What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in Philadelphia?

Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Philadelphia, you may be facing not just the pain of your injuries but the stress of medical bills, lost income from time out of work, and fear and confusion around an animal you once trusted.

Under Pennsylvania law, dog bite victims can seek legal compensation to help ease the physical and emotional harm they suffered from the attack. Understanding your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to can help you regain control and move forward with confidence.

In this blog post, we’ll address common questions about the average dog bite settlement in Philadelphia, discuss what factors affect your compensation, and how to strengthen your claim.

What Forms of Compensation Do Dog Bite Settlements Include? 

Dog bite victims in Pennsylvania have the legal right to pursue damages for the physical, emotional, and financial harm they suffer from an attack.

The average dog bite settlement can include compensation for the cost of:

• Medical bills—including emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, and surgery;
• Future medical treatment—such as physical therapy and any future treatments required for scarring or infections from an injury; and
• Lost income—wages missed while an injury keeps you out of work.

Dog bite victims can also recover compensation for noneconomic damages, i.e., losses that are more difficult to quantify settlement. Depending on the circumstances, dog bite settlements can also include pain and suffering, emotional distress, or permanent disfigurement damages. 

What Factors Impact Dog Bite Settlement Amounts?

No two dog bite cases are exactly alike. For that reason, potential settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the facts of the case. 

Here are some of the most significant factors influencing the value of a dog bite settlement in Philadelphia. 

Injury Severity

Typically, the more severe your injuries, the higher the potential settlement. A minor bite that requires minimal medical care will generally result in a lower payout than a severe attack that causes deep wounds, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.

Additionally, injuries to sensitive parts of the body, such as the face or neck, can often increase the amount of compensation sought since they often require surgery or long-term rehabilitation.

Evidence of Negligence

According to Pennsylvania’s “strict liability” approach to dog bites, a dog’s owner is responsible for the cost of any medical treatment when someone is hurt in an attack. Even if the dog has no history of bites, the owner is automatically liable for the immediate physical harm they cause. 

However, to recover compensation beyond medical expenses, a bite victim must show that the owner was negligent. To prove negligence in a dog bite case, you generally must have evidence that the dog’s owner:

• Knew their animal was dangerous or aggressive, and
• Failed to keep it properly under control. 

Witness testimony, surveillance video, and police reports can all help demonstrate a dog owner’s negligence. For example, video recordings of the dog’s past aggression or evidence that their owner violated local leash laws can strengthen your case and increase your likelihood of recovering additional compensation.

Shared Fault

Your dog bite settlement amount can be reduced if there’s evidence you were partly responsible for your injuries, e.g., if you trespassed or provoked the dog before the bite occurred.

Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule, victims who share some fault for their injuries can have their potential compensation decreased according to their percentage of blame. For example, if you suffered $10,000 in damages but are 20% liable for the attack, you may only be able to recover $8,000 in compensation. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you can be barred from receiving any compensation at all. 

Legal Representation

A skilled dog bite attorney’s representation can significantly impact the value of your potential settlement. Unfortunately, recovering the compensation you deserve is not always a straightforward process for dog bite victims.

Even when your case seems straightforward, dog bite victims often face resistance from insurance companies or challenges navigating the legal system to prove negligence. Having a qualified legal professional at your side can help ensure that you understand the full value of your claim and are best positioned to recover fair compensation.

How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer in Philadelphia Help Me?

Navigating a dog bite claim can be complex, especially when you’re trying to heal from painful injuries. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for victims to juggle complex negotiations and legal paperwork amid the healing process. That’s where we come in. Our team of skilled attorneys will:

• Investigate the cause of your attack;
• Gather evidence to support your claim and illustrate any negligence;
• Handle communications with insurance companies to prevent lowball settlement offers;
• Work with experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress; and
• Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations.

Our attorneys have extensive experience advocating for dog bite victims in Philadelphia, and we are ready to use our skills and knowledge to help you secure the compensation you need and deserve.

Get the Justice You Deserve with Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers

A dog bite can upend your life in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected financial strain. Although the road to recovery is often filled with challenges, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we stand up for victims and ensure they get the justice they deserve. With decades of experience and a track record of success, we will fight tirelessly to maximize your settlement and help you move forward with confidence.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation and take the first step toward healing.