Frequently Asked Questions

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Welcome! 
We imagine you have lots of questions for our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers. We are happy to provide FAQs and answers (below). Or call the New Number! 412.400.5476 or use our contact form.

 

Immediate Concerns

What to do right now, immediately after the bite? Answer.
When is it OK to speak about the attack without a lawyer present?  Answer.  
How do I know if the dog that bit me had its vaccinations for rabies?  Answer

 

Items For Which Money Can  Be Recovered 
How much money can I get for my claim?  Answer
What can I claim in my civil suit for damages?  Can I seek things like lost wage, pain and suffering, and medical bills, what else? Answer
What type of scar or disfigurement is needed to make a claim? Answer
What if I was not bit, but I witnessed another person being attacked, can I get a recovery for my emotional distress? Answer
Can I get an award for punitive damages? Answer
How do my medical bills get paid?  Do I have to pay back my health insurance company if I get a settlement? Answer
Can I get an award for lost wages or lost earning capacity from a dog bite? Answer.
Can the spouse of a party injured by a dog claim loss of companionship and loss of intimacy?  Answer.

 

The Nature of Civil Litigation
How long does it take to settle a case without litigation? Answer
How Long does Litigation of a dog bite claim take?  Answer

 

The Law in Pennsylvania 
Is it difficult to prove liability for a dog bite in PA? Does Pennsylvania still have a one-free-bite rule?  Answer
The dog owner has no insurance or assets, can I go after his landlord for allowing the dog to escape the landlord’s property or attack on the property? Answer
Is a dog’s anxiety at the veterinarian (vet) enough to show a “dangerous propensity.”  Answer 
Does the law treat certain breeds differently?  Answer
The bite happened a while ago, how much time do I have to make a claim?  Answer
The dog bite victim ignored a “beware of dog” sign, does that make him comparatively negligent and unable to recover money? Answer

 

Criminal Proceedings Against the Dog Owner
Will the dog owner face criminal charges?  Will there be a hearing?   What are the penalties?   Answer.
How do I get a written report about the attack?  Do I order it from the police?  Why aren’t the police doing all that much?  Answer.
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The Law – Types of Claims
What is the law in Pennsylvania regarding dog bite claims?  Answer
Can postal or Amazon drivers have a claim for both workers’ compensation and claims on the dog owner?  Answer
How did the law evolve in Pennsylvania and what is the history?  Answer

 

Dog Attacked by Another Canine
Is there a claim for when your dog is attacked by another dog? Answer
Are guide dogs or support dogs treated differently?  Yes.   Answer

 

Attacks on Children
Does your firm represent children attacked by dogs and what specials issues come up when children are involved?
Answer
Why are the so many attacks on children?  Answer

 

The Law – Who Can Be Liable? 
Can a dog walker or dog sitter be liable for an attack, if not the owner?
Answer
What about a kennel or animal shelter, can they be liable?   Answer
Can the police be liable for a K-9 attack?  Answer
Can a landlord be liable for a tenant’s dog?   Answer
How are “comfort animals” treated? Do they get the same protection as “service animals” under the ADA? Answer

 

Medical Issues and Medical Insurance For the Victim
What if I had a medical condition before the dog bite, and the bite made it worse; can I include that in my suit?  Answer ——
My insurance company (or Medicare) paid my medical bills, do I have to re-pay that money out of my settlement?  Answer

 

Liability Insurance For the Dog Owner (to Pay the Victim)
Are dog owners required to carry liability insurance and what does it cover? Answer
I’m familiar with the dog owner(s)  — as a friend or family member; will my dog bite injury claim claim (to their liability insurance carrier) cause them to lose coverage (get dropped) or face increased rates?  Answer

 

 Cost to Defend A Dog Bite Claim  
How much does it cost to defend a case, and what does liability insurance (homeowner or renter’s insurance) cover?  Answer

 

Representation
Do I need a lawyer for representation? Answer 
How much do you charge for representation? Answer
Are all dog bite lawyers equal?  Answer
What can a civil litigator — the lawyers who advertise on TV for “dog bite cases” —  actually do through the “civil courts”?  Can they force the dog owner to change his behavior, in other words? Answer 
What qualities should I look for in my Pennsylvania attorney? Answer
Can my Pittsburgh attorney handle complex cases, and what makes a case complex?  Answer
Your site offers a “free” advice, what does that entail?  Answer
In what states do you practice law in the United States? Do you handle cases for people outside the Commonwealth of  Pennsylvania? Answer

 

Do I get a Trial by Jury or Judge?
You typically have the right to a trial by jury, which has certain benefits, but the right can be waived.  Click here for more.   

 

Dog Bite Prevention 
How do I prevent a dog bite?  Answer 
Does dog repellent or canine spray work?  Answer

 

Information About Attacks, Generally
What parts of the body are most often attacked by a dog or multiple canines?  Answer   

 

New Number! 412.400.5476

Email Us – Click Here 

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Contact our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers about injuries, damages, and a free consultation for dog bite law claims.  Our skilled advocates handle claims in Western Pennsylvania, including Beaver County, Butler County, Greene County, Butler County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County.  We also handle claims on behalf of parents or other guardian for a claim for a child or children.