How Common are Dog Bites?
Every year, an estimated 4.5 million people sustain a bite from a dog. According to CDC data, 468 people died between 2011-2021 from being bitten or struck by a dog.
While there is no specific breed you should fear, some temperaments and behaviors are more likely to lead to an attack. The fear and anxiety experienced by small dogs cause many minor bites. However, a CDC study found that pit bulls are most likely to be involved in a fatal attack.
Dog Bite Risk Factors
It’s important to remember that any dog can bite, regardless of breed or size. By understanding the common causes of dog bites, you can help to prevent them from happening.
- Fear and Anxiety: A frightened or anxious dog may bite if it feels cornered or threatened. This can happen in a variety of situations, such as when a dog is approached too quickly, touched in a way it finds unpleasant, or startled by a loud noise.
- Pain: A dog in pain may bite if it feels that someone is going to harm them further. This is especially common in dogs with injuries or illnesses that make them feel sore or uncomfortable.
- Protectiveness: Dogs may bite to protect themselves, their possessions, or their territory. This includes protecting their food, toys, or puppies from perceived threats.
- Lack of Socialization: Puppies who are not properly socialized with people and other dogs are more likely to bite as adults.
- Lack of Training: Dogs that have not been trained may not understand what is expected of them and may be more likely to bite out of frustration or confusion.
- Provocation: Sometimes, dogs bite because they are provoked by teasing, roughhousing, or other forms of negative attention.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor scratches to serious puncture wounds and broken bones. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:
Puncture Wounds
These are the most common type of dog bite injury. They are caused by the dog’s teeth piercing the skin. Puncture wounds can be deep and may require stitches to close.
Lacerations
These are tears in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth or claws. Lacerations can be serious and may require stitches to close and prevent scarring.
Scratches
These are superficial injuries caused by the dog’s claws. Scratches are usually minor and may not require medical attention.
Crush Injuries
These injuries are caused by the dog’s jaw applying pressure to the skin and underlying tissues. Crush injuries can cause significant damage to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Broken Bones
In some cases, the force of a dog bite can break a bone. This is more common in children and small adults.
Infection
Dog bites can become infected, especially if they are not cleaned properly. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, and fever.
Nerve Damage & Scarring
Dog bites can damage nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, and tingling. Dog bites can leave permanent scars.
Eye & Facial Injuries
Dog bites can damage the eyes, which can lead to vision loss. Dog bites to the face can be very serious and can cause permanent scarring.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, the dog owner or keeper is responsible for the dog bite because they should have been in control of the animal.
A dog owner is the person who legally owns the dog. However, the keeper is someone who has temporary care and control over the dog, even if they are not the legal owner. That might include a dog walker, groomer, or someone pet sitting.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
There are some nuances that you should know regarding how Pennsylvania applies its personal injury laws to dog bites.
- Strict Liability for Medical Costs: Pennsylvania has a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner or keeper is liable for all the victim’s medical expenses resulting from the bite or attack, regardless of the dog’s prior bite history.
- Limited Recovery for Other Damages: Unlike strict liability states, Pennsylvania limits recoverable damages. You won’t be automatically compensated for pain and suffering, lost wages, or property damage caused by the dog bite.
- Common Law Liability for Additional Damages: To recover these other damages, you’d need to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner. This means showing the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.
- No “One-Bite Rule”: Pennsylvania doesn’t follow the “one-bite rule,” which excuses owners from liability for a dog’s first bite.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania on someone else’s property, it’s advisable to consult with a local premises liability attorney to understand your legal options and potential for compensation. They can help navigate the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action.
Possible Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania dog bite laws, you can get 100% of your medical bills paid for after a dog bite. Once you prove negligence, you can get additional economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and medical equipment costs
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Damages for Dog Bite Victims’ Families
If your loved one died after a tragic dog attack, your family could recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. You may be able to get a financial recovery to cover funeral expenses, burial costs, and the financial support your loved one would have provided if they had not passed away. Wrongful death damages can also provide compensation for grief, sorrow, and loss of companionship that you have suffered.
A dog bite attorney in Lancaster can explain Pennsylvania’s dog bite wrongful death and survival laws and how they can be used to support your claim.
How Can Dog Bites Be Prevented?
Here are some steps you can take to prevent bites when interacting with unfamiliar dogs:
- Always Ask Permission to Pet: Never pet a dog without asking the owner’s permission first.
- Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge by some dogs.
- Give the Dog Space: Let the dog approach you instead of reaching out to pet it. This allows the dog to feel comfortable and in control of the interaction.
- Avoid Crowding or Startling: Don’t crowd a dog or corner it. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle the animal.
- Be Cautious Around Dogs Eating or with Puppies: Don’t bother a dog that is eating or caring for puppies.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Biting
You should also take general steps to prevent dog attacks by your own dog, including:
- Supervise Interactions: Always supervise young children around dogs, even familiar ones. Teach children never to tease, pull on tails, or climb on dogs.
- Proper Training: Properly train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques. This will help your dog learn obedience and appropriate behavior.
- Socialization: Socialize your dog from a young age to help them feel comfortable around people and other animals.
- Neuter or Spay: Neutering or spaying your dog can help reduce aggressive tendencies.
- Up-to-date Vaccinations: Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date, including rabies.
- Muzzles When Necessary: In some cases, using a muzzle on your dog may be necessary, such as during vet visits or grooming.
Are You a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Victim? Call Atlee Hall Today
If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog, you deserve compensation to cover immediate needs. While money cannot solve every problem, it can help you move forward with life.
Call the dog bite accident lawyers of Atlee Hall today. We will determine who is liable, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you get a full and fair settlement.
Call (717) 393-9596 today or contact us for a free consultation.
Areas We Serve
Our dog bite lawyers in Pennsylvania are based in Lancaster, but we take cases across the state as far west as Allegheny County.
Where Were You Injured?
- Lancaster County
- York County
- Dauphin County
- Adams County
- Columbia County
- Cumberland County
- Juniata County
- Lebanon County
- Luzerne County
- Lycoming County
- Mifflin County
- Montour County
- North Umberland County
- Perry County
- Schuylkill County
- Snyder County
- Union County
