Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in York, PA?

Dogs are probably the most loyal and compassionate creatures that exist on earth. But, they love their owners not strangers, a victim who suffered a dog bite can receive pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. If somebody's dog bit you then in this situation, you must hire a reliable dog bite lawyer in York, PA. In this article, we will discuss what to do and how you can hold the pet’s owner liable. 

What to do After Being Injured by a Dog?

Once a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it is essential to report the attack to animal control and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Remember to leave the scene with the phone number and contact information of the dog's owner or any witnesses who saw the incident. 

Then If you have antibacterial ointment back at your home apply it to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage. 

If the bite is on your head, neck, face, hands, fingers or feet contact a healthcare professional. Most importantly, file a dog bite report as it is essential to your case. It will help your personal injury attorney in York, PA and you to pursue a personal injury claim.  

Personal injuries could encompass medical costs and any disfigurement resulting from the dog attack. This involves submitting a claim to the dog owner's homeowners insurance. Many homeowners insurance policies typically cover the first dog bite incident that occurs on their property, often referred to as the “one-bite rule.” Additionally, some policies may also address claims from dog bite victims that occur outside the property, provided that the dog is owned or kept by the policyholder on the insured premises covered by the insurance. 

A dog bite lawyer in York, PA can help negotiate with the insurance company and give you legal advice. They will utilize their years of experience and knowledge to ensure you will receive fair compensation on the basis of the severity of the injuries you suffered. Compensation will include your medical bills and lost income. 

Dog bite lawyers in York, PA often have a free case evaluation. They play a vital role in these lawsuits since they know the applicable laws of your state, how to calculate damages, the statute of limitations, and how to present evidence in front of a jury. Apart from that, you are allowed to file a lawsuit against a landlord or dog owner for the damages. 

Proving Liability 

It all depends on the state of law and the facts of your case to determine whether you can hold someone accountable or not. In some states, the conventional “one-bite” rule is a common law that can impose responsibility in limited situations. A dog will get a pass for the first bite unless the owner tries to do something wrong. Suppose, if the dog, owner knew their dog was dangerous, then they would be held accountable for the dog bite victim. However,  Pennsylvania does not adhere strictly to the one-bite rule. 

Pennsylvania uses strict liability law, but only the person has to pay medical costs. This means that the owner will be held responsible for all the victim's medical expenses without the victim showing that the owner was negligent. 

Pennsylvania doesn’t have an explicit “one-bite rule” in place. So, the dog owner will be liable for a victim’s medical treatment whether or not the dog has bitten someone before.

In most dog bite cases, the owner’s homeowners’ insurance will cover the victim’s medical bills. The dog owner must review their policy themselves or ask their insurance company to make sure their liability insurance covers dog attacks.

Conclusion

A dog bite can be a terrifying experience. It can cost you pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. Many people do not take action and let their case reach a deadline. 

It is important to know that you can hold the dog owner responsible under strict liability law. Contact a qualified and reliable dog bite lawyer in York, PA today if you or your loved one is a victim of a dog bite and claim your compensation.