While dogs are considered man’s best friend, they may sometimes become aggressive and bite, leading to serious legal and financial consequences for the owner. Dog bites can lead to health risks such as infections, diseases and injuries that require immediate medical attention.
If you are bitten by your neighbor’s dog in Pennsylvania and incur medical costs as a result, the dog owner could be held liable for all your medical expenses in relation to the bite.
Can I recover other damages?
It is possible to recover further damages after a dog bite, but only if you can prove that the dog owner’s negligence led to the bite. Some of the damages include:
- Lost wages, present and future: If the dog bite caused injuries that prevented you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. Additionally, if the injuries have long-term effects that impact your ability to earn a living in the future, you might be entitled to compensation for those future lost earnings.
- Emotional trauma and distress: Dog bites can result in long-term emotional trauma and psychological distress, which may be compensable. If you experience anxiety, depression or other emotional issues as a result of the bite, you could be entitled to damages for the emotional impact of the incident to help cover therapy costs and other related expenses needed to address the psychological effects of the attack.
- Disfigurement, pain and suffering: You may also be eligible to recover damages for physical disfigurement and ongoing pain and suffering caused by the dog bite. This includes compensation for any visible scars or long-term physical changes resulting from the bite, as well as for the pain and discomfort experienced during your recovery and beyond.
Proving owner negligence in dog bite lawsuits can be complex, and it might be worth seeking legal guidance to help understand the process and better present your case.