Bitten by a Dog?
Contact PA Dog Attack Lawyer
- PERKASIE, PA
1282 Route 113
P.O. Box 178
Bucks County
Perkasie, Pennsylvania 18944
610-462-8853 - BETHLEHEM, PA
Northampton County
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018
610-866-0469 - STROUDSBURG, PA
Monroe County
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360
570-421-0893 - ALLENTOWN, PA
Lehigh County
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
610-432-4160 - EASTON, PA
Northampton County
Easton, Pennsylvania 18042
610-258-6470 - LANSDALE, PA
Montgomery County
Lansdale, Pennsylvania 19446
215-368-5545 - LEHIGHTON, PA
Carbon County
Lehighton, Pennsylvania 18235
610-377-2134 - QUAKERTOWN, PA
Bucks County
Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951
215-538-5350
DOG BITE LAWYER?
Girl’s Family Reaches Settlement With Pit Bull Owners
The Legal Intelligencer 11/23/15
According to the plaintiff’s attorney, Thomas Newell, by having the insurance company pay the annuity services company directly, the payments disbursed by the annuity company are tax-free.
Newell said Falyn’s doctor opined that the scar might be permanent, even with further treatments.
According to the petition, the plaintiffs determined that organizing the settlement funds in a structured settlement annuity was in the best interest of both parties. Newell also noted that both parties agreed that it would be in the child’s best interest to handle the case prelitigation.
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Surviving a Dog Attack
WHP – CBS21 News Harrisburg, PA 11/10/14
“Every day, I’m contacted by people who’ve been attacked by unrestrained dogs,” said attorney Thomas Newell. He has spent the last 34 years representing dog bite victims.
“This problem is literally an epidemic,” Newell said.
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Life-altering dog bite for little girl
The Pocono Record 08/15/14
But attorney Thomas Newell, who has worked with dog bite cases for decades, rejected Boyd’s argument. Children under the age of 7 cannot be accountable for their actions, such as provoking a dog.
“What in the world could, physically, a 14-month-old child do to appropriately provoke a pit bull mauling?” Newell asked, adding that a dog that does not like children should not be in a home with children.
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Biteless Prior Incident Enough for Punitives Claim in Dog-Bite Case
The Legal Intelligencer 7/22/14
According to Thomas J. Newell, who represented plaintiff Mandy S. Bitting in the case, the decision is the first instance of a judge allowing a plaintiff to seek punitive damages in a cases where the dog had not previously bitten people.
The decision also held that Bitting could pursue recovery of medical costs based on strict liability claims, as opposed to claims involving negligence or negligence perse, and allowed Bitting to introduce evidence regarding a post-incident event that involved a co-worker of Bitting’s nearly being bitten by the same dogs after the owner had been charged with failing to restrain them, Newell said.
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Attorney says judge’s decision in dog bite case set precedent for victims
Fox43 News 7/11/14
Newell said the judge has set two precedents in the case by allowing him to use as evidence, a prior act, and one that happened after the attack, in which the dogs were aggressive to other Fed-Ex workers, but did not actually attack them.
“It allows me to say to the public, if you own a dog, and your dog starts pursuing people, you are now put on notice that we have the right to come after you, and to hold you accountable. Even if the victim in the prior incident is not injured,” said Newell.
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Judge allows multiple theories for punitive damages by dog bite victim
The Pennsylvania Record 7/11/14
According to Thomas Newell, a veteran dog bite lawyer, the decision to overrule four of five objections will allow him to present seven legal theories to a Dauphin County jury, including one that establishes the dog’s vicious propensities even though there were no previous physical attacks.
“I am unaware of any prior court decisions allowing a dog bite victim to pursue punitive damages via multiple legal theories,” said Newell in a statement. “Equally important is my belief that this is the first Pennsylvania legal opinion that allows a dog bite victim to pursue a punitive damage claim without proof of any prior or subsequent physical attack upon another person or animal.”
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It’s Official: Letting your horse roam is reckless
The Morning Call 4/3/2014
“If you own an animal that is capable of inflicting pain, injury or somehow disrupting society, you’re responsible to constrain it,” said Perkasie attorney Thomas Newell, who represents people attacked by dogs.
Newell noted the state Supreme Court in February upheld a similar Superior Court opinion allowing dog owners who let their animals run free to be charged with a crime regardless of whether they intended to do so.
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Freemansburg dog bite victim says Pennslyvania dog laws don’t do enough
Lehigh Valley Live 3/16/2014
Both Pfeiffer and Thomas Newell, a Bucks County attorney whose law practice focuses on representing dog bite victims, said even when dogs aren’t confiscated, their owners often get rid of them if they’re deemed a dangerous dog in Pennsylvania or a so-called potentially dangerous dog in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania also requires that signs be posted, a $500 annual fee be paid, as well as liability insurance coverage up to $50,000, Newell said.
“It’s very strenuous,” he said. “The dog is often put down for financial reasons or liability reasons or fear that the dog will bite again.”
