Central Pennsylvania Dog Bite LawyerÂ
Attorney Mark Buterbaugh is a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer, representing victims of dog bites. In 2021, dog bite attacks accounted for nearly 1/3 of homeowner insurance claims at an estimated $881 million dollars in claims. Dog bite injuries can be quite serious and can cause physical, emotional, mental, and financial stress for a dog bite victim.
If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog, you need to take some action on your own if you wish to pursue reasonable compensation. You may very well be entitled to payment of medical bills and other damages due to the dog owner’s negligence but failing to take critical steps immediately after the incident can limit what you can do, even with the help of attorneys.
Do these seven things after a dog bite incident:
- Obtain the dog owner information;
- Get names and contact information of any witnesses;
- Obtain the dog owner’s homeowners insurance information;
- Contact animal control/dog warden to report the bite;
- Seek immediate medical care;
- Take photos of your injuries; and
- Contact Mooney Law
It is important that you get accurate dog owner information. If possible, it is advantageous to also get the dog owner’s homeowners insurance information. Think of it like an auto accident. If you are in an auto accident, the first thing most people do is obtain the other driver’s auto insurance information. Same thing here. Only difference is to get the dog owner’s homeowners insurance information. In many cases, homeowners insurance policies cover animal bites. Failing to get that homeowners insurance information at the time of the incident can make pursuing claims very difficult later.
Once you have the insurance information, contact Mooney Law before you speak to anyone at the insurance company. Just like always, the insurance company is going to try to do anything and everything to minimize their losses, meaning they will work hard to avoid any settlement payout. They will even try and blame you for the dog bite.
A dog bite owner can be held responsible at any time if their dog bites another, including the first incident. If an owner knows their dog is aggressive, they must take appropriate measures to protect against their dog harming others. Failure to do so can cause a dog owner to be liable for damages. In order to seek full compensation for serious injuries, the dog bite victim must be able to prove dog owner negligence. Dogs do what dogs do. But in order to hold the dog owner responsible for the actions of a dog, you need to prove that the owner did something wrong – that the owner failed to take action or was negligent in allowing the bite to occur.
What damages can you claim when you suffer a severe dog bite? When a dog bite victim suffers a severe injury from the attack, a dog bite victim can recover the following:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses;
- Lost Wages and/or Loss of Earning Capacity;
- Pain and suffering – including compensation for scars and permanent disfigurement; and
Mental anguish.
If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, Call Mooney Law today for an absolutely free consultation at 717-632-4656 or 717-200-HELP. You can also email us at info@mooney4law.com. Mooney Law is experienced, proven, and trusted in Central Pennsylvania for Personal injury claims. Visit our firm website to complete our free Schedule a Consultation.