Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws: Can You Hold the Owner Responsible?

Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional trauma. Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, attacked in a public park, or injured while visiting someone’s home, it’s natural to wonder about your legal options. Under Pennsylvania dog bite laws, victims may be entitled to compensation, but establishing dog owner liability in Pennsylvania depends on several key factors. Understanding your rights and speaking with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer can help you take informed steps after an injury.

Strict Liability for Medical Costs

Pennsylvania follows a form of strict liability when it comes to medical expenses after a dog bite. This means that if a dog injures someone, whether by biting or causing another type of injury, the dog’s owner is automatically liable for the victim’s medical costs, even if the dog has no history of aggression.

However, strict liability only applies to medical bills. If you wish to recover other damages, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress, you must prove that the dog owner was negligent or knew the dog had dangerous tendencies.

When Is the Dog Owner Negligent?

Negligence plays a major role in determining dog owner liability in Pennsylvania. A dog owner may be considered negligent if they:

• Failed to leash, confine, or properly control their dog
• Ignored signs of aggressive behavior or previous biting incidents
• Violated local leash laws or ordinances

To succeed in a negligence claim, the injured person must show that the dog owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the bite and that this failure led to the injury.

Does the “One Bite Rule” Apply in Pennsylvania?

Unlike states with a traditional “one bite rule,” Pennsylvania dog bite laws do not require a prior attack for a victim to pursue a claim. However, the dog’s history can influence the outcome. The owner may face greater liability and potential punitive damages if the dog was previously declared “dangerous” or had known aggressive tendencies.

Dogs may be classified as dangerous if they have:

• Injured a person without provocation
• Attacked a domestic animal while off the owner’s property
• A documented history of threatening or violent behavior

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania

If you or a loved one has been bitten, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries
• Report the bite to local animal control or authorities
• Gather evidence, including witness statements and photos of the scene
• Consult a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer to understand your options

An experienced attorney can help you navigate insurance issues, build a strong claim, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Speak with a Skilled Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog bites are traumatic, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our knowledgeable attorney can explain how Pennsylvania dog bite laws apply to your situation and whether you can hold the owner accountable. Call Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson at (215) 731-9900 today to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer about your case.