Dog Bite Lawyer Pittsburgh

A dog bite can lead to painful injuries, emotional trauma, and expensive medical treatments. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Pittsburgh, Porta-Clark & Ward can help. Our experienced dog bite lawyers will fight to hold negligent owners accountable. Contact us at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation today.

What Compensation Can You Receive for a Dog Bite Injury in Pittsburgh?

Dog bite injuries are more common than many people realize, and the consequences can be serious. If you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation. In Pittsburgh, the laws surrounding dog bite injuries can be complex, and understanding your rights is key to ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, like many other areas in Pennsylvania, has specific laws when it comes to dog bites. Under Pennsylvania law, the owner of a dog can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if the dog was deemed dangerous. If the dog has previously shown signs of aggression or has attacked someone before, the owner may be held strictly liable for the injury, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence.

However, if the dog has no history of aggression, the owner might not be strictly liable. In such cases, you will need to prove that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be eligible for various forms of compensation. These damages are meant to cover the costs and losses you experience due to the injury. The types of compensation include:

Medical Expenses

The first and most immediate cost you’ll likely face is medical bills. Dog bite injuries can require a range of medical treatments, from emergency care to ongoing therapy. If you suffer from deep bites, infections, or nerve damage, medical treatment may involve hospital stays, surgeries, or even long-term rehabilitation.

Compensation for medical expenses can cover both immediate care and future treatments. This can include the cost of prescriptions, surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary treatments related to the injury.

Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, you can also pursue compensation for lost wages. This includes both current lost wages and future lost earnings if you are unable to return to work or if your earning potential is diminished because of the injury.

For example, if the dog bite resulted in an injury that requires you to take time off from work, you may be compensated for the days you missed. In cases of more severe injuries, the compensation may extend to long-term or permanent wage loss if you are no longer able to work in your previous role.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering are considered non-economic damages. These damages are meant to compensate you for the physical and emotional distress you experience as a result of the injury. This can include the physical pain of the injury itself, as well as emotional trauma such as anxiety, depression, and fear of dogs.

In Pennsylvania, there is no specific formula for calculating pain and suffering. The compensation will depend on factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and how the injury has affected your overall well-being.

Emotional Distress

In some cases, a dog bite injury can lead to long-term emotional distress. This could manifest as a fear of dogs, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you suffer from these symptoms, you may be eligible for emotional distress damages.

The severity of the emotional impact is often considered in the compensation process. If the dog bite injury caused significant psychological harm, you could receive compensation for therapy or counseling, as well as damages for the emotional pain you’ve endured.

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the dog bite results in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability, you may be entitled to compensation for the long-term effects. Scarring, especially when it’s on a visible part of your body like your face, can have lasting effects on your self-esteem and quality of life. If the injury leads to permanent disability, such as loss of function in a limb, this can also impact your earning capacity and daily activities.

Compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement takes into account the long-term impact on your life and your ability to function in society. A thorough medical evaluation is often required to determine the extent of the disability and its long-term consequences.

Punitive Damages

In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. These are damages meant to punish the dog owner for extreme negligence or willful disregard for public safety. For example, if the dog owner knew their dog had a history of aggressive behavior but failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack, punitive damages could be awarded in addition to compensatory damages.

Punitive damages are less common in dog bite cases, but they may be available if the facts of the case warrant them. Courts typically only award punitive damages when the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious.

How to Pursue Compensation

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights and pursue compensation. Here’s what you should do:

Seek Medical Attention – The first step is always to get proper medical care. Even if the injury seems minor, dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Document the Injury – Take photos of your injuries, any visible wounds, and your medical records. These will be crucial when proving the extent of the injury and its impact on your life.
Report the Incident – Notify the authorities or animal control about the dog bite. This can help establish a record of the incident and determine if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
Gather Evidence – Collect any evidence that may support your claim, including witness statements, dog owner information, and any history of prior incidents with the dog.
Consult with an Attorney – Navigating dog bite claims can be complex, especially when it comes to proving negligence or liability. An experienced personal injury attorney in Pittsburgh can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

A Dog Bite Attorney Who Will Stand Up for You

Dog bite injuries can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In Pittsburgh, the laws surrounding dog bite liability are designed to hold dog owners accountable for their animals’ actions. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

The process can be complex, but with the right legal support, you can pursue a claim that helps you recover and move forward with your life. Porta-Clark & Ward will fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Call (412) 921-7350 today to speak with a skilled dog bite attorney in Pittsburgh.