Legal Basis for Dog Bite Claims

Pennsylvania dog-attack claims can involve the Pennsylvania Dog Law as well as common-law negligence principles. The legal theory and damages available depend on the circumstances, including the nature of the injury, what the owner knew or reasonably should have known, how the dog was controlled, and whether statutory or local requirements were violated.

Pennsylvania Dog Law:

Pennsylvania’s Dog Law contains provisions addressing dangerous dogs and the consequences of dog attacks. The statute should not be reduced to a blanket rule that every dog owner is automatically liable for every category of damages whenever a bite occurs. The available claim and measure of damages can vary with the statutory provision involved and the facts of the incident.

Negligence:

If strict liability does not apply (e.g., the dog has no prior history of biting), a claim can be pursued under negligence. The injured party must prove:

• • The owner owed a duty of care (e.g., to restrain or control the dog);
  • The owner breached that duty (e.g., failed to leash the dog or ignored its aggressive behavior);
  • The breach caused the injury; and
  • The injury resulted in damages (e.g., medical expenses, pain and suffering).

Key Elements of a Dog Bite Claim

To succeed in a personal injury claim for a dog bite in Pennsylvania, the following elements are critical:

1. Injury: The claimant must demonstrate physical or psychological harm (e.g., bite wounds, infections, or emotional trauma like PTSD).
2. Causation: The injury must be directly caused by the dog bite or attack.
3. Damages: The claimant must prove compensable damages, such as
   • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs.
   • Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress.
4. Ownership: The defendant must be the dog’s owner or, in some cases, a person responsible for the dog’s care or control (e.g., a dog walker or kennel).

Pennsylvania’s Dog Law and Dangerous Dogs

Dangerous Dog Designation: Under 3 P.S. § 459-501-A, a dog may be classified as “dangerous” if it:

• Has inflicted severe injury without provocation.
• Has killed or injured another domestic animal.
• Has attacked a person without provocation.
• Has a history of aggressive behavior.

**If a dog is designated as dangerous, the owner must comply with strict requirements (e.g., muzzling, confinement, or registration), and failure to do so can strengthen a claim.

Defenses to Dog Bite Claims

Dog owners may raise defenses to avoid liability, including:

• Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog (e.g., teasing or abusing it), the owner may not be liable under strict liability.
• Trespassing: If the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the bite, liability may be reduced or eliminated, depending on the circumstances.
• Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% rule). If the victim is found to be more than 50% at fault (e.g., ignoring warnings or provoking the dog), they cannot recover damages.

Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is two years from the date of the injury (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524). The claim must be filed within this period, or the right to sue may be lost.  For minors, the statute of limitations may be tolled until they reach the age of 18.

Damages Recoverable

Victims of dog bites in Pennsylvania may recover:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, surgeries, or therapy.
• Lost Income: Wages lost due to recovery time or disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases, if the owner’s conduct was egregious (e.g., knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely), punitive damages may be awarded.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Liability

Many dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policies, which often include liability coverage for dog-related incidents.  However, some insurance policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression, which may complicate recovery.

Practical Considerations

• Seek Medical Attention: Prompt medical care is essential for health and to document injuries for the claim.
• Gather Evidence: Take photos of injuries, the scene, and the dog (if safe). Obtain witness statements and report the incident to local animal control.
• Consult an Attorney: Dog bite laws can be complex, and an experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate strict liability, negligence, and insurance negotiations.

Local Ordinances

Some Pennsylvania municipalities have local leash laws or ordinances that require dogs to be restrained in public. Violations of these laws can support a negligence claim.

Why Choose ZwickLaw for Your Injury Claim?

At ZwickLaw, our experienced Dog Bite injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that personal injuries can take on you and your family. Our experienced injury attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the claims and case processes – Fighting Aggressively for You.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation or call (814) 371-6400.

Learn more about Matthew R. Zwick and ZwickLaw’s Pennsylvania personal injury practice.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Dog-attack claims are fact-specific, and applicable deadlines and legal theories should be evaluated based on the circumstances of the incident.