Injuries from an unexpected dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional harm. If you were hurt by someone else’s pet, you may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit. Contact us now to see if our Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers can fight for you.
Unfortunately, any dog is capable of biting and injuring someone — and dog bites have been on the rise across the country over the past few years. Pennsylvania, in particular, ranks 6th in the nation for dog bite claims.
Children are most likely to be the victims of a dog attack, as many kids have not learned how to properly interact with dogs or recognize changes in their body language.
Insurance companies paid out over $1 Billion to dog bite victims in 2023, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
In the state of Pennsylvania, the owner or caretaker of the dog is legally responsible for any injury their pet may cause others.
At Sokolove Law, our Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys have the resources and experience necessary to help you pursue compensation for your injuries following an animal attack.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our dog bite attorneys have secured millions for families locally and nationally. Let us get you the money you deserve.
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the size of the dog and the location and depth of the bite.
Common dog bite injuries in Pennsylvania include:
Bruising
Emotional trauma
Fractures and broken bones
Infections
Nerve damage
Puncture wounds
Scarring
Tendon or ligament damage
Death
In addition to dog bites, you may be able to take legal action for injuries arising from similar incidents, like a dog jumping up and knocking you over.
If you or a loved one was injured by someone else’s dog, you shouldn’t be burdened by expensive medical bills — not when our Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys are here to help.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may qualify for dog bite compensation. We’re standing by to answer any questions you may have.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether their dog has previously demonstrated aggressive behavior or not.
State laws hold owners responsible for the cost of medical bills and other injuries, even if there was nothing they could have done to prevent the attack.
However, dog owners and caretakers may not be considered liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the injured person was trespassing when attacked, or if they teased, tormented, or abused the dog before being attacked.
Compensation from a successful dog bite lawsuit is often secured from homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
Dog owners in Pennsylvania have a duty to protect the public from injuries caused by animals in their care. If they fail to do so, you may be able to pursue compensation through a dog bite lawsuit.
If you have a case, our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania will handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Below are the steps to filing an animal attack claim in Pennsylvania.
1. Contact Sokolove Law
At Sokolove Law, we’ll provide you with a free case review to determine if you may be eligible to file a Pennsylvania dog bite claim.
During this time, we’ll ask you a few questions about your injury, so we can better understand the specifics of your situation and options.
2. We’ll Gather Evidence to Support Your Case
If you have a case, we’ll collect evidence to build a strong case on your behalf, which may include:
Accident reports
Medical bills
Medical reports
Photos or videos
Witness statements
Our goal is to show that your injuries were directly caused by someone else’s dog and how you were impacted by these injuries.
3. We’ll File Your Pennsylvania Dog Bite Claim
Your Pennsylvania dog bite lawsuit must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is a law that limits how long you have to file a claim.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to file a claim or pursue compensation for your injury ever again.
Call Sokolove Law at (800) 995-1212 now to ensure that your claim is filed on time.
4. We’ll Negotiate a Dog Bite Settlement
Our attorneys will negotiate a Pennsylvania dog bite settlement with the defendant(s), which may include the dog’s owner, caretaker, or insurance company.
If a settlement is unable to be reached, our dog bite lawyers in Pennsylvania are prepared to present your case in a trial and fight for a verdict on your behalf.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Settlements
At Sokolove Law, our attorneys have recovered over $9.6 Billion on behalf of clients across the country, including those impacted by dog bite injuries in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania dog bite settlements are impacted by many factors, including the:
Cost of related medical bills
Extent of emotional trauma
Lost wages from missed work
Severity of your physical injuries
Funeral expenses, if the victim passed away
In one case, we secured $315,000 for a girl who needed surgery after being bitten by a dog she was watching while the owner was away.
While there’s no guarantee of success in any case, our Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers will fight to get you the most compensation possible in your case.
Get Help from Sokolove Law
Since 1979, we’ve helped thousands of families secure justice and compensation for injuries caused though not fault of their own.
