A Dog Bite Attorney Who Bites Back
Pennsylvania law imposes liability for all damages related to a dog bite when the owner has knowledge that the dog is dangerous, the dog has previously acted in a dangerous way or the dog was allowed to roam unleashed in violation of local laws. An injured victim can recover medical and hospital expenses; compensation for pain, suffering and inconvenience; and disfigurement damages for permanent scars. Generally, most dog bite victims can recover compensation when the dog’s owner violated animal control laws or was otherwise negligent.
At Shay, Santee, Kelhart & Deschler LLC in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, we help dog bite injury victims and their families recover this compensation by taking legal action in Pennsylvania court. Our law firm combines the work of three experienced attorneys and five support staff to achieve the best possible results for our clients. We know that a dog bite can be life-changing, so we work hard to make sure that our clients recover full and fair compensation for their injuries.
What To Do If Injured By An Animal Bite
If you have been injured by a dog, it is critical that you take action immediately. Getting medical attention is your first priority. For injuries that seem severe, call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s advice until the paramedics arrive. For less serious injuries, visiting your emergency room, medical clinic or doctor’s office is still a good idea.
Dogs carry germs, and it is easy for even small cuts to get infected — especially puncture wounds. If you don’t know whether the animal was immunized, you should treat any dog bite as a potential rabies infection.
You should also report the dog attack to your local animal control center. Collect important information such as the owner’s name, the color and size of the animal, where the attack occurred and whether you’d seen the animal before. The animal control center may ask to keep the dog quarantined for a certain period of time to make sure that rabies or other diseases are not present.
Calling a personal injury lawyer is also a good idea. Your lawyer can tell you whether or not legal action is possible. Talking to an attorney while your mind is still fresh is best. By taking quick action, your attorney may be able to preserve information that can help your case later on.
Contact A Skilled Law Firm
To contact us regarding your legal concerns, call Shay, Santee, Kelhart & Deschler LLC in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at 610-295-5328 or toll-free at 877-716-3631. You may also complete our online contact form to arrange a confidential consultation with an experienced lawyer.