This is an example how easily it is to be injured and how important it is for a property owner to be responsible to ensure the safety of others. Our client was a guest of the defendant and enjoying a walk when she was attacked and knocked over by one of four large dogs owned by the defendant dog owner. Serious injuries followed due to the aggression of the dog including an acute non-displaced avulsion fracture and ligament tear of the left leg, tear of the medial collateral ligament in the left leg and also permanent loss of motion in her leg. These were devastating injuries to our client and left her in fear.
According to Pennsylvania law, a dangerous dog can be determined by looking at a number of elements within Statute 502-A which states that “[a]ny person who has been attacked by one or more dogs, or anyone on behalf of the person, a person whose domestic animal, dog or cat has been killed or injured without provocation.” Further, the owner of a dog that is deemed to be dangerous will be guilty of harboring a danger dog if the following four elements are found beyond a reasonable doubt. First, the dog has inflicted serious injury on a human being without provocation, on public or private property. Second, the dog has killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal, dog or cat without provocation while off the owner’s property. Third, the dog has been used in the commission of a crime and fourth, the dog has attacked a human being without provocation. The dog also needs to have a history of attacking other people or pets without provocation or has shown a propensity to attack. The propensity to attack may be proven with only one incident of the conduct described in the four elements.
The Commonwealth clearly felt that a stringent approach to handling dangerous dogs was necessary to keep citizens of Pennsylvania safe. Pennsylvania does not want other non-provoking citizens to be subject to such harsh injuries by dogs. Therefore, the owner needs to be held accountable and there should be consequences for the actions of their dogs. The injuries required a tremendous number of hours for our client to rehab the area that needed recovery and she was temporarily forced out of work. Our client should never have been forced to dedicate such effort to her own health in order to recover from injuries. It was an unfortunate circumstance that our client was not at fault for. After a number of months, Ciccarelli Law Offices successfully compensated our client for her injuries with a gross settlement.
Our attorneys are here to help lead you through the difficult times that follow a personal injury that is not your fault. Ciccarelli Law Offices are headquartered in West Chester but also have offices in many of the surrounding counties. If someone else is liable for the injuries you have sustained, you should be compensated for the costs of your injuries and the rehab required for a full recovery. Our experienced Personal Injury attorneys are persistent and successful in our cases for all of our clients who have experienced personal injuries. Call us for more information or any questions you may have at 610-692-8700 or toll free at 877-529-2422.i