If you or a loved one has been injured or attacked by a dog, you are not alone. The reality is that “man’s best friend” can at times become man’s worst enemy. 
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million individuals suffer dog bites annually in the U.S., with over 800,000 of these requiring medical attention. At least half of these injuries occur in children. While most dog bites cause minor injuries, there are some that can be life-altering.
If you have suffered a dog bite or animal attack in Upper Darby or the surrounding area, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner for your damages. Let the experienced Upper Darby, PA, dog bite lawyers at Silver & Silver help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Nuances of Dog Bite Laws in Upper Darby, PA
Dog bite laws vary widely from state to state and even among municipalities.
In Upper Darby, we have very specific requirements for dog owners under The Dog and Rabies Ordinance of 1977 and state statutes. In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for their dogs, regardless of whether or not they have any history of aggression.
Under strict liability, an owner is responsible for any harm caused by their dog, even if they have always been friendly and calm in the past. But there are exceptions to strict liability. An owner may not be liable for their animal if
- The dog was intentionally provoked.
- The dog was a service or work dog that attacked during the performance of its duties.
- The victim trespassed on the property where the injury took place.
There are limitations to what types of compensation are available to injured parties under Pennsylvania’s strict liability dog bite laws. This is when it is particularly critical to have an experienced personal injury lawyer for dog bites in Upper Darby on your side.
Dangerous Dog Law in Pennsylvania
There are also distinctions in your legal rights depending on whether the dog that caused your injuries has already been established as a dangerous dog.
In Pennsylvania, dangerous dogs must have a history and/or propensity to attack without provocation. A dog may be considered dangerous if it has
- Seriously injured or killed a human being without provocation on either private or public property.
- Attacked a human being without provocation.
- Seriously injured or killed another dog or other domestic animal off-property.
- Been used in the commission of a crime.
Owners of dangerous dogs are subject to many requirements. They must keep their dogs confined with proper warning signage to others, keep the dog muzzled when out walking, register it with the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, and have purchased a surety bond for a minimum of $50,000.
If you have been harmed by a dangerous dog, you have the full scope of civil legal protection available to you. Furthermore, the dog’s owner can be found guilty of a criminal offense. It is critical to get the advice of a skilled Upper Darby dog bite lawyer to ensure that you are appropriately represented and compensated for your injuries.
Essential Supporting Evidence in an Upper Darby Dog Bite Injury
Collecting and maintaining important evidence can be critical to your case when you’ve suffered a dog bite in Upper Darby.
- Take photos or videos of the dog and your injuries.
- Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the bite or attack.
- Keep any torn or ripped clothing you were wearing or devices you had on you at the time of the incident.
- Keep medical bills and receipts for all costs associated with the incident.
Even if the dog did not bite you, if you were injured as you tried to get away from a potential bite or attack, you might still be entitled to compensation.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to more than just having your medical bills covered. Pennsylvania law allows victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages. This includes emergency care, follow-up treatment, and even counseling if the bite caused emotional trauma.
You can also seek damages for lost wages if the injury kept you from working, or for any scarring or disfigurement that affects your daily life. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re real, lasting impacts that deserve to be taken seriously.
Dog bite cases are often filed under a theory of negligence, which means the owner didn’t take proper steps to control or restrain the dog. And if the dog had a history of aggression, you may be entitled to even more compensation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Upper Darby, PA, can help evaluate what your case is truly worth and push for the full amount you’re owed.
Getting the Representation of an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Upper Darby, PA
If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, our skilled Upper Darby dog bite attorneys at Silver & Silver will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. Call us at (610) 638-7255 or contact us through our website to schedule a no-cost consultation.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.