Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney

An Advocate For Dog Bite Victims in Chester County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Surrounding Areas

Dogs are our most trusted companions. However, some dogs—when provoked, or because of an inherently hostile demeanor—are very dangerous. When a dog bites you, the resulting injuries are serious. Medical treatment is often required and damage to nerves and bones can last a lifetime. If someone’s dog bit you, you have rights under Pennsylvania law. Philadelphia’s foremost personal injury and dog bite law firm, van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim is a critical resource for dog bite victims across the state. With decades of experience navigating Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, our team of Philadelphia dog bite attorneys are driven to enforce clients’ rights to facilitate comprehensive recovery.

Zealously Pursuing Settlements That Facilitate Complete Recovery From Injuries

Injuries resulting from a dog bite are often more severe than you think. Depending on the size of the dog and the extent of the attack, a dog bite victim may face any or all of the following injuries:

• Punctures
• Lacerations
• Fractured or crushed bones
• Infections
• Nerve or tissue damage
• Disfiguring scars
• Death

It is also common for dog bite victims to experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder or emotional withdrawal. In addition to expensive medical care, dog bite victims may require extensive reconstructive surgeries and ongoing counseling. Our Philadelphia dog bite attorneys are uncompromising in our efforts to ensure that you receive compensation for all your injuries. And, we help clients with more than simply recovering a monetary settlement. By counseling clients in all aspects of their lives, not just the legal issues, we help you stay strong and positive throughout the often grueling legal process. This compassionate, well-rounded representation makes the difference in moving beyond a devastating dog bite.

What are Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws?

Pennsylvania has a comprehensive set of laws governing domestic dogs. Among other things, these laws require that owners control their dog, which includes adequately confining and restraining the dog. Additionally, our state’s dog bite laws set forth the characteristics that define a dangerous dog:

• Attacked a person without provocation
• Inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation
• Implicated in the commission of a crime
• Killed or severely injured another domestic animal
• Has a history of attacking humans and animals without provocation
• Indicated a propensity for attacking without provocation

Is a Dog Owner Always Liable For the Injuries Resulting From a Bite?

Not necessarily. Under Pennsylvania law, the circumstances under which a bite occurred are important in determining liability. An owner is likely to be liable for a bite that occurred without provocation. However, this may not be the case if the injured person provoked the dog. Location also matters. An unprovoked bite can result in owner liability, whether the bite happened on public or private property. But if the injured person was trespassing when he or she was bitten, an owner may not be liable. Because these cases are heavily fact-specific, the best way to gauge liability is to call our dedicated Philadelphia dog bite attorneys today for a free initial consultation and case review.

Do Not Wait to Pursue Compensation. Contact an Aggressive Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorney Today

Our firm's expertise in navigating Pennsylvania’s dog bite statutes is the cornerstone of our commitment to your rightful recovery. The distinguished Philadelphia dog bite attorneys of our firm are at your disposal around the clock, every day, ensuring no moment is lost in the pursuit of justice. For a comprehensive understanding of your legal questions, we invite you to view our series of dog bite FAQ videos. Additionally, we welcome you to arrange a visit to our firm’s esteemed office located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia.