When Ami Demi was attacked by three German shepherds while she was working last August, the only thing she was focused on was getting away and getting to the hospital. She certainly did not anticipate the attack, which happened quickly.
“I pulled up, beeped the horn,” she said. “The first dog came right at me. The dog ripped my calf open, it looked like a shark bite. The two other dogs followed.”
Demi says the attack felt like it took forever to end.
This case just went to court over whether or not the dog’s owner, Matthew Zavarella, was guilty of violating the state’s dog containment statute. Zavarella was found not guilty even though an animal control officer argued that Zaveralla lost control of his dogs.
Now, attorneys for Demi have filed a negligence lawsuit against the man.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we wanted to bring you this case because it highlights the difficulties that a person can face after they have been attacked by a dog. It is not a good idea to try to handle these cases on your own. If you need a Pittsburgh dog attack attorney, you can count on us to be by your side, fighting to get the compensation you deserve.
The Numbers
Incidents of dog bites and dog attacks are not uncommon. In fact, there are nearly 4.7 million dog bites each year in the US, which the CDC says cause nearly 1 in 5 people to seek medical treatment. Yes, most dog bites are minor, but many of them are severe.
When a dog attacks a person, or in the case above, multiple dogs, the potential for injuries is high. Dogs have strong jaws. Whether they are biting out of fear or aggression is irrelevant – they can inflict life-changing injuries.
It is not uncommon for a dog attack victim to need surgery to repair both function and appearance to an area of their body. These are scary events that can leave both physical and emotional damage.
Dog Owners
Most dog bites and attacks can be prevented. It is up to a dog’s owner to properly secure their pet. If they fail to do so, the dog could cause major harm. Similarly, all municipal leash laws must be obeyed. They exist for a reason – to ensure everyone’s safety. Many people think that their pet would never hurt another person, but they never know when their dog will act in a way that they do not expect.
What You Can Do
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, we will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for all of your accident-related expenses. This can include coverage for medical bills, pain and suffering damages, and punitive damages. If you need a Pittsburgh dog attack attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-98-TWINS(89467).