on top of any civil claim.
After a bite, get medical attention first, because dog bites infect easily. Keep the wound clean, watch it, and go back if it worsens. Photograph the wound, note the time and date, keep every medical bill and insurance record, and get the owner's name and contact information. If the dog was a stray, write down a description while it is fresh. Pennsylvania gives you two years from the date of injury to bring a lawsuit, and after that the claim is generally barred. Contact us for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Legal Questions about Dog Bite Injuries
You should contact your local authorities in the immediate aftermath of a serious dog bite.
Yes. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog and sustained any type of injury, you can contact a lawyer to file a suit.
According to iii.org, in 2018 the average cost per dog bite claim was $39,017. This will depend on a variety of factors including the severity of injuries .
Dogs are a man’s best friend, or so they say. Dogs can be adorable and furry, even though they can tear your furniture up when you are at work. It is hard to imagine that dogs were once ferocious, undomesticated creatures who roamed free. Dogs have natural instincts to hunt for food and defend their territory. This defense of their territory can come with aggressive behaviors.
Without proper training, some dogs never learn to let go of that instinct which can lead to bad biting or barking behaviors. Dogs can bite strangers or even their owners if they feel threatened.
If you find yourself in a dog bite situation , do not hesitate to contact Freundlich & Littman, LLC to seek legal advice. You have legal rights.
The Legal Responsibilities Of Dog Owners
It is the responsibility of any dog owner to keep the dog controlled and secured. In Philadelphia, the law mandates that you must keep your dog on a leash that does not exceed six feet in length. You must also keep the dog confined to your property if you let them outside in the yard. This law not only ensures that your dog does not get loose and escape, but it keeps your dog away from other people, animals, and property. If your dog is roaming without control or not on a leash, an animal control officer is within their legal power to take the animal into custody. The law authorizes them to place the dog in an “appropriate area of confinement.”
If the state finds that you are harboring a “dangerous” dog, then you could be criminally liable for a misdemeanor. Any injury to another person or dog may result in criminal action. In this situation, owners must:
Pay to register their dog with the state
Muzzle their dog
Provide adequate warning to the public about a dangerous dog
Carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance.
How to take legal action regarding a dog bite injury
If a dog bit you, it is possible to file a lawsuit to recover medical damages. You can receive compensation for mental distress if proven in court. Keep in mind that you must bring a lawsuit within two years from the day of injury. If not, the state of limitations may bar the claim from going forward. If you need advice or help, please contact the legal team at Freundlich & Littman, LLC.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
