Dog Bite Lawyer Pennsylvania

Dog bites can result in significant physical and emotional trauma. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, Porta-Clark & Ward is here to fight for your rights. Our dog bite lawyers are experienced in handling these types of cases and will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Pennsylvania

Dog bites are a serious concern in Pennsylvania, causing both physical and emotional trauma to victims. In many cases, dog bites lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and even long-term injuries. Knowing what steps to take after a dog bite can be crucial in recovering damages and protecting your rights. Pennsylvania has specific laws that outline the responsibilities of dog owners and the rights of victims. Understanding these laws is essential for anyone who has been bitten or injured by a dog.

Dog Owner Liability
In Pennsylvania, a dog owner, keeper, or handler is responsible for ensuring that their dogs do not cause injury to others. If a dog bites someone, the owner will be strictly liable to that person for his or her medical bills. However, whether additional compensation is due to the injured person is dependent upon a series of factors. Full compensation is only available against the owner, keeper or handler of a dog if that person was negligent or knew the dog had dangerous propensities.

For example, if a dog gets loose from its enclosure, an injured person must prove that the owner was negligent in allowing the dog to get loose. This can be proved by showing that the enclosure was defective or deficient or that the dog had gotten loose on other occasions.

If a dog exhibits dangerous propensities before biting the present victim, a dog owner will be liable for pain and suffering as well. This knowledge can be established by showing that the dog previously barked viciously, lunged at others, jumped on people, and/or bit someone or another dog before the present dog bite.

Additionally, if the dog has already been ruled “dangerous” under the law, the owner will become liable if the dog bites someone.

As with any law, there are exceptions to these general rules. You should always consult with an attorney to learn what rules apply to your situation, what your rights are, and whether you have
a case.

Landlord Liability
A landlord may be held liable for injuries by animals owned and maintained by his tenant when the landlord has knowledge of the presence of the dangerous animal and where he has the right to control or remove the animal by retaking possession of the premises. Palermo v. Nails (Pa. Super. Ct. 1984) 334 Pa. Super. 544, 547. It is much more difficult to prove that a landlord was aware of the existence of a dangerous dog on the property, especially when the landlord does not live at the property.

The “One Bite Rule” and Its Impact

While strict liability is the primary rule in Pennsylvania, there is also the one bite rule, which is relevant in certain circumstances. The one bite rule states that a dog owner may only be held liable for a bite if the dog has previously shown dangerous behavior or aggression. If the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner was unaware of any risk of aggression, this rule may come into play.

This rule primarily applies to situations where the dog has not bitten anyone previously, but there is a history of aggressive behavior, such as growling or showing signs of hostility toward others. The owner must have had knowledge or reason to know that the dog could bite, and that knowledge can make the owner liable under this rule.

Proving Liability After a Dog Bite

If you have been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to provide certain evidence to prove that the dog owner is liable for your injuries. This includes:

Medical records: Documenting the extent of your injuries and the treatment you received is crucial in proving the severity of the bite and the costs involved.
Witness testimony: Eyewitnesses who saw the incident can be valuable in establishing the details of the attack, such as the dog’s behavior and whether the owner was negligent in controlling their pet.
Photographs: Photos of your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog involved can help strengthen your case.
Previous complaints or history of aggression: If the dog has previously attacked or exhibited aggressive behavior, it can support your claim that the dog owner should have known about the risks.

Your attorney can help you gather and organize this evidence to build a strong case for compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases

In Pennsylvania, dog bite victims have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, is typically two years from the date of the incident. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, you must file your claim within two years of the attack. Failing to file within this timeframe may result in the loss of your right to sue for damages.

It’s important to act quickly if you’ve been bitten, not only to preserve your right to sue but also to ensure that evidence is still fresh and accessible. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help you navigate the legal process and meet all necessary deadlines.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

If you have been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania and can prove that the owner is liable, you may be entitled to several types of compensation for your injuries. Some common damages that may be awarded in dog bite cases include:

Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment.
Pain and suffering: If your injury causes long-term physical or emotional distress, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering.
Lost wages: If you are unable to work because of your injury, you may be compensated for lost income during your recovery.
Permanent disability or disfigurement: In cases where the dog bite results in permanent scars, physical limitations, or other long-term disabilities, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
Emotional distress: Dog bites can be traumatic, and victims may suffer from anxiety, fear, or PTSD after the attack. Compensation may be awarded for emotional damages as well.

The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the level of negligence involved, and the long-term impact the injury has on your life.

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites

In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the costs associated with a dog bite. Homeowners insurance typically includes liability coverage for accidents that occur on the property, including dog bites. If the dog owner has insurance, it may cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

However, if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, or if the insurance doesn’t cover dog bites, you may need to pursue compensation directly from the dog owner. In these cases, it’s important to work with an attorney to help negotiate a fair settlement or pursue legal action.

Preventing Dog Bites

While dog bites are a serious issue, many accidents can be prevented with proper care and caution. Dog owners in Pennsylvania should take steps to ensure their pets are properly trained and under control at all times. This includes:

Leashing the dog: When in public spaces, dogs should be leashed to prevent them from running free and potentially attacking someone.
Proper training: Dogs should be trained to behave appropriately around people and other animals.
Warning signs: If a dog has a history of aggression, owners should warn others and take necessary precautions to prevent attacks.

Victims of dog bites should also exercise caution when approaching unfamiliar animals. Avoid startling a dog or provoking it in any way, as this can trigger an attack.

Hold Negligent Dog Owners Accountable with a Dog Bite Attorney

If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It’s important to gather evidence, file your claim promptly, and consult with an attorney to navigate the legal process. Porta-Clark & Ward is dedicated to helping victims of dog attacks seek justice and fair compensation. Call (412) 921-7350 today to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney about your case. With the right guidance, you can ensure that you are fairly compensated for the harm caused by the dog bite