Suffering a dog bite can be incredibly painful—physically, emotionally, and financially. Deciding whether it’s worth it to sue for a dog bite can be complicated. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through Pennsylvania laws, how liability gets established, what kinds of compensation may be available, and what to expect from the legal process.
Our dog bite attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm are available 24/7 at 717‑394‑3004 to discuss your case during a free consultation.
Understanding the Problem: How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dog bites are far more common than many realize, and their impact can be long-lasting. Knowing how widespread the issue is can help you understand that you’re not alone—and that legal action may be justified. If you’re considering suing for a dog bite, it’s essential to understand the national and local data surrounding these incidents to evaluate risk, harm, and accountability.
National Statistics
- Each year, approximately 4.5–4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs, and about 800,000–900,000 of those bites require medical attention
- Children are at a higher risk of being bitten by a dog, and are likely to sustain more serious injuries
- Roughly 1 in 74 Americans are bitten each year
- Over the past few years, an average of 50 to 80 people died each year from dog bites in the U.S.
Pennsylvania Statistics
- Pennsylvania sees approximately 17.2 dog bite incidents per 100,000 residents. That’s about 2,200 dog bites a year.
- Postal workers are extremely vulnerable. The USPS reported 316 dog bite incidents involving its Pennsylvania workers in 2024, contributing to the over 6,000 total mail carrier dog bite incidents nationwide.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws: Can You Sue?
When you’re bitten in Pennsylvania, you may have legal grounds to sue—depending on the circumstances. The state’s laws are a bit complex, blending elements of strict liability with negligence-based claims. If you’re thinking about suing for a dog bite, it’s essential to understand how these laws apply to your situation.
Strict Liability for Medical Bills
In Pennsylvania, we have a strict animal confinement law. This means dogs must be on their owners’ property or under the control of some person. The owners’ property is considered inside the home, out in the yard and secured by a collar, or confined within the property by a reliable fence.
If a dog owner has a dog tied off in the front yard, but the yard leash extends beyond the property, the owner is responsible for harm caused to another person. When leaving their property, dogs must be secured by a person who can control them at all times and not left to roam freely.
Under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law a dog owner is strictly liable for a victim’s medical expenses — even if the dog never showed aggression before or the owner did nothing wrong. In other words, you don’t have to prove negligence to recover your medical costs. This applies as long as:
- The dog caused injury
- The victim did not provoke the dog
- The victim was lawfully on the property
However, this law only guarantees compensation for medical bills, not for pain and suffering, lost wages, or emotional distress.
Suing for a Dog Bite Beyond Medical Bills
To recover more than just medical expenses — like pain and suffering, lost wages, or scarring — Pennsylvania requires you to prove that the owner was negligent, or that:
- The dog had a history of viciousness or aggression, and
- The owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies (sometimes referred to as the “one-bite rule” in practice, although it’s not officially law in PA)
This is where your attorney will build a case using:
- Prior attack reports
- Aggressive behavior complaints
- Lack of leash or proper restraint
- Violation of local leash laws
Dangerous Dog Designation
Pennsylvania also has a legal process to classify a dog as “dangerous.” A dog may be designated as such if it has:
- Inflicted severe injury without provocation
- Attacked a person or domestic animal without justification
- Been involved in multiple aggressive incidents
If a dog is already registered as “dangerous” and attacks again, the owner faces heightened liability — including criminal charges and much stronger civil claims.
Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania gives you 2 years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you’re suing for a dog bite, acting quickly is important — waiting too long could forfeit your legal rights entirely.
Special Considerations for Children
Children under age 7 are generally presumed to have not provoked the dog under PA law. That means they receive greater protection and benefit of the doubt in dog bite cases.
What You Need to Prove if You Sue for a Dog Bite
Dog bite claims often come down to what can be proven. Just being bitten by a dog doesn’t automatically guarantee compensation. To succeed when suing for a dog bite, you or your dog bite attorney will need to establish certain legal elements like duty, breach, causation, and damages. Here’s what that looks like.
