Wilkinsburg
Dog Bite Lawyer

On This Page

1. Get Compensation With Dog Bite Attorneys
2. Serious Dog Bites Can Result in Long Term Health Complications
3. Proving Liability in Dog Bite Claims
4. Damages Available to Wilkinsburg Dog Attack Victims
5. Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Evaluation

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Get Compensation With Dog Bite Attorneys

Dogs are our most beloved pets, but even the mildest mannered dog can lash out and cause harm if left without proper supervision by the owner. If a dog bite seriously injures you or a loved one, it can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional wellbeing long after the event has passed.

You will need to prove that the dog’s owner was at fault for the attack under Pennsylvania law, which can be a tricky process. A Wilkinsburg dog bite lawyer can help you to gather the evidence necessary to support your claim.

The lawyers at Berger and Green are happy to review your case and explain your legal rights. We can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. To find out more, call (412) 661-1400 today.

Serious Dog Bites Can Result in Long Term Health Complications

Findings from Canadian Family Physician reports that children are often the victims of dog bites, usually sustaining injuries to the head, neck, face, and hands. In some cases, victims may need plastic surgery as part of their recovery. Many insurance companies will not cover this cost as cosmetic surgery is considered an elective procedure. Filing a lawsuit to pay for such surgery may be a viable option to promote the victim’s wellbeing.

Additionally, children are likely to develop psychological complications stemming from the dog attack.

Some examples of emotional distress include:

• Fear of going outdoors
• Fear of animals
• Sleep disorders
• Depression and anxiety
• Nightmares
• Problems at school
• Eating disorders
• Anger and aggression

The list is not exhaustive, and symptoms of traumatic stress can manifest in many ways for long periods after the attack. While compensation cannot undo the harm suffered by you or your loved one from a dog bite, it can help ease your financial losses.

Proving Liability in Dog Bite Claims

The state of Pennsylvania has laws in place that mandate how dog owners must restrain their pets. These measures are designed to cut down on accidents that result from having unrestrained animals.

Covered under Sec. 459-305 of the Pennsylvania Statutes, the responsibilities of a dog owner are as follows:

• A dog must be confined to the owner’s property
• A dog on the property must be confined by a collar, chain, or another device the keeps it from leaving the premises
• When outside of the property, the dog must be under the reasonable control of its owner, especially when engaged in activities like lawful hunting, exhibition, or field training

If a dog attacks someone and the owner is found negligent, they could be found liable for the resulting medical expenses and related losses.

Your Lawyer Must Prove Negligence

To hold the dog’s owner responsible for your injuries, your lawyer must establish that they did not take measures to promote the safety of others.

Your legal team will need to demonstrate the following:

• The owner had a duty of care to prevent the dog from inflicting harm onto others
• The owner breached their duty by failing to take reasonable actions to prevent the dog from attacking
• The breach caused your injuries, resulting from the owner’s negligent behavior
• You have verifiable injuries supported by medical records

Dog bite claims can be complicated. When you work with a Wilkinsburg dog bite lawyer, you can expect them to take on the legal burdens of assigning liability and proving your damages. To get started, call Berger and Green today at (412) 661-1400.

Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations

You should be mindful of Sec. 5524 of the Pennsylvania Statutes if you wish to pursue compensation. In Pennsylvania, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to pursue financial recovery through litigation. If you miss this deadline, you will no longer be able to proceed with legal action. It is always better to act sooner rather than later in dog bite cases.

Spending a short time discussing your situation in a free case review could make all the difference to your claim. Call Berger and Green today.

Damages Available to Wilkinsburg Dog Attack Victims

The consequences of a dog bite injury can be incredibly painful and emotionally traumatic, leaving you in need of extensive medical care and time off work. A more severe injury could result in permanent disability or disfigurement that can change your life in an instant.

You have the right to hold the negligent dog owner accountable for any damages you suffer, including compensation for:

• Current and future medical costs
• Ongoing rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Disfigurement
• Scarring

If you sustain injuries through the negligence of a dog owner, a Wilkinsburg dog bite lawyer can help you receive compensation for your damages and other related losses.

Call Berger and Green for a Free Case Evaluation

The dedicated and passionate team at Berger and Green are here to help you fight for a fair settlement for your economic and noneconomic losses resulting from a dog attack. You should not be left with out of pocket costs due to the negligence of another party, and do not have to face the complicated process of filing a claim alone.

We always put your needs first and:

• Support your best interests throughout the legal process
• Protect your rights and promote a fair settlement for your injuries

We can also help prove negligence, gather evidence to support your claim, and evaluate the true extent of your injuries and other related expenses.

You may have concerns about the cost of legal representation, which is why we work on a contingency basis. We only get paid fees for our services if we successfully get financial recovery on your behalf.

Reach out for a free case evaluation from Berger and Green at (412) 661-1400.