Can I Sue for Dog Bites?

Can I Sue for Dog Bites?

Dog bites are a significant concern in Pennsylvania and across the nation, affecting thousands of people every year. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you may be wondering whether you can sue for damages. Understanding Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, victim rights, and the responsibilities of dog owners is crucial to determining your next steps.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites are a widespread problem, and statistics highlight the importance of understanding and addressing this issue. According to the World Animal Foundation, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States. Of these, around 800,000 require medical attention, with half of the victims being children.

The economic impact of dog bites is also substantial. In 2022, the average cost of a dog bite insurance claim was $64,555, totaling over $1.1 billion in payouts across the United States. These statistics underscore the importance of holding dog owners accountable and ensuring victims are compensated.
Source: World Animal Foundation

Pennsylvania specifically sees a high number of dog bite incidents. In 2023, Allegheny County alone reported 2,157 animal bite incidents, with dogs accounting for 76.2% of those cases. On a national scale, Pennsylvania ranked 4th for dog bites involving postal workers, with 334 incidents in 2023.
Sources: Allegheny County Animal Bite Report 2023 and USPS Dog Bite Rankings

Can You Sue for Dog Bites in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can sue for dog bites in Pennsylvania under certain conditions. Pennsylvania follows a strict liability law, meaning that dog owners are automatically responsible for covering all medical expenses resulting from a bite, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression.

However, recovering additional damages—such as for pain and suffering, lost wages, or emotional distress—requires proving negligence. To succeed in a negligence claim, the victim must demonstrate that the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies and failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.

Criminal Liability for Dog Owners

In Pennsylvania, dog owners can face criminal penalties if their pets are deemed dangerous. A dog may be classified as dangerous if it:

• Inflicts severe injury on a person without provocation.
• Attacks someone or another animal without provocation.
• Has a documented history of unprovoked aggression.

Dog owners convicted under Pennsylvania’s dangerous dog laws must comply with strict requirements, including:

• Registering the dog as dangerous.
• Keeping the dog securely confined or muzzled when outside.
• Posting warning signs on their property.
• Paying restitution to victims.

These measures aim to reduce the risk of future attacks and hold owners accountable for their pets’ behavior.
Source: PA Dangerous Dogs Guidelines 

Defenses Dog Owners May Use

Dog owners facing lawsuits may assert various defenses to reduce or eliminate their liability. Common defenses include:

1. Trespassing: Claiming the victim was on the owner’s property without permission.
2. Provocation: Arguing the victim provoked the dog, leading to the attack.
3. Assumption of Risk: Suggesting the victim knowingly placed themselves in harm’s way, such as in cases involving veterinarians or dog handlers.

Pennsylvania also operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning the victim’s actions are evaluated when determining fault. If the victim is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages. If their fault is less than 50%, their compensation is reduced proportionally.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Case?

If you sue for a dog bite, you may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work during recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for damaged clothing or personal items.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases, punitive damages may apply if the owner’s negligence was extreme.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by addressing the wound and documenting your injuries.
2. Document the Incident: Take photos of the bite, the location of the incident, and any visible injuries.
3. Report the Bite: Notify local animal control or the police to create an official record.
4. Identify the Dog and Owner: Gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.
5. Consult a Lawyer: Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced in dog bite cases to evaluate your claim.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Dog Bite Case

A personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:

• Reviewing the facts of your case to determine liability.
• Gathering evidence, including medical records and witness statements.
• Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance provider for a fair settlement.
• Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary.

Experienced legal representation increases your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Get Help Today

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, it’s important to act quickly. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Metzger & Kleiner with offices in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia for a free consultation. We can answer your questions, evaluate your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws ensures that victims can pursue justice while encouraging responsible pet ownership. If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to seek the legal help you need.