If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite in Pittsburgh, you need to act quickly. After you seek medical attention, secure help from a Pittsburgh dog bite lawyer who will ensure you are treated fairly. You should not be on the line for medical expenses or damages because of a dog owner’s negligence. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we are ready to get to work to secure the compensation you need.
THESE INCIDENTS HAPPEN ALL THE TIME
Dogs are arguably the most popular pets in the United States. Estimates say that there are around 90 million dogs in US households and that around half of all households have at least one dog.
- There are around 4.5 million dog bites in the US each year.
- The CDC says that nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention.
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the US seeks medical attention from a dog bite.
Most dog bites are minor, and people require little to not care at all. However, for the nearly one million bites that do require a hospital visit, the injuries can be devastating.
- Older adults and children are particularly susceptible to serious injuries when it comes to dog bites and attacks. They are less likely to be able to defend themselves or get away from the situation.
- More than half of all dog bite victims are children.
Dogs have powerful jaws, and dog bites can inflict serious soft tissue damage as well as damage to arteries and veins. In many cases, dog bites cause disfigurement and impaired mobility for victims. Surgery is often required to restore a person’s functionality and appearance.
HOW DO THESE INJURIES OCCUR?
Many dog bites are caused when a dog is scared or when someone reaches for the dog’s food bowl. Often, though, dog bites occur due to owner negligence. In some cases, dog owners:
- Let their pets roam around off of their leash in violation of municipal leash laws.
- Let dogs that have a history of aggression mingle with other dogs and people despite orders to not do so.
- They fail to secure their dogs on their property. This can include failing to close a kennel or fence on the property or someone leaving a house door open.
UNDERSTANDING DOG BITE LAWS IN PITTSBURGH
Pennsylvania law requires that dog owners maintain reasonable control over their dogs at all times. The law also requires that owners confine their dogs on their premises and restrain them with a collar, chain, or other devices to keep the dog from straying. A dog owner in Pennsylvania may be liable for injuries that result from a bite, even if the dog had not acted aggressively before the incident, depending upon the severity of the attack. The dog’s owner will be responsible for paying the victim’s medical costs and victims may be entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering and lost wages.
FAQ FOR PITTSBURGH DOG BITE ATTORNEY
The last thing anyone expects is that they will get bitten and injured by a dog bite. Unfortunately, these injuries happen at alarmingly high rates. Today, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman wants to review some of your questions about dog bites.
HOW OFTEN DO DOG BITES OCCUR IN THE US?
Dog bites are not uncommon. According to the Canine Journal, there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites each year in the United States. While not every dog bite results in a serious injury, the CDC says that 800,000 of those bites require medical attention.
- Nearly 1 out of every 69 people in the US are bitten by a dog each year in US.
ARE CERTAIN BREEDS MORE DANGEROUS THAN OTHERS?
According to Forbes Magazine, during a recent study period, Pitt Bulls were responsible for killing 284 people over a 13-year study. Despite accounting for only 6.5% of the total US dog population, they were responsible for 66% of the dog attack deaths. Second, in line were Rottweilers, and third was German Shepherds.
WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO GET BITTEN?
Children and the elderly are most at risk of serious dog bite injuries because they are unable to defend themselves or get away from the dog when an attack occurs. However, anyone is at risk of a dog bite injury.
HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO FILE A PITTSBURGH DOG BITE LAWSUIT?
Every state is responsible for setting time limits for how long victims have to file lawsuits against those who cause them harm. In Pennsylvania, the personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. This gives Pittsburgh dog bite victims a two-year window with which to file the lawsuit against the dog owner in order to recover the compensation they deserve. Minors have until their 20th birthday to file suit. Failing to file a lawsuit within this required timeframe could result in the victim being unable to recover the compensation they deserve.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INJURIES FROM DOG BITES?
Dogs’ have very powerful jaws. When they decide to bite, whether they are scared or aggressive, they can cause serious injuries. The most common injuries we see are:
- Puncture wounds
- Severe lacerations
- Artery or vein damage
- Damage to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Amputations (usually of fingers)
In many cases, dog bites cause disfigurement or impaired mobility in victims. These injuries can lead to major medical expenses for victims and their families.
- Nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery due to dog bites in 2018.
- The average cost of a dog bite-related stay in the hospital was $18,200.
WHAT IF THE DOG’S OWNER WAS NEGLIGENT?
We find that these incidents often occur because a dog’s owner was negligent or careless in their duties to keep the dog away from other people or pets. Dog owners should always:
- Ensure their pet is on a leash at all times when they are in public.
- Keep their dog secure on their property so they cannot roam freely.
Under no circumstances should an owner let a dog that is known to be aggressive be around other people or pets.
CAN I GET COMPENSATION FOR MY DOG BITE INJURY?
You should be able to secure compensation for your dog bite injuries if the dog’s owner was negligent or careless. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we recognize that these claims can become complicated. We are ready to investigate all aspects of your case so we can secure the following:
- Coverage for all medical expenses related to the dog bite
- Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the dog’s owner
When you need a Pittsburgh dog bite lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.