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Central Pa. man sued by deliverywoman over dog attack that allegedly left plaintiff physically and psychologically injured
Pennsylvania Record 12/31/2013
Mandy Bitting was making a delivery in connection with her job for a company that contracts on behalf of Federal Express on that winter day last year when she was attacked by three dogs, believed to be boxers, according to the complaint, which was filed at the Dauphin County Common Pleas Court by personal injury lawyer Thomas J. Newell.
Newell claims the situation warrants the awarding of punitive damages because of the entirety of the circumstances; the dogs either attacked, or nearly attacked, visitors on three separate occasions, and the defendant has apparently yet to change his ways.
Newell noted that other visitors to the home, including public workers, law enforcement personnel or neighbors, could meet a fate similar to that of the plaintiff if the defendant continues to keep his property in an unsafe condition.
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Family of Young Pa. Girl Who Lost Portion of Nose in Dog Attack Secures $300K Settlement
Pennsylvania Record 11/15/2013
A suburban Philadelphia attorney has secured a $300,000 settlement for the family of a young girl whose nose was partially bitten off by a neighbor’s dog two-and-a-half years ago.
Thomas J. Newell, a lawyer from Perkasie, Bucks County, recently announced the settlement in a case initiated by Andrew and Melissa Boyd, of Fairfield, Pa., who sued on behalf of their daughter, who is now 9 years old.
Newell, who said his practice niche is dog bites – he has represented attack victims from 19 different counties in Pennsylvania – said he filed suit after the defendants’ homeowners insurance company failed to respond to his demand for compensation.
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Montco Lawyer Wins $300,000 For Dog Bite Victim
The Mercury News 11/8/2013
Attorney Thomas Newell, 57, of Worcester, says that on April 13, 2011, a 6-year-old girl went to her friend’s house in Fairfield, and as she was opening the door, the dog jumped out and bit off a portion of her nose. Surgeons were able to re-attach the nose, although the girl went through 23, two-hour sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, which is supposed to help grow the skin tissue back.
After the surgery, Newell filed a lawsuit in Adams County for punitive damages, which insurance companies do not pay. However, after the insurance company received Newell’s 13-page suit, he said, the insurance company decided to pay in the sum of $300,000.
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Fairfield Dog-Bite Victim Gets Settlement
The Evening Sun 11/8/2013
A Fairfield girl bitten by a pit bull three years ago when she was 6 was awarded a $300,000 settlement Tuesday in an Adams County civil suit.
Newell, a Pennsylvania attorney with a concentration in dog-bite cases, said Chaos’ owners, Richard and Joyce Sprouse, had the pit bull euthanized.
Newell said the payments are being made through the Sprouses’ home insurance agency, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company.
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Dog Bite Victim Will Receive Settlement
The Gettysburg Times 11/7/2013
Newell’s complaint alleged that the Sprouse’s male pit bull, Chaos, came through the front door and attacked Brooke-Ann, leading to the partial amputation of her nose.
Newell said the $300,000 settlement was the maximum possible in this particular case. Lump sum payouts will be made when Brooke-Ann is 18-21, according to Newell.
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Worcester Lawyer Wins Dog Bite Victim $300,000
The Times Herald 11/6/2013
After the surgery, Newell filed a lawsuit in Adams County for punitive damages, which insurance companies do not pay. However, after the insurance company received Newell’s 13-page suit, he said, the insurance company decided to pay in the sum of $300,000. After lawyer’s fees and medical expenses, the victim will receive $287,650. Newell said was happy he was able to reach a settlement with the insurance company.
In 1995 Newell secured a $479,000 settlement after a German shepherd bit a young boy on the face in Worcester. Prior to this case, which came to a final conclusion Tuesday, he helped secure a $508,000 settlement after a two-year negotiation process with an insurance company for a dog bite injury. He has represented clients in 19 different counties in Pennsylvania for dog bite related injuries.
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Dog Bite Victim Will Receive Settlement
Gettysburg Times 11/7/2013
A Fairfield couple will receive a $300,000 settlement after their daughter was attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull, according to the family’s lawyer.
“This is, by any stretch, a significant amount of money to come away with in an Adams County setting,” said Thomas Newell, the attorney who filed a civil lawsuit in Adams County on behalf of Brooke-Ann’s parents, Andrew and Melissa Boyd.
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Does Pennsylvania Law Need More Teeth To Deal With Dog Attacks?
The Tribune-Democrat 8/11/2013
Thomas Newell, a personal injury attorney who concentrates in dog bites, said the reports to state dog wardens are only the tip of the iceberg. Many dog attacks are investigated by police or local authorities. Pennsylvania does not require police to report dog bite complaints to the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Newell said that the stringent requirements for keeping dangerous dogs, plus the penalties if a registered dangerous dog ever attacks again, deter almost all owners from seeking to have animals placed on the registry.
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PA Dog Bite Victim Seeks Damages
Wilkes – Barre Times Leader 4/13/2013
The dog bit off a portion of Brooke-Ann’s nose and inflicted a deep cut on her cheek, according to the complaint. Brooke-Ann was then rushed to Meritus Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery. At the time, surgeons were able to re-attach a portion of her nose that was found on the Sprouses’ porch, said Thomas Newell, the attorney representing the Boyd family.
