A pit bull is a large breed of dog that could cause a person serious damage if they are not properly trained. Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries that can stem from just a single bite. If you or a family member was injured in a pit bull attack in Philadelphia, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia dog bite lawyer today. At The Reiff Law Firm, we understand how a pit bull attack can leave you with serious and lingering injuries, and we are here to represent you. Pit bull owners who know their dog is violent should be held accountable for causing you an injury. Our lawyers are here to explain what to do if you’re injured in a pit bull attack in Philadelphia.
Dog Bite Statistics
From 2005 to 2017, pit bulls were responsible for approximately 284 fatal dog attacks in the United States. In comparison to other breeds of dogs that caused fatal injuries in that timeframe, pit bulls were the cause of about 66% of all fatal dog attacks. This statistic becomes even more shocking when you learn that pit bulls compose only 6.5% of the U.S. dog population.
It is also important to note that pit bulls are more efficient than other dog breeds when they attack a person. This means that you are more likely to be killed in a single attack from a pit bull than other types of dog breeds. However, the ferocity of pit bulls can also be the fault of an incapable owner. If a pit bull attacked you, it is likely that the owner’s failure to train the dog will make them liable for your injuries.
To learn more about pit bull bite statistics, you should speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.
What to Do if You are Bit by a Pit Bull
If a pit bull bites you, you should take the following actions to protect yourself and preserve evidence for your case. The first action you should take after being attacked by a pit bull is to seek immediate medical attention. Be sure to inform the hospital staff of how you were injured to begin to document evidence. However, if you can remain at the scene of the accident, you should contact law enforcement. Be sure to ask for a copy of the police report for your records.
Dog bites need immediate medical attention because they can cause serious injuries like:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Physical disfigurement
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
This is not an exhaustive list. A dog bite can cause other serious injuries like an infection, especially if the dog’s tooth becomes lodged in your skin.
After you receive medical attention, you should thoroughly document how the attack occurred. This means that you should take note of the events leading up to the attack and why you believe the pit bull bit you. For example, if you were attacked by a pit bull that managed to escape from the owner’s property, this is important information.
You should also speak with an attorney that can help you pursue your claim. The owner of the pit bull may not want to deal with you directly and may refer you to their insurance company. These companies will seek to minimize the injury you suffered and provide you with less compensation than you deserve. An experienced attorney can help you gather information like the pit bull’s history of violent attacks.
When to Sue for A Dog Bite
If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner, you should know that you have a limited amount of time to file your case. The reason for this is the statute of limitations that place a deadline on personal injury cases and other types of cases.
In Pennsylvania, the victim of a dog bite has two years to file their personal injury claim. If you do not file your claim within the two-year timeframe, the court may bar your claim. However, depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be a way to delay your filing deadline.
Our Philadelphia, PA Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help You File a Dog Bite Claim
If a pit bull injured you or a family member, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. The injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have over 40 years of combined legal experience in a variety of personal injury cases, and we will put this experience to work for you. Our wound and laceration lawyers are here to help you. Pit bull attacks can leave a victim traumatized, especially if the attack was unprovoked. You should not bear the burden of extensive medical bills due to the actions of a negligent pit bull owner. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
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