Dog Bite Injury
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Philadelphia Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars – it can cause lasting trauma, emotional distress, and expensive medical bills. In Pennsylvania, dog owners can be held legally responsible if their pet attacks and injures someone, especially if the owner knew (or should have known) the dog had aggressive tendencies.
If you or a loved one, especially a child, has been injured in a dog attack, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Marc Bendo is an experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer who understands how devastating these incidents can be. He’ll work to hold the dog owner accountable, recover compensation for your injuries, and help prevent future attacks from happening to someone else.
We’ve represented clients in a wide range of dog bite cases – from people bitten in public parks, to postal workers and delivery drivers attacked while simply doing their jobs.
Call today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.
What to Do After a Dog Bite?
If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog, acting quickly can make all the difference, both for your health and your legal case. According to the Cleveland Clinic, here’s what you should do immediately after a dog bite injury in Philadelphia:
Call 911 or Seek Emergency Medical Help
If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or involves the face or neck, call 911 right away. Severe dog bites can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, and even long-term complications. When in doubt, don’t wait – get emergency help.
Slow the Bleeding
Apply a clean cloth or sterile gauze to the wound and apply light pressure to stop or slow bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes, seek immediate medical attention.
Cover the Wound
Use a clean, sterile bandage or dressing to cover the area. Change the bandage daily or anytime it becomes wet or dirty until you see your doctor for follow-up care.
Wash the Wound Thoroughly
Use mild soap and warm water to gently clean the wound for about 5 minutes. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and saliva that could cause infection. Don’t scrub too hard, though. The goal is to flush the area gently but effectively.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
Once the bleeding is under control, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic cream or ointment to help prevent infection. Be careful not to use too much – just enough to cover the wound.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Even with proper care, dog bites can become infected. Keep an eye out for symptoms like increased pain, redness, swelling, fever, or an unusual smell coming from the wound. If you notice any of these, contact your doctor immediately.
Once your immediate medical needs are taken care of, it’s important to protect your legal rights too. Contact a Philadelphia dog bite injury attorney to find out if you’re entitled to compensation. Marc Bendo will guide you through the next steps with care, urgency, and experience.
Common Injuries from Dog Bite Cases
Dog bites can cause far more than a quick scare. The injuries are often severe and, in many cases, permanent. Victims frequently suffer deep puncture wounds, torn skin, muscle damage, and nerve injuries.
These wounds may lead to serious infections, long-term pain, and in some cases, lasting disfigurement that impacts both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries due to their height, often placing them at the same level as a dog’s mouth. When a dog bites a child’s face, the outcome can be devastating. Many young victims require stitches, reconstructive surgery, and sometimes multiple procedures over time to repair the damage. Even with treatment, the emotional and psychological trauma can linger long after the scars begin to heal.
Dogs can also bite adults on the face, but bites to the legs, hands, and arms are also very common. Regardless of where on the body a dog bites a person, the injuries can be dire. That’s why having a knowledgeable Philadelphia dog bite injury lawyer on your side is so important.
What is Strict Liability in a Dog Bite Case?
In Pennsylvania, strict liability means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is legally responsible, even if they didn’t act carelessly or know the dog had a history of aggression. In other words, the victim doesn’t have to prove that the owner was negligent. If the bite happened and caused injury, the owner can be held accountable.
However, this rule applies specifically to injuries caused by the bite itself. If a dog knocks someone over or causes harm in another way (without actually biting), the victim typically needs to prove that the owner acted irresponsibly. A skilled Philadelphia dog bite lawyer like Marc Bendo can help you understand how the law applies to your unique case.
These wounds may lead to serious infections, long-term pain, and in some cases, lasting disfigurement that impacts both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries due to their height, often placing them at the same level as a dog’s mouth. When a dog bites a child’s face, the outcome can be devastating. Many young victims require stitches, reconstructive surgery, and sometimes multiple procedures over time to repair the damage. Even with treatment, the emotional and psychological trauma can linger long after the scars begin to heal.
