JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

In most cases, the responsible party in a Philadelphia dog bite accident is the owner of the dog. However, there are a few key questions to ask yourself before you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the owner of the dog.

Was the dog provoked?

In your situation, it sounds much like you were petting a seemingly sweet dog and it turned vicious. However, if you poked or prodded the dog in a way that was meant to make it lash out, or you were doing something that caused discomfort to the dog that it would feel threatened, then it’s possible that the owner may not be responsible.

Did you know the dog was aggressive or dangerous?

If you knew the dog had aggression issues or perhaps bit others in the past, the owner may not be liable. If you never knew that the dog bit anyone or ever had a history of aggression or bites, there is a good chance you may still pursue the owner for your medical bills.

Were you trespassing?

While it may seem obvious, if you go onto another person’s property, a dog may feel threatened and lash out violently. Also, if you make a move onto someone else’s’ property to pet a dog, the legal responsibility can shift from the owner to you as you knowingly took the risk. If you were simply petting the dog on your property, then you certainly have the potential to sue.

The best answer in this situation is that it certainly depends on the events and circumstances surrounding your injury.  If you feel you were injured by no fault of your own, it is wise to get legal counsel.

The experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorneys at MMK Law understand the various circumstances of responsibility in dog attacks. We will work with you to obtain the legal results you deserve so that you may recover money for your medical bills. Call us today at 888-807-WORK (9675), or fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.