Dog attacks can happen suddenly and leave lasting injuries. Victims often face medical bills, scarring, and emotional trauma. Understanding how Pennsylvania law treats dog bite cases is essential if you or a loved one has been bitten.
At Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C., our attorneys have represented many people who were injured by dogs in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania. This guide explains how the law works, who can be held responsible, and what steps victims should take to protect their rights.
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law
Pennsylvania does not follow a pure “one-bite rule,” which some states use to shield owners from liability unless their dog has previously shown aggression. Instead, the law in Pennsylvania holds owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs under certain conditions.
The main law governing dog bites is Pennsylvania’s Dog Law, found in 3 P.S. § 459-502(a). This law requires dog owners to have reasonable control over their animals at all times. Dogs must be confined on the owner’s property or under proper restraint when off the property.
If a dog attacks or bites someone without provocation, the owner may be held liable. The exact type of compensation available depends on the severity of the injury and whether the dog has a known history of dangerous behavior.
Strict Liability for Medical Costs
Pennsylvania follows a strict liability rule for medical expenses related to dog bites. This means that if a dog bites and injures someone, the owner is automatically responsible for paying the victim’s medical bills, regardless of whether the dog has ever been aggressive before.
Under 3 P.S. § 459-502(b), an owner must pay all medical costs associated with the injury. Victims do not need to prove negligence to recover these expenses. For example, if you are bitten by a neighbor’s dog while walking down the street, you are entitled to reimbursement for your hospital and doctor bills even if the owner did not know the dog was dangerous.
However, to recover other types of damages, such as pain and suffering, scarring, or lost wages, you must show that the owner was negligent or that the dog was previously classified as dangerous.
Dangerous Dog Classification
Pennsylvania law defines a “dangerous dog” in 3 P.S. § 459-502-A. A dog may be considered dangerous if it:
- Has attacked or inflicted severe injury on a person without provocation
- Has killed or severely injured another domestic animal off the owner’s property
- Has a history of aggressive behavior or was used to commit a crime
When a dog is labeled dangerous, the owner must register the animal, maintain special insurance, and meet strict confinement requirements.
If a dangerous dog attacks again, the owner can face both civil and criminal penalties, and victims may seek full compensation for all damages.
Negligence and Liability in Dog Bite Cases
For injuries that go beyond medical bills, victims must usually prove negligence. Negligence means the dog owner failed to take reasonable care to prevent the attack.
Common examples include:
- Allowing a dog to roam freely in public areas
- Ignoring leash laws
- Failing to warn guests or workers about a dog with a history of aggression
- Letting a dog escape through a broken fence or open gate
If the victim can show that the owner knew the dog posed a risk and failed to act responsibly, the owner may be held liable for the full range of damages.
At Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C., our attorneys investigate dog bite incidents by gathering evidence such as:
- Prior animal control complaints or citations
- Witness statements
- Medical records and photos of injuries
- Veterinary records and vaccination history
- Security or doorbell camera footage
This evidence helps build a strong case for full compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Comparative Negligence and Provocation
Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence rule in most personal injury cases. This rule applies to dog bites as well. If the victim’s own actions contributed to the incident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if someone provoked a dog by teasing or striking it, the court may find them partly responsible. However, being near a dog, walking past a yard, or trying to pet an unfamiliar animal is not considered provocation by itself.
Children are also treated differently under the law. Courts recognize that young children may not fully understand how to interact safely with dogs, so provocation is rarely applied in those cases.
What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps after a dog attack can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.
- Seek medical attention right away. Even small punctures can lead to infection. Get a tetanus shot if needed and report the bite to your healthcare provider.
- Identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and proof of rabies vaccination.
- Report the incident to local authorities. Contact animal control or your local police department. In Pittsburgh, you can report bites through the Allegheny County Health Department’s Bureau of Animal Care and Control.
- Document everything. Take photos of the injuries, the scene, and the dog if possible. Keep all medical records and receipts.
- Avoid talking to insurance companies without legal advice. Owners’ insurers may contact you quickly, but their goal is to limit payouts. Speak with an attorney before providing any statements.
The sooner you contact an experienced dog bite lawyer, the better your chances of a fair recovery. Evidence such as witness memories and surveillance footage can disappear quickly.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of dog bites in Pennsylvania may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, medication, and future treatment)
- Lost wages if the injury prevents you from working
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Emotional trauma such as fear, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life if the injury causes lasting physical or psychological harm
The attorneys at Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C. understand how to calculate the true value of a dog bite case. Many victims underestimate their long-term costs, especially when scarring or therapy is needed.
How Homeowner’s Insurance Impacts Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite claims are paid through homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies typically cover liability when a dog owned by the policyholder injures someone.
However, insurance companies may:
- Deny coverage if the dog was not listed on the policy
- Claim the victim was trespassing or provoked the animal
- Offer quick, low settlements to close the claim before all injuries are known
Because insurance adjusters work to protect their company’s bottom line, having a dog bite lawyer ensures your claim is handled properly and that all damages are considered.
Common Misconceptions About Dog Bite Cases
Myth: “If the dog never bit anyone before, the owner isn’t responsible.”
Fact: Under Pennsylvania law, owners are responsible for medical bills even if it’s the dog’s first incident.
Myth: “You can’t sue a friend or neighbor.”
Fact: Dog bite claims are usually paid by insurance, not out of the owner’s pocket. Filing a claim helps cover your medical costs and losses without creating personal conflict.
Myth: “You need a serious injury to have a case.”
Fact: Even minor bites that require medical care qualify for reimbursement under state law.
Why Choose Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C.
For more than 25 years, Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C. has represented injured victims throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Our team has extensive experience handling dog bite cases involving adults and children.
We understand the medical, emotional, and financial impact these attacks have on victims and their families. Our attorneys handle every detail, from investigating the incident to negotiating with insurers and pursuing litigation when needed.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Speak With a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Attorney Today
Dog bite injuries can leave permanent scars and emotional pain that last long after the physical wounds heal. You do not have to face this process alone.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, Shenderovich Shenderovich & Fishman P.C. is here to help. We can explain your rights, handle the insurance process, and pursue full compensation under Pennsylvania law.Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our team will review your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
