By: Matthew H. Fry, Esquire
It’s Spring again – or so the calendar says. Eventually, when the rainy and chilly weather finally ends, you and your family will be outside and enjoying the sunny, warm weather. Chances are there will then be many dogs out for a walk or playing in the park. Inevitably, there will be more encounters with dogs and their owners. So as always, proper care must be taken to ensure the safety of your loved ones and yourself.
While most encounters with dogs go well, on occasion you may encounter an aggressive or frightened dog, and injuries can result. Pennsylvania law imposes on dog owners a duty to make sure their dogs do not injure others. In fact, if the dog owner knows his or her dog has a propensity to act aggressively or bite, Pennsylvania law requires specific actions on the part of the dog owner, which can include registration. In addition, local laws typically require dogs to be either fenced in or on a leash, and the failure of the dog owner to make sure that his or her dog does not escape could make him or her liable for injuries. While injuries by dogs are typically caused by bites, even a friendly dog who knocks over a child or runs after an older adult who then falls could subject the dog owner to liability.
To prevent such injuries, dog owners should always follow local pet laws and ordinances pertaining to their dog. Dog owners should keep their dog in a fenced-in and well-secured yard or on a strong well-controlled leash, and warn others nearby if their dog is aggressive or has the tendency to bite or run after people.
In the event you or someone in your family is bitten by a dog, or chased by or knocked down by a dog, and as a result suffers an injury, you should seek prompt medical attention and report the incident to the police. Bites can cause infection, so it is always important to get any wound examined and treated quickly by a medical professional.
Our law firm helps people who have been injured by the carelessness of dog owners. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to consult with an attorney, please contact Matthew H. Fry, Esquire at 610-565-5700 or email at [email protected].
The Law Firm of DiOrio & Sereni, LLP is a full-service law firm in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We strive to help people, businesses and institutions throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania solve legal problems – and even prevent legal problems before they occur. To learn more about the full range of our specific practice areas, please visit www.dioriosereni.com.
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