Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs, when trained and given the proper care, are usually quite good-natured animals. Some canines, however, may feel the need to attack people they view as threats in order to protect themselves or their owners. It is the responsibility of a dog owner to properly train and restrain his or her pet to protect the safety of others. Failure to do so may be punishable by law.

Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

Individuals who are victims of dog bites are likely to suffer injuries such as the following:

• Cuts, puncture wounds, and lacerations
• Infections like rabies
• Sprains or fractures
• Scars
• Abrasions
• Loss of tissue

Although rare, dog bites can be deadly if the wound is not treated properly of if the victim suffers a particularly aggressive infection. Those who have suffered such an injury have the right to take action against the negligent owner at fault.

The Responsibilities of Dog Owners

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to protect other individuals from any attacks their pets may try to make. Depending on the state in which the attack occurs, the owner of a vicious dog may see different consequences. In Pennsylvania, the state upholds the “mixed dog bite statute,” which adheres to the “one bite rule” and imposes statutory liability rules as well. This means that, unless in certain circumstances, the owner is not held liable for the first injury his or her dog causes. In special cases, however, he or she can be held to statutory liability laws.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite, then you may have the right to take legal action against the dog’s owner. Contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to learn more about your rights in this situation.