Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer: This Was Not Your Fault
You have just been attacked or bitten by a dog. Or maybe it was your child. You have come from the hospital. You may have stitches, a broken bone, or a scar that will not go away. You are in pain, you are scared, and you are wondering who is going to pay for all of it.
This was not your fault. Pennsylvania law puts responsibility on the dog's owner. Call us. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover.
Is the Dog's Owner Always Responsible in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, yes. Pennsylvania holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. That means the owner is responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. A first bite counts.
Many people assume they have no case because the dog had no history of aggression, or because they worry it looks like they provoked the animal. Neither assumption ends your claim. Provocation is a defense the owner must raise and prove. The burden does not start with you.
We know the laws. We know how to deal with insurance companies. We know what you are entitled to.
You Are Not Suing Your Neighbor. You Are Making a Claim on Their Insurance.
This is the first worry for many people. The dog belongs to a neighbor, a friend, or a relative, and a claim feels like a confrontation.
Dog bite claims are typically made against the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. That is what the coverage exists for. You are not going after your neighbor's savings. You are making a claim on a policy, and that policy has an adjuster whose job is to pay you as little as possible.
Their job is to save the insurance company money. Our job is to make sure YOU are fairly and adequately compensated. We handle the paperwork, the adjuster, and every conversation with the other side.
What a Dog Bite Claim Can Cover
A dog bite claim in Pennsylvania can include compensation for:
Medical expenses: emergency care, stitches, surgery, rabies treatment, and follow-up care
Lost wages: income lost while you recover, and earning capacity affected by the injury
Pain and suffering: the physical pain of the attack and the recovery that follows
Scarring and disfigurement: permanent marks, especially on the face, hands, and arms
Emotional distress: fear, anxiety, and trauma that often follow a dog attack
Ongoing treatment: therapy, scar revision, and other care you need down the road
A scar is a permanent injury. We treat it that way. Emotional trauma from a dog attack is real, and it is recoverable. Many victims never raise it because they assume it will not be taken seriously. We take it seriously, and we fight for the full picture of what you went through.
If Your Child Was Attacked
A dog attack on a child is one of the hardest things a parent can face. Children are small, the bites tend to land on the face, head, and neck, and the emotional damage can last long after the wounds heal.
You are probably asking what to do and who to talk to. You are also probably angry, and that is understandable.
We handle dog bite cases involving children with care. We pursue medical costs, scarring, and the emotional impact on your child. We also keep in mind that a child's injury can affect them for years, so we make sure the claim reflects the long term picture and not just the first few weeks.
You do not have to carry this alone. Call us.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Philadelphia
The steps you take now shape your claim.
Step 1:
Get Medical Attention
Get treated right away, even if the wound looks minor. Dog bites carry infection risk, and a medical record from the day of the attack documents your injuries.
Step 2:
Identify the Dog and the Owner
Get the owner's name, address, and contact information. Ask whether the dog's vaccinations are current. Get witness names if anyone saw the attack.
Step 3:
Photograph Everything
Photograph your injuries now and again as they heal. Photograph the location where the attack happened. Keep torn or bloody clothing as it is.
Step 4:
Report the Bite and Call Us
Report the attack to the authorities. Do not give a recorded statement to the owner's insurance company before you speak with an attorney. Then call 1-800-247-LEGAL at any hour. We answer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Philadelphia
Is a dog owner always responsible for a dog bite in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, yes. Pennsylvania applies strict liability to dog owners for bite injuries. Provocation is a defense the owner must prove. Whether it applies to your case depends on the facts, so call us and let us review what happened.
What if I was bitten by a dog with no prior history of aggression?
That does not end your claim. A dog does not need a record of biting for its owner to be responsible. A first bite can still support a claim. We look at the circumstances of the attack, the owner's conduct, and the insurance coverage available.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the attack. Different rules may apply when the injured person is a child. Do not wait. Evidence fades and witnesses move on. Call us as soon as you can.
Can I sue for emotional trauma from a dog attack?
Yes. Emotional distress is a recognized part of a dog bite claim, along with pain, suffering, and scarring. Fear of dogs, sleep problems, and anxiety after an attack are real injuries. We pursue them alongside your medical expenses and lost wages.
What can I get for a dog bite in Pennsylvania?
There is no standard amount. The value of your case depends on the severity of the injury, the scarring, your medical costs, time missed from work, the emotional impact, and the insurance coverage available. Anyone who gives you a number before understanding your case is not being straight with you. We fight for every dollar you are entitled to.
Do I need a lawyer if the dog's owner is a neighbor or family member?
Yes. Your claim goes against their insurance policy, not their personal assets. The insurer will still work to limit what it pays. Having an attorney protects your claim and keeps the relationship out of the negotiation.
You Were Attacked. We Make Sure It Counts.
Dog bite injuries leave marks that last. We pursue every category of compensation the law allows, and we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Give us a call. The call is free. There is no fee unless we recover.