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March 31st, 2026
A neighbor’s pet biting you is more than just frightening. It can also be quite dangerous and cause serious injuries and infections from puncture wounds that require immediate medical attention.
If you or your loved one has experienced psychological trauma and tissue damage as a result of a dog bite, you need experienced legal advice from the personal injury team at Bordas & Bordas to help you interpret our state’s regulations. Read on to learn what you need to know about dog bite law in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania dog bite law (3 P.S. § 459-502) sets a strict liability policy, meaning that in the case of an attack, dog owners are automatically responsible for all of the injured individual’s medical costs, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
A judge may also classify a dog as “dangerous” if it inflicts severe injury without provocation, attacks a person or a domestic animal, or is used in a crime. However, the owners may not be held liable if you were trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the animal at the time of the attack.
Most people walk away from a dog bite incident with more than just medical expenses. These types of encounters often traumatize victims. If you experience non-economic damages like pain, suffering, or disfigurement, your Bordas & Bordas attorney would work hard to prove negligence, as the owner may have violated state leash laws. We may also show the dog’s dangerous history and potentially prove the owner ignored their pet’s known aggression.
In Pennsylvania, you have just two years from the date the dog bite occurred to file a lawsuit and hold the owner and their insurance company liable for your losses. If it were your child or another minor who was injured by a dog bite, this deadline would be extended until their 18th birthday. When filing a compensation claim, it is vital to understand state dog bite law and what deadlines may apply.
If you or your child is bitten by a dog, take prompt action. Immediately report the incident to local police or animal control, then seek medical care. If possible, have someone, such as a family member or trusted bystander, document the scene and injuries with photographs or video. Once everyone is safe, connect with the skilled personal injury attorneys at Bordas & Bordas to discuss the next steps and understand how Pennsylvania dog bite law may affect your claim.
Recognizing what to know about dog bite law in Pennsylvania is the first step in filing your claim, and if you still have questions, reach out to the skilled personal injury attorneys at Bordas & Bordas. When you are injured by an aggressive dog, our team stands ready to guide you.
We could review your case and explain your legal rights during your free consultation, so schedule a time to have a conversation with our team. A fair and just settlement could cover your medical bills and so much more. Give us a call to learn more.
