Dog bites and attacks often result in severe injuries. In the worst cases, injuries can be fatal. If the victim survives, the injuries can result in amputations and severe disfigurement. Skin grafts and multiple reconstructive surgeries are often necessary.
Recovering Damages in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawsuit
In a dog bite tort lawsuit in Pennsylvania, the victim can recover for medical bills and lost wages, or what are grouped together as “financial damages.” These damages include not only the economic damages which have already been incurred, they also include future damages such as future lost wages or future medical treatment. Victims can also recover for often devastating injuries themselves, or the pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Presenting Evidence of Pain and Suffering in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Case
Adequately presenting the extent of the pain and suffering damages in a dog bite case involves presenting sufficient evidence. Presentation of evidence in a dog bite case requires sensitivity to the victim, the injuries themselves, and the long term hardships caused by injuries.
There are two kinds of evidence – demonstrative and testimonial. Demonstrative evidence is in the form of pictures, diagrams, videos, etc. Testimonial evidence is testimony of the victim, the victim’s family and friends, etc.
In a dog bite jury trial, it is important to strike the right balance between the demonstrative and testimonial evidence. Depending on the case, pictures or x-ray films showing fractures and placement of pins and screws can be more compelling than testimony.
In general, people tend to downplay their suffering and take on an “I’m okay” demeanor when asked questions about their injuries. This is a natural, human reaction. In addition, victims are often nervous at their depositions and even more so at trial. These factors may result in a less than ideal picture of the extent of the pain and suffering.
Therefore, family members, co-workers, employers, friends, etc. can all provide powerful testimonial evidence as to the extent of the damages. For instance, co-workers may be able to testify that prior to the attack, the victim was outgoing and liked to socialize with co-workers and after the attack, the victim hardly socialized and was instead withdrawn and isolated. This is an example of the kind of testimony which may help drive home the extent of the pain and suffering in a Pennsylvania dog bite case.
Related Pennsylvania Dog Bite & Attack Legal Articles:
- Pennsylvania Dog Leashing Requirements & Failure to Contain a Dog
- What is a “Dangerous Dog” Under Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dog Law?
- New Jersey Dog Attack Lawsuit – What You Have to Prove
Pennsylvania Dog Bite & Attack Lawyers
For more information, contact a Pennsylvania dog bite and animal attack lawyer. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation.
The personal injury and dog bite lawyers at Schwartz & Blackman handle cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: September 26, 2012