Pottsville Dog Bite Attorneys
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 you have been bitten by a dog, our Pottsville dog bite lawyers 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 in which a dog owner is liable if the dog had previously bitten anyone in the past (“one-free-bite rule”), Pennsylvania does not allow 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 also keep the dog under reasonable control at all times. 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 who 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 owner or keeper of the dog must pay for the kennel 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 infections 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 can result in dizziness, fever, skin blistering, nausea, or vomiting. Infections can range from mild to severe.
Staphylococcal Infection
Staphylococcal is an infection that is caused by a bacterium that is usually found on the skin or in the nose. In dog bites, staph can lead to bacteremia, which is an infection of the bloodstream.
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: Generally, it 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
Commonly found in the mouths of people, dogs, and cats, Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria that can often cause an infection in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Capnocytophaga often 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 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 Pottsville, PA, Dog Bite Lawyer Immediately
A dog bite can quickly become life-threatening. At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., 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.