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Bit by a dog in Pennsylvania? Facing medical expenses, days away from work, physical pain and emotional distress?

If you or your child were seriously injured, you may deserve compensation from the animal s owner.

Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is the first step in securing the reimbursement you need.

At Philly Dog Bite Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys believe you deserve the most effective legal representation. And for over 30 years, that s all we ve ever offered. Our approach is a blend of compassionate counsel and aggressive advocacy. With millions of dollars secured for our clients, we know our approach works.

We think you should, too.

Pennsylvania State law considers dogs personal property, and holds owners accountable for damages inflicted by their animals.

Section 459 502 of Pennsylvania s Dog Law states:

Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner or keeper of the dog.

In short, even minor injuries may be grounds for a successful claim against a dog s owner.

But Pennsylvania s Dog Laws are complex, a mix of common law principles adopted from British legal traditions, State legislation and interpretations determined in specific trials. The law divides both aggressive dogs and bite victims into multiple categories, treating each differently. Missing a subtle distinction is all it takes to sink a case.

You can find more information on Pennsylvania s Dog Laws here .

If you have a viable lawsuit, Pennsylvania s courts may award you a full range of damages. not just money to cover your doctor bills.

Compensation can include the wages you ve lost if you had to take time off work, a substantial sum if you have been disabled in some way and considerable amounts to make up for the pain and emotional hardship of living with a severe injury.  

But how do you know if you have a case at all?

The courts will consider several factors in determining the eligibility of your potential lawsuit. We ve provided a series of guides to help you consider those factors, too. But remember that none of these resources can replace the help of an experienced attorney, and nothing you read here should be interpreted as legal advice.

Are My Bite Injuries Serious?

If your injuries are considered serious, you may be able to pursue maximum compensation in a court of law.

For most victims, a dog bite will result only in minimal damage: light scrapes and bruising. But every year, 900,000 Americans are treated in US emergency rooms for dog bite injuries.

Many suffer from punctures and deep cuts, both at a high-risk of infection, particularly since a dog s mouth can harbor numerous infectious organisms. Crushed within powerful jaws, bone fractures are not uncommon.

So where does Pennsylvania s Dog Law draw the line between minor and severe ? Find out in our Dog Bite Injuries Risks guide here .

Was The Dog Dangerous ?

Pennsylvania recognizes some dogs as an imminent threat to public safety, and holds their owners to a higher standard.

If you were bitten by a dangerous dog, you may be entitled to compensation, no matter the severity of your injuries.

To find out how the State defines dangerous dogs, click here .

Was Someone Negligent?

Negligence is a simple concept. Enshrined in America s common law tradition, the doctrine of negligence holds citizens accountable for careless actions when those actions harm another person.

Owners Handlers

Pennsylvania State Law allows bite victims to pursue compensation from negligent dog owners whose disregard for public safety caused injury.

Negligence in a dog bite lawsuit often comes in the form of a violation of one of the State s animal confinement laws, but it doesn t have to.

Landlords

While neither Pennsylvania nor Federal Law have specific provisions in this regard, landlords can be held accountable for dog bites that occur on their property. In fact, landlords may be held responsible for the actions of their tenants animals.

If your landlord:

• knew a tenant s dog was dangerous, had the ability to control or confine the animal, but failed to
• failed to perform a bit of routine maintenance, like repairing a fence, and this failure increased the risk of an attack

they may be liable for any damages that resulted from the attack.

You can learn more about Philadelphia s dog laws and owner negligence here .

Most dog bites cause only minor injuries, and the majority are sustained by owners themselves. But when someone else s animal causes serious damage, Pennsylvania State law provides sweeping protections for the victim.

In order to secure the maximum compensation to which you are entitled, you ll need an aggressive personal injury lawyer, an outstanding advocate with years of experience in dog bite law.

If you were bitten, contact Philly Dog Bite Lawyers today. Our established team of personal injury attorneys has been advocating for the rights of injured individuals for over 30 years. In that time, we ve gained the thorough understanding of Pennsylvania s Dog Laws and successful trial experience your case deserves.

Call 215-437-0528 or fill out our contact form to speak with a lawyer immediately. In a free, no obligation consultation with one of our caring attorneys, you ll learn more about your rights and legal options. And if we can help, our services are completely free until we win your case .

We believe that our own success only comes with your success.