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While dogs are capable of bringing people great joy, they can also inflict serious injuries. Larger dogs with sizable teeth and significant jaw strength can be particularly dangerous if they are not trained and cared for properly. If another person’s pet bit you or your child, you should meet with a Lancaster dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Recovering from a canine attack is difficult enough. You should not have to worry about the cost of medical care if the incident was not your fault. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you could seek compensation for medical treatment, missed time from work, and other expenses related to the accident.
Common Injuries in Dog Attack Cases
Dog attack cases are not limited to bite injuries. A skilled lawyer could work with plaintiffs who have suffered dog attack injuries such as:
- Deep lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Infections
- Crush injuries from the pressure of the dog’s bite
- Severe head trauma
- Partially or fully torn off fingers and toes
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Anyone who has suffered these types of injuries from an aggressive dog could have a valid legal claim against the pet owner.
Liability for Dog Bites in Lancaster
Unlike most other personal injury cases, state courts use strict liability when ruling on dog bite cases. Under strict liability, dog owners are legally responsible for any bites or other physical injuries their pets cause, whether or not the dog has a history of violent behavior.
What Could Prevent an Injured Party from Collecting Compensation?
While this law arguably favors plaintiffs over owners, the latter party can still defend their pets’ actions. The pet owner may argue that the injured party was taunting or attempting to hurt the dog. If the dog was defending itself against a potential threat, the individual who upset the animal does not have a legal claim.
Other common defenses include trespassing. An individual who was attacked by a dog but had no legal right to be on the owner’s property is generally not eligible for compensation.
Only invited guests and licensees such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, and mail carriers are within their legal rights to enter private property. An experienced lawyer could help injured parties determine whether they have a valid dog bite case.
Potential Compensation After an Accident
Plaintiffs in dog bite cases can request damages from pet owners for a variety of economic and non-economic damages. One could pursue compensation for losses such as:
- Past and future medical care
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Lost wages due to time missed from work
- Counseling
- Occupational therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
If the dog in question has a history of aggressive behavior but was not properly restrained, the court may rule in favor of a higher damages award. A determined local attorney could help an injured party seek the maximum amount of damages after a dog attack.
Speak With a Lancaster Dog Bite Attorney Today
After suffering injuries in a dog attack, it is crucial that you seek medical attention. Once you have started treatment, get in touch with a Lancaster dog bite lawyer from Schiller & Hamilton. Our legal team has the experience and knowledge to help you through every step of your claim.