Dog Bites

N/A

OUTCOME:

Americans own approximately 78.2 million dogs, with at least one dog in 39 percent of U.S. households. Of the households with dogs, 37 percent have more than one. Despite the popularity of dogs and the ... ir status as “man’s best friend,” humans are hurt by these animals on a regular basis. If you or a loved one has been injured by a biting dog, contact Freeburn & Hamilton, today, Your PA dog bite lawyer team. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs will bite 4.7 million people a year in the United States. Of those bitten, 800,000 will seek medical attention for their wounds and 386,000 will require treatment in an emergency room. Half of all bites involve children under 12, and 82 percent of dog bite victims who visit the emergency room are under 15. Sadly, there are approximately 16 dog bite related deaths in our country every year. In 2011 alone, there were 31 dog bite related fatalities. There is a common misconception that only certain types of dogs will attack humans. People frequently associate Rottweilers, Pit bulls and Dobermans with such attacks. Although some breeds are more prone to aggression, as of 2000, 25 different breeds had caused a dog bite related fatality. If you own a Bulldog, Boxer, Collie, Cocker Spaniel or Labrador Retriever, you own a breed that has caused a human fatality. There are a number of steps one can take to avoid such unfortunate encounters. For example: - Never approach a dog you do not know - Never treat a dog in an aggressive manner, even if you think you are being playful - Never bother a dog that is busy (i.e. eating, nursing, sleeping, etc.) - Never tease a dog - Act calm and stay still if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog - Always ask a dog’s owner if you can pet the dog before doing so Pennsylvania has a comprehensive set of statutes that deal with dogs, called the “Dog Law.” The Dog Law sets forth the rules for license and tag requirements, kennels, seizure, detention and quarantine of dogs. The Dog Law also covers dog-related offenses such as dog bites, dangerous dogs, injuries caused to dogs and harm caused by dogs, dog enforcement, animal control officers, and fines and penalties. Dog Law enforcement falls under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which employs state dog wardens. Click here on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website for a list of names and telephone numbers of dog wardens by county. In 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued 3,113 summary citations and 56 misdemeanor charges for a variety of dog-related offenses, including Dogs Running at Large and Harboring Dangerous Dogs. If you have been bitten or harmed by a dog or are concerned about a dog, contact your local dog warden immediately. Pennsylvania also has a body of case law that deals with the legal responsibility of dog owners for the harm their dogs cause. For example, the old saying that every dog is entitled to one free bite is not true. The owner of a dog that shows aggressive tendencies has a legal obligation to see to it that his or her dog does not get the opportunity to take the first bite. Deardorff v. Berger, 606 A.2d 489 (Pa. Super 1992). In addition, not all harm is caused by bites, and not all harm is caused by vicious dogs. A person may be harmed by a dog attack where there is no bite, or by an overly friendly dog. For example, the experienced PA dog bite lawyer team at Freeburn & Hamilton successfully represented a client who was attacked by an aggressive dog that did not bite her, but ran into her leg and ruptured her Achilles tendon. In another case, Freeburn & Hamilton successfully represented an elderly client who suffered a fractured femur while walking in her neighborhood, when an overly friendly dog ran off its yard and jumped on her and knocked her to the ground. Freeburn & Hamilton has successfully represented many clients who have been harmed by dogs.