Dog bites are a serious issue in Pennsylvania, and the state has laws in place to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable for their pet’s actions. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand the state’s dog bite laws and liability rules.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws
Pennsylvania follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner is responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether they knew the dog was aggressive or had a history of biting.
The law applies to all dog bites, including those that occur on public property, private property, or even inside the dog owner’s home. However, there are a few exceptions to the strict liability rule.
One exception is if the person who was bitten was trespassing on the dog owner’s property or was engaged in some other illegal activity. In this case, the dog owner may not be held liable for the bite.
Another exception is if the person who was bitten provoked the dog in some way, such as by teasing or hitting the dog. In this case, the dog owner may argue that the person’s own actions led to the bite and therefore they should not be held liable.
Liability for Non-Bite Injuries
Pennsylvania’s dog bite law only applies to injuries caused by a dog’s bite. If a person is injured in some other way by a dog, such as by being knocked over or scratched, the owner may still be held liable, but under a different legal theory.
Under Pennsylvania law, dog owners have a duty to keep their dogs under reasonable control at all times. If a dog owner fails to meet this duty and their dog causes injury to someone, they may be held liable for negligence.
For example, if a dog owner lets their dog off-leash in a public park and the dog knocks over a child, the owner may be liable for the child’s injuries under a negligence theory.
Damages and Defenses
If you are bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages. In some cases, you may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering.
However, the dog owner may try to defend themselves against your claim by arguing that you were partially or fully responsible for the bite. For example, they may claim that you provoked the dog or were trespassing on their property.
To maximize your chances of recovering compensation, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you build a strong case and navigate the legal system.
It’s also important to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite. Even if the injury appears minor, it’s possible that the dog may have transmitted disease or infection that could lead to serious health complications. In addition, having documentation of your injuries and treatment will be important in building a strong case.
If you are able to do so safely, it’s also a good idea to gather as much information as possible about the dog and its owner. This may include the dog’s breed, size, and any identifying markings, as well as the owner’s name and contact information. If there were any witnesses to the incident, their contact information may also be helpful.
Gibson & Perkins, PC is a law firm that has experience in handling Pennsylvania dog bite laws and liability cases. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal issues that arise in these types of cases and can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
We can help you with all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. Some specific ways that we can help include:
Investigating the incident: We can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the extent of your injuries to build a strong case.
Evaluating liability: Our attorneys can evaluate the circumstances of the incident to determine whether the dog owner was liable under Pennsylvania law.
Negotiating with insurance companies: We can help you negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and other losses.
Representing you in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys can represent you in court to fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
At Gibson & Perkins, PC, we are committed to providing our clients with compassionate, personalized service throughout the legal process. We understand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to deal with a dog bite injury, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.