Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries — from deep lacerations and infections to permanent scarring and psychological trauma. If you or a loved one was bitten, the dog owner may be legally and financially responsible. We'll connect you with an experienced dog bite attorney — free.
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Dog attacks can happen anywhere — at a park, on a sidewalk, in someone's home. If you were bitten, you may have a case.
Deep puncture wounds, torn muscles, nerve damage, and broken bones from powerful bites. Under Pennsylvania law, the dog owner faces strict liability for medical costs when a bite causes severe injury.
Dog bites to the face, neck, and hands can cause permanent disfigurement and scarring that requires plastic surgery and long-term treatment. Scarring damages often significantly increase settlement value.
Dog bites carry serious infection risks including rabies, MRSA, pasteurella, and cellulitis. If a bite led to infection, hospitalization, or ongoing medical treatment, you may be entitled to substantial compensation.
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and often suffer the most serious injuries — including facial bites and lasting psychological trauma. Parents can file a claim on behalf of an injured child.
Mail carriers, delivery drivers, meter readers, and other workers who are lawfully on someone's property have strong claims when attacked by a dog. The property owner's homeowner's insurance typically covers these injuries.
If the dog had a history of aggression or had been designated as a “dangerous dog” under Pennsylvania law, the owner faces heightened liability and potential criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
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Pennsylvania has a two-tiered system for dog bite liability. For severe injuries (broken bones, disfigurement, or any bite requiring stitches or surgery), the dog owner is strictly liable for all medical costs — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. For minor injuries, you must prove the owner was negligent, such as failing to leash the dog or ignoring known aggressive behavior.
Pennsylvania historically followed a “one-bite rule” that gave dog owners a free pass for their dog's first bite. While the state's current law has moved beyond this for severe injuries (imposing strict liability), the negligence standard for minor bites still echoes this older rule. If the dog had a known history of aggression, it strengthens your case under either standard.
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. These policies typically include $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. However, some policies exclude specific breeds or may deny coverage for dogs with a bite history. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance process and push back against unfair denials.
Bitten by a dog? Find out what your case is worth.
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Get My Free Case ReviewUnder Pennsylvania's Dangerous Dog Law (3 P.S. § 459-502-A), a dog that has attacked a person or another domestic animal without provocation can be officially designated as a “dangerous dog.” Once designated, the owner must maintain $50,000 in liability insurance, keep the dog securely confined, and register it annually. Failure to comply can result in criminal charges and seizure of the dog.
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, emergency room visits, surgery costs, antibiotics and infection treatment, plastic surgery for scarring, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Bites that result in permanent scarring or disfigurement typically command higher settlements due to the lasting impact on the victim's quality of life.
The statute of limitations for dog bite claims is 2 years in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. You should seek medical attention immediately after a bite and document your injuries with photographs. The sooner you involve an attorney, the easier it is to identify the dog owner, obtain insurance information, and preserve evidence of the attack.
Dog bites aren't the only situations where YourMedLegal can help. If you were in a car accident, truck accident, motorcycle accident, or rideshare accident, we can connect you with the right attorney. We also handle workers' compensation, slip and fall, and medical malpractice cases. Learn how YourMedLegal works.
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