Dogs can also bite adults on the face, but bites to the legs, hands, and arms are also very common. Regardless of where on the body a dog bites a person, the injuries can be dire. That’s why having a knowledgeable Philadelphia dog bite injury lawyer on your side is so important.
Children and Dog Bite Cases
Children are especially vulnerable in dog bite incidents – not just physically, but emotionally too. Because of their height, a child’s face is often in direct reach of a dog’s mouth, leading to serious facial injuries, nerve damage, and long-term scarring.
In many cases, the trauma goes beyond the surface, causing fear, anxiety, and lasting emotional effects.
At Marc Bendo Law, we understand how devastating these injuries can be for both the child and their family. That’s why we fight to recover compensation for all immediate and future medical needs, including surgeries, therapy, and psychological care.
We handle each case with sensitivity, compassion, and the legal experience needed to protect your child’s future.
These wounds may lead to serious infections, long-term pain, and in some cases, lasting disfigurement that impacts both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Children are especially vulnerable to facial injuries due to their height, often placing them at the same level as a dog’s mouth. When a dog bites a child’s face, the outcome can be devastating. Many young victims require stitches, reconstructive surgery, and sometimes multiple procedures over time to repair the damage. Even with treatment, the emotional and psychological trauma can linger long after the scars begin to heal.
Dogs can also bite adults on the face, but bites to the legs, hands, and arms are also very common. Regardless of where on the body a dog bites a person, the injuries can be dire. That’s why having a knowledgeable Philadelphia dog bite injury lawyer on your side is so important.
What is the ‘One-Bite’ Rule?
The “one-bite rule” is a legal defense used in some states, where a dog owner may claim they didn’t know their dog was dangerous because it had never bitten anyone before.
In other words, the owner argues they shouldn’t be held liable for the first bite because there was no prior warning sign of aggression. This defense suggests the dog gets “one free bite” before the owner can be considered negligent.
But this is not the law in Pennsylvania. Here, there is no such thing as a “free bite.” If a dog has shown aggressive behavior, like growling, lunging, snapping, or being difficult to control, that can be enough to prove the dog had vicious tendencies.
An experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer will investigate the dog’s history thoroughly to gather the evidence needed to hold the owner accountable.
Philadelphia Dog Bite FAQs
Do I need an attorney for a dog bite injury?
While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, having an experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer greatly increases your chances of recovering fair compensation. A lawyer can handle the legal process, gather strong evidence, and deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Who is legally responsible when a dog bites someone in Philadelphia?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible, especially if they knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies. Pennsylvania applies strict liability to dog bite injuries, meaning owners can be held accountable even without prior bites.
How do I recover compensation for the Philadelphia dog bite I sustained?
Start by seeking medical attention, then report the incident and document your injuries. From there, a dog bite attorney can help file a claim, investigate the dog’s history, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to recover damages.
I was attacked by a dog in Philadelphia. What damages can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring, and future medical treatments. In severe cases, you may also be compensated for long-term disability or disfigurement.
If I file a lawsuit in my dog bite case, do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many dog bite claims are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend going to trial to fight for full compensation.
What is the average settlement in a dog bite case?
Settlements vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries, medical costs, and whether the victim has lasting damage or scarring. Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars, while others, especially those involving children or facial injuries, may result in six-figure compensation.
Does it make any difference if I was hurt while separating two fighting dogs?
Yes, it can. These cases are often more complicated. If you were injured trying to break up a dog fight, liability may depend on who owned the dogs, whether one was known to be aggressive, and other facts. A lawyer can help investigate and determine if you still have a valid claim.
How can I afford to hire a dog bite injury lawyer?
At Marc Bendo Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only pay if we win your case. That way, you can focus on healing while we focus on getting you compensated.
Speak to a Dedicated Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer Today!
If you have been injured by a dog, your first priority is to seek medical attention. Your second priority, however, is to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer.
Contact Marc Bendo Law today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
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