Let Our Pennsylvania Dog Bite Attorneys Fight for You
At Sokolove Law, we know that a dog bite can lead to both physical and psychological damage. Fear and anxiety often accompany the scars left behind from an animal attack — and these injuries may have a lifelong impact.
Our dog bite attorneys in Rhode Island are compassionate and knowledgeable, and we are dedicated to holding those responsible for your suffering accountable.
Additionally, our attorneys don’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid if you do, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Let us fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our contact form now to get started with a free case review.
Dog Bite Attorney in Pennsylvania FAQs
What happens if a dog bites you in Pennsylvania?
If you are bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you should secure your safety and get the medical help you need.
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and some may lead to infections. In serious cases, you may need to call 911 for help.
After a dog bite, you should also:
Collect evidence, including a description of the dog, the contact information for the owner and witnesses, as well as photos of your injuries and where the attack took place
Record all related expenses, like hospital visits or lost wages from missing work
Contact a dog bite attorney, who may be able to help you pursue compensation by filing a lawsuit on your behalf
At Sokolove Law, our experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys have decades of experience helping clients injured through no fault of their own get justice.
Can you sue for a dog bite in PA?
Yes. Victims of dog bites in Pennsylvania may be able to sue the dog’s owner or caretaker to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, and money from a dog bite lawsuit can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and more.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if we may be able to help you file a dog bite lawsuit in Pennsylvania.
How much can you get from a dog biting you?
The money you may receive from a dog bite depends on many factors, like the severity of your injuries and the cost of related medical expenses.
At Sokolove Law, our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to. Reach out to our team now for a free case review.
What are the different types of dog bites in Pennsylvania?
To categorize dog bite injuries according to their severity, the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) uses the Dunbar Bite Scale:
Level 1: Aggressive behavior but no contact between a dog’s teeth and a person’s skin.
Level 2: A dog’s teeth made contact but did not puncture the skin more than 1/10th of an inch, resulting in slight bleeding.
Level 3: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds no greater than a depth of half of the dog’s teeth.
Level 4: One to four skin punctures from a single dog bite resulting in wounds deeper than half the length of the dog’s teeth. In addition to blood, bruising around the bite often occurs at this level.
Level 5: Multiple dog bites or attacks, with at least two level-4 bites.
Level 6: Dog bites that result in the victim’s death.
The severity of your dog bite may impact the payout you could potentially receive for your injury.
Is Pennsylvania a one-bite state?
No. Pennsylvania doesn’t follow the “one-bite” rule. Instead, it is a strict liability state. This means that the owner is always responsible for their dog’s behavior, regardless of whether they previously believed their dog was aggressive or not.
In addition to strict liability, dog bite laws in other states include:
One-bite rule: Dog owners or caretakers may be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog if they were aware of their dog’s previous tendencies to act aggressive or violent
Shared fault: If a victim’s actions were partially to blame for a dog biting them, the amount of compensation they are eligible for will be adjusted based on how responsible they were for the events that took place
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, our experienced dog bite lawyers in Pennsylvania can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who is at fault for a dog bite in Pennsylvania?
The owner of the dog or the person charged with the dog’s care — like a dog walker or family friend — may be considered responsible for any injuries from a dog bite.
Why do I need a lawyer for an animal attack in Pennsylvania?
Animal attack lawsuits can be complex, and insurance companies may not offer what you deserve.
By working with an experienced attorney, you may improve your chances of getting compensation and holding the dog owner responsible for your injuries accountable.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania may be able to fight for you.
How much does a Pennsylvania dog bite attorney charge?
At Sokolove Law, there are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket costs to work with our dog bite attorneys in Pennsylvania.
We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we only get paid if your case results in compensation.
How long after a dog bite can you sue?
You only have 2 years to file a dog bite lawsuit in Pennsylvania due to a state law known as the statute of limitations.
Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to sue for your injuries again.
Ricky A. LeBlanc is the Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law. As Managing Attorney, Ricky is responsible for all communications with prospective clients and, along with his team of paralegals and case managers, review all potential cases.