In Pennsylvania, dog attacks present liabilities for their owners. The law requires the owner to maintain control over their dog to prevent attacks and personal injuries. The dogs must wear a leash when they are outside, or they are secured inside an outdoor enclosure. Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunbury PA help victims file a claim for their injuries.
Reporting the Attack
Typically, the victim and/or their family contacts the county and/or city animal control officer. The officer must visit the home of the dog owner and conduct an investigation. The purpose of the assessment is to determine if the dog poses a threat to the public. The first task is to identify if the dog was vaccinated for rabies. If the owner didn’t vaccinate their dog, the officer orders a quarantine.
What are the Most Common Requirements for Quarantines?
The dog must stay overnight at a licensed vet’s office for at least twelve days. The full duration is considered the incubation period for rabies. The vet evaluates the dog to determine if they have rabies and/or if the dog has an aggressive or violent temperament. The findings are reported back to the animal control officer. The dog owner pays the full cost of the quarantine plus the cost of vaccinations.
Did the Victim Break the Law?
Dogs are territorial and will protect their home. If the victim was trespassing, the dog was within his or her rights to protect their home. Trespassing is a crime and would deem the victim liable for their own injuries. Animal cruelty or any instance in which the victim provoked the dog is also a crime and prevents the victim from collecting compensation.
What are Strict Liabilities?
Strict liabilities apply to the cases if the owner was reported previously due to a separate animal attack. If the owner knew the dog was dangerous, they are liable for the full cost of the victim’s losses. The owner must also pay a tort-based cost for pain and suffering.
In Pennsylvania, dog attacks present liabilities for owners who failed to prevent the victim’s injuries. The events increase costs for owners who failed to get their dog’s vaccinated. Victims of a dog attack contact Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunbury PA or Browse the site right now.
