Why do dogs attack and bite people?

There are many reasons why a dog bites. Dogs bite out of fear or to protect their territory or to establish their dominance. Some other reasons dogs attack include their neglect, bad temperament, mistreatment, and poor socialization. Unfortunately, it is not always clear what causes a dog to bite, so it is best to be cautious of all dogs.

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania?

Get medical attention as soon as possible after being bitten and follow all doctor instructions relating to your care.

Try to identify the dog that bit you and see if you can get the address to the house at which the dog bite occurred. If it is a stray, you could end up having to get rabies treatments, which is very painful. However, if the dog belongs to someone you may not have to get rabies treatment and you may have a Pennsylvania personal injury claim against the owner. Be sure to take down any witnesses' names, addresses, and phone numbers.

As soon as possible after medical treatment, focus on finding out as much as you can about the dog and the owner, including whether or not the owner has insurance. Types of insurance policies in Pennsylvania that typically cover dog bites include:

• Homeowner's insurance
• Commercial general liability insurance
• Landlord's insurance
• Renter's insurance
• Insurance covering employers
• Motor vehicle insurance.

If the owner does have insurance, try to find out:

• The policy owner's name
• The name of insurance company
• Telephone number and address of the policy owner

Get a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to represent you and help you with your insurance claim. Remember, insurance companies are not sympathetic to your injuries. Their job is to pay as little as possible on your claim, so it is important that you retain an experience Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to enforce your legal rights as an injured person.

As a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to damages and losses, ranging from medical bills to loss of the opportunity to earn income in the future. Only an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorney will be able to determine if you are eligible for a claim.

What is considered a "dangerous dog" from a legal standpoint?

It depends on where you live. Some cities and states consider particular breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers dangerous, while others only consider a dog dangerous only after it behaves in a manner that is regarded, in that particular city or county, as posing dangerous risks.

Do I have a dog bite?

If a dog's jaws have closed down anywhere on you or a family member, you have a dog bite. The skin does not have to be broken for a bite to have occurred.

Does the location matter where the dog bite occurred?

A Pennsylvania dog owner is required to control his or her animal in order to ensure public safety. The dog owner may be held responsible if you are on public property or if you are legally on private property.

Should I report the dog bite?

Yes. The dog attack or dog bite should be reported to your local Pennsylvania animal control center as soon as you seek medical attention. Make sure to note the date of the report and the name of the person with whom you spoke with.

How can I prevent my dog from biting another person?

Always research and choose your dog's breed carefully. Some breeds are more aggressive than others.

Watch how the dog interacts with others before making a purchase. Even puppies have personalities, and it does not take long to figure out which puppy in a litter is active, playful, aggressive, friendly, unfriendly, or easily provoked. However, since puppies learn how to interact with others from their owners, it is important to teach your dog to not attack or bite others by providing friendly interactions with people and other animals during its upbringing. Keeping your dog on a leash at all times in public will lessen the chances of your dog biting someone. Be sure to have your dog properly licensed, vaccinated, and identifiable with a tag.

Should I take photographs of my dog bites?

Yes. If it is at all possible, please take photographs of your injuries and the accident location.

What is the average settlement of a Pennsylvania dog bite case?

It is not possible to state an average settlement because the amount of the settlement depends on various factors such as medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering, plastic surgery costs, and possibly psychological counseling.

Why do I need a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer if I have been bitten by a dog?

Dog bites can have serious consequences for which Pennsylvania law permits compensation. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention and consult a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney after the injuries have been evaluated. A Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer is able to tell you whether you should seek legal action against the animal's owner, based on your doctor's evaluation.