Articles Posted in Dog Bite

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:

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.

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.