Brooke-Ann underwent 23 separate hyperbaric oxygen treatment therapy sessions, but doctors were not able to save the re-attached portion of the nose and several facial reconstruction surgeries were scheduled, Newell said. The first took place in June 2012 and more are scheduled in upcoming years
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Couple Hoping Dog Bite Lawsuit Can Be Settled With Insurance Company
The Gettysburg Times 04/13/2013
An attorney representing a Fairfield couple who is seeking payment for damages caused by a pit bull attack is currently in litigation with the homeowners’ insurance company.
Andrew and Melissa Boyd, of Fairfield, are seeking damages for severe injuries to one of their children due to a pit bull attack. The pit bull owners are Richard and Joyce Sprouse, of Fairfield, the Boyds’ neighbors.
The Boyds’ attorney, Thomas J. Newell, said a trial in front of a jury is the last possible step in litigation if earlier steps do not yield a resolution.
“(Filing the complaint) is the ‘A’ of litigation, not the ‘Z,’” said Newell, who said he has represented dog attack victims in 17 different Pennsylvania counties. The next step will involve litigation between Newell and the Sprouse’s home owners’ insurance company.
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Allentown Couple Sue Over Dog Attack That Left Woman With Serious Injuries
Lehigh Valley Express Times 4/1/2013
The attack resulted in summary charges against Jamil Hanna and District Judge Michael D’Amore on Nov. 30 found him guilty of harboring a dangerous dog and confinement of dogs, court records say.
The suit, filed by attorney Thomas Newell, says the Hannas, of the 700 block of East Liberty Street in Allentown, were negligent and careless in their failure to properly restrain and supervise the dog, which has a history of aggressive behavior.
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Guilty Plea In Allentown Pit Bull Attack
Allentown Morning Call 3/28/2013
Howard had no insurance for a dog attack. A bricklayer who was recently laid off, he agreed to a payment plan to pay the medical bills. Thomas Newell, the victim’s attorney, said he will investigate whether the landlord’s insurance company has any liability in the case.
Meanwhile, Oreo is recovering well. Tittel described the 6-year-old dog as a “tough little guy.”
Jesperger said Oreo will have another surgery soon to remove the wires keeping his jaw together.
“He’s eating OK,” she said. “Soft foods only.”
Jesperger and her father are doing well, and Oreo is getting better.
“He still has nightmares about that day,” Tittel said. “He wakes up crying at night.”
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Allentown Man Faces New Charges In Salisbury Township Pit Bull Attack
Lehigh Valley Express Times 03/01/2013
Police initially charged Howard with violating a township ordinance, but after further investigation decided state charges are more appropriate, according to Jesberger’s attorney Thomas Newell.
“I’m very pleased that the police re-evaluated it and took a broad view of this situation and came to the conclusion that Pennsylvania dog law, with all its due force and effect, would be the path that they would follow,” Newell said.
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Local Lawyer Gets $508K Settlement In Pit Bull Mauling
Doylestown Intelligencer 12/02/2012
A Perkasie lawyer who specializes in dog bite litigation announced Monday that he secured a $508,613 settlement in the case of an 8-year-old boy who was mauled by two pit bulls in 2010.
Attorney Thomas J. Newell represents Ajia Brown, a Connecticut boy who was visiting a York County residence with his family June 1, 2010. Ajia was playing outside about 9:20 p.m. when the dogs escaped from an enclosed pen behind the home and attacked him.
According to Newell, the dogs knocked the boy to the ground. One began biting his head and face, the other his lower torso. The boy’s mother jumped on top of her son to save his life, Newell said. Neighbors came out and began hitting the pit bulls with garden hoses and a shovel.
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2-Year-Old Dog Bite Victim’s Mom Wins $135K Settlement In Monroe County
Pocono Record, 12/07/2011
A Kunkletown woman recently won a $135,255.27 settlement after her 2-year-old daughter was bitten in the face by a loose dog in April 2010, Perkasie attorney Thomas Newell said.
The woman dropped her daughter off for babysitting at her sister’s Albrightsville home. She was told her sister’s mixed-breed dog, which had been aggressive in the past, would be secured, Newell said.
Someone let the dog loose and it bit the 2-year-old. An Easton plastic surgeon gave the girl six facial injections and about 40 facial stitches at Pocono Medical Center, Newell said.
Newell said he got Monroe County Court permission to accept the structured settlement from the girl’s aunt’s homeowner insurance company.
DISCLAIMER
The PA dog attack lawyer has aggressively represented PA dog bite victims in 38 Pennsylvania Counties. The content of this website is for informational purposes only and is NOT legal advice for your specific Pennsylvania dog attack claim. Settlements/verdicts in other PA dog bite claims were based upon the unique set of liability and damage facts of each case, as well as the law that existed at that time.
The PA Dog Law and the legal decisions regarding Pennsylvania dog bite lawsuits can change at any time. Attorney Newell strongly advises you to immediately consult with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to review the facts of your dog attack and the injuries you sustained. The PA dog attack attorney provides free home consultations to all PA dog bite victims whose cases he believes have legal and economic merit.
