JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Often, we employ caretakers to watch our dogs and other pets while we go on vacation or are unable to care for them. However, there is often a blurry line as to where the responsibility falls when a dog bite accident occurs. Both owners and caretakers can face consequences should a dog bite accident occur in Pennsylvania. While there are plenty of contributing factors as to who may be responsible for the animal, the following is a good guide of determining who might be responsible.

In most states, the owner is almost always responsible for his dog’s actions, however, the responsibility could shift to another party if one of the following occurs:

• The dog was in the care of someone other than the owner.
• The dog’s owner was under the age of 18.
• The owner’s landlord knew the dog was dangerous and did not do anything to remove the dog.
• The dog was on another’s property and said property owner was negligent in not removing the dog from his property.

Caretakers and Dog Sitters

A dog in another’s care is often the biggest question of liability.  In many states, dog sitters and caretakers are often as liable as the owners. The rules vary from state to state with respect to the level of responsibility in dog bite situations. In Pennsylvania caretakers and dog sitters can be held responsible for severe bites and injuries sustained from dog bites.

Child Owners Under 18 Years Old

Typically child owners under the age of 18 share the responsibility of the dog’s actions with their parents. The legal statues can fluctuate, however, children under the age of 18 are, in most cases, not held legally responsible for the dog’s actions.  The responsibility of the dog often falls to the parents under a “keeper” role and can still be held liable should a dog bite in Philadelphia.

Property Owners

Property Owners may be held legally responsible for a dog bite accident in Pennsylvania in a couple of different ways. If the owner of the dog lives in an apartment building and the landlord has knowledge that the dog is dangerous yet does not do anything to remove the dog from the property, the landlord could be held responsible for the dog’s actions. In a similar vein, if a store owner or another property owner sees a dog on his property and does not ask the dog owner to remove the dog from said property, or call the proper authorities to remove the dog from the premises, then the property owner could also face legal recourse.

In any situation, a Pennsylvania dog bite accident can be devastating. The emotional, physical, and psychological trauma caused from the bite can last far longer than the few seconds of the accident. The trusted and experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorneys of Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo will work diligently to pursue the responsible parties to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our compassionate team today for a free consultation at 888-807-WORK (9675).