Dog owners are responsible for their dogs. The law states that the owner will be held liable for a dog bite if the injury is severe or if the owner had notice that the animal was potentially dangerous.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten each year. Nearly 368,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms each year as a result of a dog bite (CDC) – an average of 1,014 per day. In fact, dog bites are the second most common cause of visits to emergency rooms (Weiss, Friedman, Coben; Incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments). Dog bites range from minor injuries to serious maulings, resulting in permanent injury, and even death.
In recent years certain dog breeds have been labeled as “aggressive” or “dangerous.” There are a number of factors which may make a dog bite, none of which have anything to do with what breed they are:
- Whether or not the dog has been fixed
- How much contact the dog has with people
- How the dog has been treated by its handler
- Whether or not the dog was provoked
- Genetics
Dog Owners Can Be Held Responsible
Under Pennsylvania State law, dog owners are responsible for their dogs. The law states that the owner will be held liable for a dog bite if the injury is severe or if the owner had notice that the animal was potentially dangerous. If you are the victim of a dog bite, contact the personal injury lawyers at the Travis Law Firm – serving Erie, Crawford and Warren Counties, and all of Western Pennsylvania. We will evaluate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
The experienced lawyers at the Travis Law Firm can help those who are considering a personal injury lawsuit. If you have been injured by a dog biteyou may be eligible to recoup damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Providing exceptional legal representation to Pennsylvania residents in Erie, Warren, and Crawford counties, our personal injury lawyers have achieved significant awards and settlements for our clients.