Easton Dog Bite Lawyer
Practice Areas
Easton dog bite lawyer Edward P. Shaughnessy is an experienced Easton personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, our Easton dog bite attorney can help you recover compensation for severe injuries, lost wages, and medical bills. Our Easton dog bite lawyers handle animal attack cases with the utmost care and offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Our personal injury cases are on a contingency fee, so dog bite victims won’t pay any legal fees unless we win their animal attack cases. If you’re among the many dog bite victims seeking justice and financial compensation, contact our Easton dog bite attorneys today to learn how we can assist you.
Our Easton child injury lawyers also have extensive experience with child injuries and dog bite cases. We understand how to fairly calculate the long-term effects that a dog attack can have on a minor child.
Don’t face this legal battle alone–call 610-258-9955 to schedule a free consultation with Easton dog bite attorney Ed Shaughnessy regarding your dog bite claim.
Dog Bite Laws in PA
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are liable for any serious injuries sustained by their dog, even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before. This means that if a dog attacks someone, the dog’s owner is typically responsible for the resulting damages resulting from the dog bite injury, regardless of whether the dog owner knew the dog could be violent.
In contrast, many states have a “one-bite rule,” allowing owners to avoid liability for a dog’s first bite if it has no prior incidents. However, Pennsylvania state law does not follow the “one-bite rule.” It immediately holds owners of vicious dogs accountable for all Pennsylvania dog attacks, regardless of whether it was the first dog bite attack.
Pennsylvania dog owners must be cautious when walking their dogs, hosting guests, or allowing people near their pets. Some dogs can attack without provocation, causing serious physical and emotional harm.
Pennsylvania also has local ordinances regarding dogs, including leash laws and rules for dangerous dogs. Dog owners should familiarize themselves with these dog owner laws and ensure they are following local regulations.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in PA?
Yes, if you have been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you can sue the dog owner for damages. However, certain exceptions may apply, depending on the situation surrounding the dog attack. For example, if the dog attack occurred while the victim was committing a crime, like trespassing, against the property owner (and likely the dog’s owner), the dog bite victim would not have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit for their injuries.
Dog bite injuries can vary in severity, from minor scratches to extensive wounds requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. For minor injuries caused by small dogs, the costs of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may not be justified for injury lawyers in the Easton area. However, for more serious injuries caused by breeds such as a pit bull or German shepherd, the extent of damages and costs associated with medical bills may warrant legal representation from an Easton dog bite lawyer to protect one’s legal rights. It is important to consider the potential costs of litigation against the potential damages suffered to determine the best course of action.
If you are unsure whether you qualify to file a dog bite lawsuit in Pennsylvania, contact Easton dog bite lawyer Ed Shaughnessy. Our Easton dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and provide experienced legal counsel throughout your dog bite case.
Is Pennsylvania a Strict Liability State for Dog Bites?
Yes, Pennsylvania is a strict liability state for dog bites. Strict liability is a legal principle that holds a party responsible for their actions, or the consequences of their actions, regardless of fault or intent. In dog bite cases, this means that a dog’s owner can be held liable for a dog attack, regardless of whether or not they knew their dog was dangerous. Simply owning the dog is enough to open themselves up to liability.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in Pennsylvania
Dog bites can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Below are some of the most common injuries associated with these animal attacks.
Physical Dog Attack Injuries
Dog bite attacks can cause victims to suffer from a range of physical injuries, including:
Bruises
Lacerations
Puncture wounds
Broken bones
Nerve damage
Soft tissue injuries
Many of these severe injuries often require immediate medical treatment and may even require long-term rehabilitation. Easton dog bite lawyer Shaughnessy can help dog attack victims seek financial compensation from negligent dog owners in Easton and throughout Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Dog Bite Infection
One common concern following a dog bite is the risk of a dog bite infection. Dog saliva contains bacteria, such as cellulitis and staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to infections. Prompt medical care, like cleaning the wound and administering antibiotics, can help prevent infections from developing or worsening.
Disfigurement
Our Easton disfigurement attorneys understand that severe dog bites, especially those involving the face and hands, can cause disfigurement or even amputation, often requiring intensive medical treatment and reconstructive surgery to repair damage and minimize scarring. In addition to having a lasting physical effect on a victim, disfigurement can have lasting psychological effects on them, impacting their quality of life and self-esteem.
