When a dog attack leaves you or a loved one with injuries, medical bills, and trauma, a Philadelphia dog bite attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the responsible parties.

To receive the compensation you deserve, call Geary Law at (215)656-4050.

Philadelphia Dog Bite Guide

Key Takeaways – Philadelphia Dog Bites

  • Pennsylvania’s dog bite liability statute holds dog owners strictly liable for a victim’s medical expenses even if the dog has no history of aggression, but victims must prove owner negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous nature to recover full compensation for all losses.
  • Dog bite victims may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and psychological trauma, such as PTSD.
  • Time limits for filing claims are strict, typically two years from the date of the attack, making it essential to consult an attorney quickly to preserve your legal rights.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable to severe dog bite injuries, especially to the face and neck, often requiring specialized medical treatment and resulting in permanent scarring.
  • Contact a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer at Geary Law immediately after an attack to document your injuries, identify liable parties, and begin building your case while the evidence is fresh.

Where Geary Law is Found in Philadelphia

You can find the Geary Law office in Philadelphia at 1845 Walnut Street, 25th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. We are close to Rittenhouse Square Park, which features places to relax, museums and the Philadelphia Episcopal Church. Call us anytime at (215)656-4050.

Understanding Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania law holds dog owners strictly liable for medical costs from bites (3 P.S. § 459-502), regardless of prior aggression. To recover compensation for all losses, including pain, suffering, and lost income, you must prove the owner was negligent or knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities. Pennsylvania courts no longer strictly apply the common law one free bite rule. Local ordinances in Philadelphia also support a negligence claim.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks, especially by large or aggressive breeds, cause severe injuries. Common injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations with high infection risks, and facial injuries, particularly in children, often leading to permanent scarring and psychological trauma.

Deep bites can cause nerve damage, resulting in loss of sensation or motor function. Bone fractures may occur when victims are knocked down or bones are crushed, often requiring surgery. Psychological trauma, like PTSD and anxiety, is significant and can persist long after physical wounds heal, impacting quality of life.

Identify Liable Parties in Philadelphia Dog Bite Cases

Identifying all potentially liable parties is vital to ensuring you recover full compensation. While the dog’s owner is the most obvious defendant, other parties may share responsibility.

Property owners where the attack occurred may be liable if they knew an aggressive dog was on their premises. They may also be liable if they failed to warn visitors or take reasonable precautions. Landlords can be held responsible if they know a tenant’s dog is dangerous and fail to take action.

Dog walkers, pet sitters, and kennel operators who had temporary custody of the dog, at the time of the attack, may be liable. This applies if they negligently failed to control the animal.

In some cases, parents may be liable for bites by their children’s dogs. In rare circumstances, manufacturers of defective leashes, collars, or enclosures that failed and allowed the dog to escape may share responsibility.

Why Retain Legal Support from Our Philadelphia Dog Bite Attorneys at Geary Law

Dog bite cases require attorneys who understand Pennsylvania’s specific laws governing animal attacks. They also need experience dealing with insurance companies that defend dog owners.

At Geary Law, our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers have successfully represented numerous victims of dog attacks. We’ve secured compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Dog Bite in Philadelphia? FAQs

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases is generally two years from the date of the attack. Exceptions may apply for minor children or in cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering any compensation.

Consult a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack to preserve your rights.

Trespassing can limit dog bite compensation, though exceptions exist for children, implied permission, or unreasonable owner response. An attorney can assess your claim.

Pennsylvania’s strict liability law requires the dog owner to cover all of your medical costs, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. However, to recover full compensation, including damages for pain, suffering, and lost income, you must prove the owner was negligent.

You can prove negligence by showing the owner violated a law, such as Pennsylvania leash laws or a local leash ordinance, or knew the dog showed a propensity for aggression in the past, even without a prior bite.

Whether a dog is euthanized depends on animal control authorities and local laws rather than your injury claim. Factors that influence this decision include the severity of the attack, the dog’s history of aggression, and whether it’s classified as a dangerous dog under local ordinances. 

Pursuing compensation for your injuries through civil litigation is separate from animal control proceedings. You have the right to seek compensation regardless of what happens to the dog.

The distinction between a general bite and a severe injury is crucial because it affects the compensation you can recover. Pennsylvania law defines a severe injury as any physical injury that results in broken bones, disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures, or cosmetic surgery.

If a severe injury occurs, a victim has a stronger basis to pursue full compensation, including pain and suffering and lost wages, even if the owner lacked prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous nature.

Contact a Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer at Geary Law

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a dog attack, don’t wait to seek legal help. The physical and emotional recovery process is challenging enough without the added stress of fighting with insurance companies.

A Philadelphia personal injury attorney at Geary Law will handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing. Contact us today at (215)656-4050 for your free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you recover the maximum compensation available.

Get a FREE Case Evaluation!

Call us at 215-656-4050 or complete this form

Lauren Geary Law logo with the tagline "Experience • Personal Attention • Results

Lauren L. Geary, Esquire
1845 Walnut Street, 25th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel 215-656-4050
Fax 888-914-8854

Badge reading "More Than 25 Years of Experience" on a maroon banner background