Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs. Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where the injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party’s actions or negligence.
Pursuing that compensation in a court of law can be difficult, however, without proper representation. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable and experienced Scranton law firm, look no further than The Moran Law Group. Our dog bite lawyers in Scranton, PA, have the skills, resources, and expertise necessary to get you the compensation you deserve.
What to Do in the Event of a Dog Bite
If you are involved in a dog bite incident, it is important to first establish if medical treatment is necessary. If you think you may require professional medical help, don’t hesitate; apply pressure to the wound to stem the bleeding, then call an ambulance or go to a hospital immediately. If you don’t feel the bite requires medical treatment, the first thing you should do is thoroughly wash the site of the injury with mild soap and warm tap water. Afterward, apply antibiotic ointment and wrap it in a sterile bandage. The biggest risk when it comes to dog bites is infection.
Equally crucial is gaining pertinent information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses who might have seen the incident as it occurred. This information may be medically relevant and can also be used to establish liability in court. Finally, you should report the incident to local police or animal control authorities. This will set an official record of the incident and allow authorities to take action if the dog constitutes an ongoing threat to the community.
Things to Know about PA Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary by place and circumstance and may also include a limitation on the time you have to file a legal claim. In general, a dog bite victim has the right to seek injury compensation from any party whose negligence caused the dog bite attack, any party in violation of leash or restraint laws, and any party who knowingly harbors a dog with a history of biting people.
In Pennsylvania, the law states that a dog owner is liable for all damages suffered by a person who has been severely attacked by their dog or who has been attacked by a dog that is found to be dangerous. A “severe attack” in this case constitutes an attack that results in broken bones, disfiguring wounds, or injuries that require multiple sutures and cosmetic surgery. A victim who is not severely injured can still pursue compensation for medical expenses.
Get Help from a Scranton Personal Injury Attorney
If a dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to recover damages due to the injury. However, determining your legal rights can be complicated without the aid of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Scranton. It may be unclear who you should bring a claim against and the damages you are entitled to. To ensure that you receive just compensation, consult The Moran Law Group to discuss your situation and your legal right to compensation for your injuries.
Contact our dog bite lawyers in Scranton, PA, to arrange a consultation.