Duncansville Dog Bites Injury Attorney

When a Dog Attack Causes Serious Injury

Many people think that only certain "dangerous" breeds of dogs attack people, but according to the American Humane Society, no type of dog is necessarily more dangerous than others. Depending on all the circumstances involved — socialization, training, health of the dog and actions by the dog-bite victim — any dog may bite.

At the Altoona, Pennsylvania, law offices of Stoehr & Smith, L.L.C., we represent the victims of dog bites and other types of animal attack. Using more than 45 years combined experience, we are well equipped to handle even the most serious dog bite cases, such as dog attacks that leave serious, permanent scarring or dog bites that happen to children.

• The law can be complicated regarding dog bite cases. For example, in Pennsylvania there is not absolute liability. That is, the owner of the dog is not liable unless the victim can prove negligence. Thus, even though your child may have bitten by a pit bull, you will not recover unless legal liability can be proven. You should contact our law firm for a consultation if you or a family member has been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries.
• Insurance for dog bites may be provided by homeowner’s insurance, renter’s insurance or landlord’s insurance. In 2003, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occurred resulting in over 800,000 injuries. Children are more likely to require medical treatment. The vast majority of children who are injured are bitten on the face, neck and head, often requiring plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Not all of the injuries caused by dog bites are physical. Especially when dog bites happen to children, the injury can take a huge psychological toll on the victim. Children suffer from anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares and may have trouble socializing with other children. When we handle a dog bite case, we take the mental harm into account — as well as the physical.

To schedule a free initial consultation about a dog bite experienced by you or a loved one, talk with a lawyer at Stoehr & Smith, L.L.C. Contact our Altoona, Pennsylvania, law firm by calling 814-693-5062 or toll free 866-582-0527 to discuss owner liability for a dog bite.

Home and hospital visits can be arranged. Evening and weekend hours are available for your convenience.