Dog bite cases carry a social weight other injuries don’t: the owner is usually a neighbor, relative, or friend, and victims talk themselves out of valid claims to keep the peace. The fact that changes the calculus: compensation almost always comes from homeowner’s or renter’s insurance — the policy exists for exactly this moment.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Framework
- Medical costs by statute. Pennsylvania’s dog law makes owners responsible for a bite victim’s medical costs without proving prior viciousness — our PA dog bite laws explainer covers the structure.
- Full damages with more proof. Severe injuries, dangerous-propensity evidence, or negligence (leash and containment violations) open pain-and-suffering and the complete damages picture.
- Children are the core cases. Kids suffer facial bites at the highest rates, with scarring and trauma that our child injury practice treats with the seriousness it deserves; CDC guidance covers infection risks that make immediate treatment non-optional.
- Property context matters — bites on the owner’s property, covered in our post on dogs biting visitors, still support claims; landlord liability sometimes adds a defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was my relative’s dog and I don’t want to ruin the relationship.
You’d be claiming against their insurance — the coverage they’ve paid premiums for — not their savings. Most relationships survive an insurance claim far better than they survive your unpaid medical bills and unspoken resentment.
The dog never bit anyone before. Does that kill the case?
No — the statutory medical-cost duty doesn’t require bite history, and ‘no history’ is the owner’s claim to prove. Leash violations and the attack circumstances often carry the fuller case.
What should I do in the first 48 hours?
Medical care first — bite infections move fast — then photographs of injuries and the scene, the owner’s information, and a report to animal control. Then talk to us before talking to any insurer.
How long do I have to file?
Generally two years under Pennsylvania law — with a six-month written-notice requirement for claims against government entities and special rules for minors and late-discovered injuries. Evidence fades faster than any deadline.
What does hiring you cost?
No attorney’s fee unless we recover for you; the contingency percentage and case-cost handling are in the written fee agreement you review before signing. Consultations are free.
Ready to talk about your case? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation — contingency fee, no attorney’s fee unless we recover, costs explained in the written fee agreement.