Dog bites can occur due to negligent handlers or untrained pets. Animal owners are responsible for keeping control of their pets, especially in public places. If they fail to do so and their dog attacks someone, they could face legal repercussions.
If someone else’s canine attacked you, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A Norristown dog bite lawyer can help you pursue damages and use their knowledge of personal injury law to build a case in your favor.
What to Do After Getting Bitten by an Animal
After someone gets bitten by a dog, the first thing they should do is go to the doctor to get their wounds examined and treated. If they plan on seeking damages, medical documentation will be an essential component of proving the harm done by the bite. Immediate medical care could also prevent:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Blood poisoning
- Sepsis
- Other infections or health issues
The second thing an animal bite victim should do is reach out to a Norristown lawyer. The sooner they seek legal representation, the sooner an investigation could start. Early investigation often enables a lawyer to uncover evidence that might disappear over time.
Dog Attack Laws in Norristown
When someone gets bitten by a canine in the local area, the owner of the animal assumes responsibility for the person’s injuries and medical expenses. However, this only applies if the harmed person files an injury claim and is able to prove that the owner was negligent.
If the dog bit a different person in the past without provocation—or if there is reason to believe it could bite someone—a victim could sue the owner on the basis of “dangerous propensity”, which means that the owner knew their dog is prone to biting and did nothing to prevent it from doing so.
If a victim wishes to sue for common law negligence, they will need to prove a several things:
- The owner had an obligation to protect others from their dog in some way
- The owner failed to perform their duty, and that failure resulted in the attack or bite
- The attack caused injury or property damage to the victim
The victim must prove what protective measures the owner should have taken, the connection between their failure to protect and the person’s injuries, and the specific damage the injured person suffered as a result. A skilled dog attack lawyer in the Norristown area can review the case and advise the injured party whether it is better to sue based on dangerous propensities or common law negligence.
Deadlines for Filing an Injury Claim
The statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is two years from the date that the claimant was injured. However, anyone who intends to file a claim should not wait until the end of this deadline. Delaying making a claim could be misinterpreted by a court as ambivalence and lack of urgency, which may send the message that the issue is not as severe as the victim claims.
Retain the Services of a Norristown Dog Bite Attorney Today
Having adept legal representation brings many plaintiffs peace of mind because they have a professional on their side to handle the legalities and settlement negotiations for them. If you recently got attacked or bitten by a canine and believe the owner is responsible, schedule a consultation with a Norristown dog bite lawyer. Dedicated attorneys are ready to hear your case.