To win compensation, your attorney must establish:
- Duty of care – dog owners must prevent their pets from causing harm.
- Breach – the owner failed to keep the dog properly confined.
- Causation – the breach directly caused your injuries.
- Damages – quantifiable losses like medical bills or lost wages.
Evidence may include medical reports, witness statements, photos, veterinary records, and any prior bite history.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Dog Bite
Medical bills are just the beginning when it comes to dog bite injuries. Victims often face emotional trauma, time off work, and even permanent disfigurement. If you’re suing for a dog bite, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages.
Let’s break down the full range of possible compensation.
Economic Damages:
- All medical expenses (ER visits, surgery, rehab, etc.)
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Property damage (clothing, glasses)
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (anxiety, PTSD)
- Scarring and disfigurement
Pennsylvania does not cap damages in dog bite cases—but the defendant’s insurance policy limits may apply. A dog bite attorney can take a closer look at the insurance policies involved and explain what, if any limitations a victim may have when recovering compensation.
Not every dog bite injury justifies a lawsuit—but many do.
If you’re uncertain about suing for a dog bite, it’s always best to talk with a dog bite lawyer who can share with you the pros and cons of filing a personal injury claim.
The Legal Process for a Dog Bite Lawsuit
If you’re considering suing for a dog bite, it’s important to understand what the legal journey looks like from start to finish. While every case is unique, most follow a general path that includes investigation, negotiation, and — if necessary — trial. Fortunately, the majority of dog bite claims are resolved through settlement before ever reaching court.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when reaching out to a dog bite law firm.
Free Consultation & Case Review
Your first step is reaching out to a dog bite attorney for a free consultation. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, we offer 24/7 availability to evaluate your case. During this review, we’ll:
- Gather the facts (when, where, how the bite happened)
- Review medical records and photos
- Determine liability and damages
- Explain your legal options
This no-pressure meeting helps you decide whether suing for a dog bite makes sense based on the merits of your case.
Demand Package Sent to Insurance Company
If your case has merit, your dog bite attorney will prepare a demand package and send it to the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance company. This includes:
- A detailed account of the incident
- Medical records and expenses
- Documentation of lost wages and future costs
- Evidence of pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
The goal is to demand fair compensation before formal litigation begins.
Negotiation of Settlement
Once the insurance company receives the demand letter, negotiations begin. Insurance companies may:
- Offer a low initial settlement
- Request additional documentation
- Try to deny liability
Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation possible. Many cases settle at this stage—especially when evidence is strong and the insurance company wants to avoid court.
Filing a Lawsuit If Negotiations Fail
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney may file a formal complaint in civil court. This marks the beginning of litigation.
While the idea of suing for a dog bite may sound intimidating, rest assured that most cases settle well before trial. Settlements save time, money, and stress for both sides — especially when the evidence is in the victim’s favor. With an experienced legal team on your side, you’re more likely to resolve your claim efficiently and favorably.
Is Suing For a Dog Bite Right For You? Call Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today to Discuss Your Case.
Deciding whether suing for a dog bite is worth it comes down to:
- Severity of your injuries and costs
- Evidence of owner negligence or knowledge
- Emotional trauma endured
- Your long-term financial and physical outlook
If you have significant bills, permanent injury, and a strong claim, pursuing legal action is often the best option. Our attorneys are here to support you—call 717‑394‑3004 for your free consultation 24/7.
When it comes to personal injury law, experience and results matter. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, we’ve successfully helped dog bite victims across Pennsylvania get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you’re considering suing for a dog bite, trust the team that knows how to deliver results—because Winning Is No Accident™.
Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dog Bites
Q1. Can I sue if bitten on someone else’s property?
Yes. Landowner liability may also factor in.
Q2. What if the dog’s breed is aggressive?
Breed alone doesn’t determine liability under PA law.
Q3. How long do I have to sue?
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for personal injury is 2 years.
Q4. What if I provoked the dog?
Partial fault may reduce recoverable damages.
Q5. Do I have to go to court?
Most cases settle, but we prepare each case as if going to trial.
