Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer Blog

The Humane Society of the United States reports that there are about 77.5 million dogs in the U.S. With that in mind, it isn’t surprising to learn that there are a relatively high number of dog bite injuries that occur in the nation every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people suffer dog bite-related injuries annually, with about 386,000 requiring medical treatment. Unfortunately, on average there are 16 deaths due to dog bite injuries in the U.S. every year.

Often, dog bite victims suffer serious injuries to their face, neck, and hands; including lacerations, punctures, tissue loss, fracture bones, crush injuries, nerve damage, and infections. Scarring often results from dog bite attack injuries, and sometimes a dog bite victim suffers emotional trauma following an attack that is similar to post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

To avoid a dog bite attack in Philadelphia, there are several precautions you can observe, including:

• If you are knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and be still.


• Never allow children to play with a dog without supervision.


• Never approach a dog that is unfamiliar to you.


• Never disturb a dog that is taking care of puppies, sleeping, or eating.


• Never make direct eye contact with an unfamiliar dog.


• Never pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.


• Never run away from a dog.


• When an unfamiliar dog approaches, remain motionless.


• If you see a stray dog, report it to the police or animal control agency immediately.

However, if you are attacked by a dog, the animal’s owner may be held legally responsible for their dog’s behavior. In most dog bite injury cases, the owner will be required to pay all damages associated with the attack, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

If you have been injured by a dog bite attack, contact the Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz. We can help you determine whether you have a valid case against the dog’s owner in order for you to receive compensation for your injuries. To learn how we can help you pursue your legal rights, call 866-735-2792.

There are many dog ownership laws in Pennsylvania. It is important for all dog owners to understand that Pennsylvania has strict liability for all damages involving dogs with a history of vicious behavior and in cases where a victim is severely injured. This means that if your dog causes serious injuries or has previously attacked someone, there is a good chance that you will be held liable for the resulting medical expenses and other damages suffered in the attack.

Pennsylvania defines serious injuries as broken bones or lacerations that require sutures or surgery. If your dog only causes minor injuries and has never attacked someone before, you may still be held liable for the medical expenses under Section 502 subdivision (b).

There are steps that a Pennsylvania dog owner can take to lessen the chances of being held liable for a dog attack. First, limit the amount of time you keep your dog outside. Secondly, when you walk your dog, always use a short leash. You never know what may upset or startle your dog. Finally, give your dog plenty of time and affection. Dogs that are neglected for long periods of time tend to acquire emotional issues.

If you have been injured in a dog attack, please contact the Harrisburg personal injury lawyers at Anapol Schwartz to get more information about pursuing your legal rights. Dog attacks can be extremely costly especially for victims in terms of medical expenses and lost wages. Please call us at 866-735-2792 to find out how we can help.

A five-year-old Port Vue girl was attacked by a pit bull belonging to her neighbor, according to a recent report by ABC affiliate WTAE. The pit bull got out of the neighbor's yard while the neighbor was not home and attacked the girl just as the family was gathering in their own yard to watch the Fourth of July fireworks. The girl was bitten on her head and dragged before getting away from the dog.

The girl's father pulled the dog off the girl, who ran back indoors. According to the father, the pit bull tried to chase the girl into the house, and then bit the father when he would not let go of the dog. The animal prevented paramedics from entering the house until police arrived and shut the pit bull back in his owner's apartment.

Both the girl and her father are expected to make a full recovery, but may have to receive rabies shots, as the dog was not vaccinated. The dog is currently under quarantine.

Dog bites in Philadelphia can be highly frightening, especially to children. They can also result in severe injury, including the risk of contracting a disease from an animal that is sick or has not been vaccinated. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are kept in secure areas where they will not pose a risk to neighbors or passersby.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Pennsylvania, the experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz can help you understand your legal rights and plan your course of action. The dog's owner may be responsible for damages including medical bills, lost wages, and other compensation. Call the personal injury attorneys at Anapol Schwartz at (866) 735-2792 for a free and confidential case evaluation.