If you were bitten by a dog in Stroudsburg, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
Dog bites are no laughing matter. They are serious and may lead to devastating and permanent injuries, especially when the victim is a child. Results of a dog bite may include surgeries and other medical expenses, permanent scarring, infections, rabies, missed time from work, and emotional distress. All of these can be costly. You shouldn’t be stuck with the burden of someone else’s negligence.
Most homeowners insurance policies cover dog bites, but making a claim and recovering damages can be complicated. You need an attorney experienced with Pennsylvania state laws. Munely Law, founded and located in northeast Pennsylvania fits that bill. For over 55 years we have represented our neighbors in personal injury cases. Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys attorneys have been named among the Best Lawyers in America, a respected peer review guide. Our lawyers have a history of large settlements and trial verdicts that not all personal injury firms can achieve.
Call, chat or fill out our online form for a FREE consultation with an experienced dog bite attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys.
If you choose to hire a dog attack attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, you will have no upfront or out-of-pocket costs. We work on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless we win your case.
Do not delay. Stroudsburg is bound by Pennsylvania’s statute of limitation laws. You have two years from the time the incident or fatality took place to file your claim.
How an experienced dog bite attorney at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will work for you
Once we’ve established that negligence can be demonstrated, we identify who is legally responsible. Is it the homeowner’s insurer? Is it the renter’s insurer? We gather all evidence including interviewing any witnesses to the attack. We examine all past, present and future physical and mental health costs and identify associated lost wages to establish the value of your claim. We then work on recovery. Our skilled lawyers negotiate for you and if we can’t come to a fair agreement with the defendant, we represent you in a court of law.
How common are dog bites?
Dog bites are more common than you may think. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States, more than 4.5 million people a year are bitten by a dog. Of those 4.5 million people, 800,000 receive medical attention.
You may assume that large dogs are more likely to bite, but some small dogs are just as likely to be biters. There are two factors to keep in mind. Breeds that are most likely to bite and breeds that most likely to cause serious damage if the dog bite.
Of the 39 dog-bite related fatalities in 2017, 38% were children 8 years and younger, and 62% were adults.
When can I sue a dog owner in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania?
In order to sue you must demonstrate the dog owner was negligent. The following may be indicators or negligence:
- The dog was not on a leash, in an enclosed space or under control of the owner or a third party
- The owner was aware the dog had previously bitten someone
- The owner knew of the dog’s potential danger and failed to keep it away from you
A dog bite victim must prove the owner was negligent and this negligence led to the attack. After we prove prove negligence, we can help you recover the following:
- Medical Expenses – As long as they are associated with the attack, you can sue for past and present expenses including hospital stays, visits to emergency rooms, doctor and physical or occupational therapist visits, in-home nursing care and purchases like drugs and medical equipment You can also recover anticipated expenses such as future surgery costs.
- Lost Wages – If you are unable to work because of the attack, you can seek compensation for lost wages. If a loved one is attacked and you are must miss work to care for them, you can recover lost wages. There are some indirect job losses that may also be recoverable. Did being out of work cause you to miss-out on a promotion, sales commissions or bonuses?
- Pain and Suffering – Dog bites can be traumatic and you may be compensated for your physical pain and mental suffering.
Call , chat or fill in our online form to find out if your situation make you eligible to sue. An experienced dog attack lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will provide a FREE assessment of your case. If you are eligible, and hire Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to represent you, you can be confident you will have the best possible representation. And because we work on contingency, you will have no out-of-pocket costs. When get paid when you get paid.
How can you help to prevent dog bites.
The Center for Disease Control says dog bites are largely preventable. Here are some expert tips in preventing dog bites.
- Do your homework before you get a dog. Recognize the conditions into which you will bring the dog. Do you have children? Do you have a fenced in/secured area for the dog? Will you be able to walk the dog yourself or will you need to hire someone? Answers to questions like these will help identify what breed of dog is best suited to your unique circumstances. Consult experts like veterinarians, trainers, breeders, rescue groups and dog shelters to help you make a decision.
- Before purchasing or adopting a dog spend some time with it and get to know a bit about its nature. Does it seem to be a good fit for you and your family? Is it high strung/demanding? Is it friendly to people?
- Once you have a dog, do not leave it alone with children and infants. Make sure a responsible adult stays with the dog. Research “leash laws” for your area so you know what to do with your dog when it is outdoors. Hire a trainer and train your dog to follow your commands. Ensure your children know how to behave around a dog.
- If your dog shows any type of aggressive behavior, immediately consult an expert.
- If you see a dog don’t automatically pet the dog – always ask the owner first, and use caution.
Following suggestions like these can help keep you safe. But remember, dog bites are common. If you are attacked by a dog and have concerns about your health and well being, contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a FREE review of your case. One of our experienced dog bite attorneys will help you to understand your rights and identify the best path forward. Do not delay. Call, Chat of fill in the online form to get started.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
27 N 6th St,
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 338-4494