If a dog attack caused such significant injuries to you or a family member, our Easton amputation attorneys can provide legal representation to help you start the process of full recovery. Our Easton dog bite lawyer firm understands the long-term effects of amputation and can help dog attack victims pursue just compensation for their injuries.
Psychological Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, many dog bite victims suffer from severe psychological trauma as a result of the attack. Fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common reactions, especially in cases of severe or prolonged attacks. A dog bite victim may experience nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty being around dogs or in similar situations following their attack, affecting their ability to function and decreasing their overall well-being.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Dog Bite Injury?
Yes, if you have suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite, you should speak with a personal injury attorney regarding your case. Dog bite cases can be legally complex, and having an experienced Easton dog bite lawyer on your side can greatly increase your chances of receiving full recovery for your personal injury.
An Easton dog bite attorney will be able to investigate the circumstances of dog bite attacks, gather necessary evidence, and help you file a claim with your insurance company for compensation. Easton dog attack attorneys often have experience handling dog bites and other animal attack cases and can help you navigate the court system if necessary.
If you or your child experienced a dog bite injury in Easton, PA, call the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy today for a free consultation. Our Easton dog bite lawyer team is prepared to stand up for your rights and ensure you see justice in your personal injury case.
With decades of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, Attorney Edward P. Shaughnessy has a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws and the complexities involved in dog bites and other animal attack cases. If you’ve suffered severe injuries, our Easton dog bite lawyers are committed to fighting tirelessly on your behalf to hold negligent dog owners accountable for recklessness.
When to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Easton, PA
You should file your dog bite claim as soon as possible after dog attacks. Taking action immediately following the dog bite incident can ensure that evidence of the attack is preserved and brought to light and that your Easton dog bite lawyer has enough time to investigate the incident thoroughly.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for dog bite accidents is two years from the incident, meaning dog bite victims only have two years to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Victims will lose their right to compensation after the statute of limitations window closes.
If you want to file a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania, Easton dog bite attorneys like Edward Shaughnessy can help you report the dog attack incident and file a personal injury claim for compensation. Our Easton dog attack lawyers are here to ensure your claim is filed on time, ensuring you have the best chance of receiving a good outcome in your animal attack case.
Establishing Liability in Dog Bite Cases in Pennsylvania
One of the most essential parts of a personal injury claim is establishing liability in the incident, which determines who is to be held financially responsible for the victim’s losses. To establish liability in a dog bite case, an Easton dog bite attorney will investigate the incident and determine who the dog’s owner is, or whoever it was that had control over the dog at the time of the attack.
Most dog attacks involve personal injury claims, but others may include premises liability claims, where negligent property owners fail to protect guests from their dogs or fail to keep their dogs contained to their properties. Since Pennsylvania law uses the principle of strict liability in dog bite claims, Easton premises liability lawyers don’t need to prove that the dog owner was negligent. They just need to prove that the dog belonged to them.
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, our Easton dog bite lawyer team investigates dog bite incidents and can help determine who exactly is responsible for your injuries. From there, we’ll gather evidence, witness statements, and documentation of the incident to help prove liability and ensure you receive full compensation for your various losses.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Easton, PA
Dog bite victims in Easton, PA, may be entitled to compensation for various damages resulting from their injuries. This compensation can cover economic damages as well as non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reconstructive surgery
- Rehabilitation services
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral and burial expenses if the attack results in wrongful death
At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, our Easton dog bite attorney team works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive fair and just compensation for their dog bite injuries, helping them rebuild their lives with financial security and peace of mind.
Easton Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite in Easton, PA, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled and experienced dog attack attorney who can protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. At the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy, our Easton dog bite lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that dog bite injuries can take on victims and their families. With our compassionate approach and unwavering dedication to client advocacy, we strive to provide personalized legal solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
As your Easton dog bite attorney, Edward P. Shaughnessy will work diligently to investigate the circumstances of your dog bite case, gather evidence, and establish liability to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. He and his team will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you incurred as a result of the dog bite attack.
The aftermath of any injury can be incredibly stressful, and dog bite injuries are no exception. If you have suffered from a dog bite in the Easton, PA, area, contact Attorney Shaughnessy today. We offer all new clients a free consultation regarding their accidents, so reach out today to schedule a free consultation with us. Call 610-258-9955 or contact us via our website to speak with an Easton dog bite lawyer regarding your personal injury case.
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