Dog Bite Lawyers

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 their 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 dog, contact Freeburn Law.

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.


Pennsylvania Dog Laws

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.

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 dog causes.  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 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, Freeburn Law 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 Law successfully represented an elderly client who suffered a fractured femur while walking in her neighborhood, when an overly friendly dog ran out of its yard and jumped on her and knocked her to the ground.


Why You Should Contact Freeburn Law?

The call is free. We’ll listen to you and tell you if you have a case. We don’t charge a fee unless we recover money for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact Freeburn Law today! Call the 7’s, (717) 777-7777 or (570) 777-7777 or complete a free consultation form online.

Proving the dog bite case can be complex and difficult. Homeowner insurance companies start working to protect their interests the minute the dog bite is reported. The insurance companies will spare no expense to minimize or defeat your claim. You need an experienced PA dog bite lawyer to work for you.

What You Need to Know About Freeburn Law:

  • Freeburn Law has experienced the PA dog bite lawyer team that you need to get the money you deserve.
  • Freeburn Law has decades of experience representing injury victims.
  • Freeburn Law will deal with the insurance companies so that you can concentrate on recovering from your dog bite injury.
  • Freeburn Law will immediately assign a team of Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys, paralegals and an in-house investigator to your case.
  • Freeburn Law has the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle serious injury and death cases. We have recovered millions for our clients since 1982.
  • Free consultation! The call is absolutely free.
  • No Recovery, No Fee. You pay absolutely no fee unless we recover money for you!

Freeburn Law has several offices throughout Central Pennsylvania to better serve our clients. We have offices in HarrisburgYorkLewistownLancaster, SelinsgroveCamp HillHuntingdon, Lebanon & Gettysburg. And, if you can’t come to us, we will come to your home, or meet you in the hospital. We are available 24/7 – evenings and/or weekends.

If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you — WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS! We will meet you at your home or in the hospital, anywhere in Pennsylvania, in the evening or on the weekend – whatever is most convenient for you.


DOG BITE SETTLEMENT RESULTS

$101,000 settlement in dog bite case: Our client, a young girl in Huntingdon County went to a neighbor’s house to see if their children could play. When the door opened, a pit bull mix jumped off the couch and attacked our client, biting her face and neck. The settlement included all available liability, and medical payment coverage available. Ryan P. McDaniel, Esq.


Freeburn Law
Your PA Dog Bite Lawyer
2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 300
Harrisburg, PA 17101
 
Telephone Number: (717) 777-7777 or (570) 777-7777