It can be a harrowing experience to be attacked by a dog, especially if you are alone or are fearful of dogs with no help available. One of PAFSS' clients found herself in this position while walking her own dog when she was approached and menaced by a dog known in the community to be aggressive and had attacked people and other dogs in the neighborhood on previous occasions.
While our client tried to get away, she became tangled in her own dogs leash and fell fracturing her hip. The defendants denied that the dog had vicious propensities and the matter proceeded through discovery. As a result of the fractured hip, the client had an open reduction with internal fixation of the hip, but eventually needed a total hip replacement. Richard Apat after taking all the defendants depositions and proving that the dog did have dangerous propensity was able to obtain a $750,000 settlement before trial.
In handling cases such as this, a thorough investigation must be done of the propensities of the dog; witnesses and neighbors need to be spoken to the mailmen or even the local legislator. PAFSS has extensive experience handling dog attack cases. If you or someone you love is ever injured by a dog, you should consult with counsel right away in order to ensure an early and thorough investigation is conducted.
