In a May 16, 2012 report issued by State Farm, it stated that in 2011 they paid out 109 million dollars to resolve 3,800 dog bite claims nationwide. California had the most dog attack claims (527), followed by Illinois (309), Texas (219), Ohio (215) and Pennsylvania (197).

The national average State Farm dog bite settlement payment in 2011 was $28,684.00. Their PA dog bite payout average was approximately $30,000.00. The Insurance Information Institute estimated that nearly $479 million was paid out in 2011 by all insurance companies for dog bite attacks throughout the United States.

If you or a family member have been attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, you deserve to be represented by a PA dog bite lawyer with 30 years of experience. All 800-980-4842 to speak with Attorney Thomas J. Newell. A free home consultation is provided to all of his PA dog bite clients. Visit his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

The week of May 20 thru May 26 has been declared National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the U.S. Postal Service have joined forces to educate Americans about dog safety.

Some of the tips for dog owners:

** For those with children, Labrador Retrievers and collies usually are excellent family pets
** Avoid aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling or tug of war
** Keep up to date with all vaccinations, including rabies
** Neuter your dog
** Keep it on a leash in public areas

Some tips for parents/members of the public to avoid dog attacks:

** Never bother a dog while it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies
** Children should not run past an unrestrained dog

If you are threatened by a dog:

** Try to remain calm
** Avoid eye contact
** Stand still
** If knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and hands

If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, call 800-980-4842 to speak with Attorney Thomas J. Newell. Put his 30 years of experience to work for you. Attorney Newell represents dog bite victims throughout PA. See his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

On May 11, 2012, a Pottsville PA man and woman were seriously injured in their home when their 2 dogs attacked them. According to the republicanherald.com, the 2 “pit bull type” dogs began fighting each other, then turned on their owners.

Both Schuylkill County dog attack victims were medevaced to Lehigh Valley Hospital for treatment of numerous bite wounds. Pottsville Police and Health Officer Frank Spleen are reviewing the facts of this case in relation to Pottsville’s dangerous dog ordinance passed in August of 2011.

Injured by a neighbor’s vicious dog? Call 800-980-4842 to speak with Attorney Thomas J. Newell. He has represented dog attack victims in 14 different counties in Pennsylvania. Free home consultations are provided for all clients. See his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

On May 9, 2012, a Norristown PA dog owner was charged with several crimes, as well as violating the PA Dog Law after a dog attack at Fornance and Jupiter Streets. According to norristown.patch.com, two area residents were walking their dog when the defendant’s large black dog tried to attack them.

The Montgomery County PA dog attack victims tried to escape by entering a parked car. The vicious dog jumped on the vehicle to try to resume the attack. When police arrived, the aggressive dog charged the officer who brought it down with one shot. The Norristown dog owner then became belligerent with the police.

If you or a family member have been attacked by a dog anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Attorney Thomas J. Newell at 800-980-4842 to set up a free home consultation. Put Attorney Newell’s 30 years of experience to work for you. Visit his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

On May 7, 2012, the Schenectady City Council discussed a proposed bill that would require owners of all dogs 20 pounds and over to obtain liability insurance either as a homeowner or renter. The city solicitor noted that there have been several pit bull attacks in the town lately.

The pit bull owners did not have any insurance coverage and, therefore, the dog bite victims had no source of insurance money to compensate them for their pain and suffering, as well as medical bills. The proposed law covers all dogs, 20 lbs. and heavier, regardless of breed.

If you or a love one have been attacked by a dog anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Thomas J. Newell, Esq. at 800-980-4842 to arrange for a free home consultation. Attorney Newell currently represents PA dog bite victims in 9 different counties. See his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

On May 2, 2012, a York County Pennsylvania pit bull owner was fined $1,000.00 by York County Judge Craig T. Trebilcock. Chester Little had been found guilty on April 24, 2012 of multiple PA Dog Law charges after a vicious dog attack on June 1, 2010 in Hanover PA.

The York Dispatch quoted the Trial Judge as stating, “Considering what this victim has gone through . . . it hardly seems adequate . . . but that’s the law and we’re bound by it.” Chester Little has never apologized to the PA pit bull attack victim or his family.

Attorney Thomas J. Newell has represented dog attack victims in 15 different counties in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, call 800-980-4842 to set up a free home consultation. Visit Attorney Newell’s website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

A May 3, 2012 article from delmarvanow.com discussed a plan by the Mayor of Wilmington to eliminate current restrictions on pit bulls. Their owners must register the pit bull, have it pass a temperament test, keep it on a leash and muzzled while outside. Spaying/neutering is also required.

Pit bull owners complain about the “red tape” while others decry breed specific regulations. The Kent County SPCA Executive Director spoke against the current law: “It just penalizes people whether they’re good owners or bad owners.” Of course, the forgotten voices are those of the pit bull attack victims. Ajia Brown would not have been mauled with injuries so severe so as to require 17 surgeries if Chester Little’s pit bulls had been muzzled.

If you or a loved one have been attacked by a pit bull, call Thomas J. Newell, Esquire for a free home consultation at 800-980-4842. Attorney Newell represents dog bite victims throughout Pennsylvania. Visit PADogAttackLawyer.com.

An April 29, 2012 article on lehighvalleylive.com discusses a new approach to reducing stray animals, including dogs in the Lehigh Valley. Palmer Township will spend $400.00 on a hand-held scanner that can read microchips implanted under a pet’s skin. The City of Easton spends around $43,000.00 per year to pay for an animal control officer and fees to shelters to take in stray animals.

While installing microchips in pets is voluntary, the Northampton County municipality is hoping many animal owners spend the $62.60 fee to have the chips installed. A lost dog with an imbedded chip can be identified with the scanner and returned to its owner. Some animal shelters charge 3x as much to house a pit bull as compared to other dogs. By identifying pit bull owners, the Township hopes to save thousands of dollars.

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog in PA, call 800-980-4842 to speak with Attorney Thomas J. Newell. Put his 30 years of experience to work for you. Schedule a free home consultation now. Visit his website: PADogAttackLawyer.com.

On April 25, 2012, two pit bulls that were running loose in Philadelphia attacked a dog owned by an off-duty Philadelphia police officer. As described on abclocal.go.com, 2 brown colored pit bulls came into a park out of nowhere and attacked the innocent dog.

A bystander flagged down an on-duty cop to deal with the Philadelphia pit bull attack. The pitbulls charged the officer. He shot 1 of the pit bulls 3 times before it finally went down. The other pit bull escaped. They have identified the owner of the pit bulls. PA Dog Law charges are expected.

If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, call 800-980-4842 for a free home visit with Attorney Thomas J. Newell. See his website, PADogAttackLawyer.com, to read about his experience in representing PA personal injury victims since 1981.