Dedicated to Helping Dog Bite Victims
Have you been bitten by a dog? It is estimated that dogs bite 4.5 million people annually. Besides the danger of a dog bite puncturing the skin, dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria, which can cause life-threatening infections if left untreated.
If a dog has bitten you, our injury lawyers in Pottsville are ready to work for you. We have helped hundreds of dog bite victims recover compensation for their injuries and will work tirelessly to do the same for you.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
Unlike some states where a dog owner is liable if the dog has previously bitten anyone (“one-free-bite rule”), Pennsylvania does not allow a one-free-bite to escape liability. In Pennsylvania, if the dog owner knows or has reason to know of a dog’s dangerous propensities, the dog owner is responsible for the dog’s actions. The dog owner must always keep the dog under reasonable control. Under PA Act 119, the owner or keeper of a dog will be held responsible for paying the medical expenses of a bite victim. This will apply even if the dog has no prior history of aggressive behavior.
Under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law, a dog that bites another person must be placed in a kennel or another location approved by the investigating police officer, animal control officer, dog warden, or the Department of Health. The dog’s owner or keeper must pay for the kennel’s cost. The only exception to this isolation requirement is if the dog is a service dog or police dog.
Common Dog Bite Infections & Symptoms
If a dog bite goes untreated, the following issues could occur:
Group A Streptococcal Infections
Streptococcus is a type of bacteria that enters the body, often causing an infection in the skin or throat. Streptococcal infections can result in dizziness, fever, skin blistering, nausea, or vomiting. Infections can range from mild to severe.
Staphylococcal Infection
Staphylococcus is an infection caused by a bacterium usually found on the skin or in the nose. In dog bites, staph can lead to bacteremia, a bloodstream infection.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Boils: Painful, red lumps at the location of the bite
- Impetigo: Large blisters that leak fluid
- Cellulitis: Infection of the deeper layers of the skin
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: It generally affects babies and children. Symptoms can include fever, rash, and sometimes blisters. When the blisters break open, the top layer of the skin is removed, giving the skin a scalded appearance.
Capnocytophaga
This is a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of people, dogs, and cats. It can often cause an infection in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms frequently include blisters, redness, swelling, drainage, and tenderness at the site of the wound.
In more advanced cases, a patient may experience gangrene, a condition that causes tissue to die due to a lack of blood flow. If left untreated, toes, fingers, or any other limbs that have been without blood flow for any extended period of time may need to be amputated.
Speak with Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today
A dog bite can quickly become life-threatening. At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, we understand the financial hardship that a dog attack can place on your family and your own well-being. Contact us today online or by calling 570-622-2455 to schedule your free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.