Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York & Maryland
Dog bite injuries can be devastating, causing permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and deep emotional trauma. Pennsylvania follows a strict liability statute for dog bites that cause severe injuries, meaning the dog owner is liable regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior. At Siddons Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers fight aggressively to recover maximum compensation for bite victims and their families. Call 610-255-7500 for a free consultation.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Our Service Area
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
Under Pennsylvania’s dog bite statute (3 P.S. § 459-502-A), dog owners face strict liability for medical costs when their dog causes a severe injury. For non-severe injuries, Pennsylvania follows a negligence standard where you must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Our attorneys understand the nuances of these statutes and how to maximize your claim regardless of injury severity.
New Jersey Dog Bite Law
New Jersey imposes strict liability on dog owners for all bite injuries under N.J.S.A. 4:19-16, making it one of the most victim-friendly dog bite states in the nation. If a dog bites you in New Jersey, the owner is liable whether the bite occurs in a public place or while you are lawfully on private property.
New York Dog Bite Law
New York follows a mixed approach. Dog owners are strictly liable for medical costs from bites by dogs with a known “dangerous” propensity. For additional damages like pain and suffering, New York generally requires proof that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Our firm represents victims of all types of dog attack injuries, including severe facial and hand bites requiring reconstructive surgery, child dog bite injuries, postal worker and delivery driver attacks, attacks by off-leash or escaped dogs, landlord liability for tenant’s dangerous dogs, multiple-dog attacks, and dog bites at dog parks and public spaces.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause serious and lasting injuries including puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches, facial scarring and disfigurement, crushed bones in hands and fingers, tendon and nerve damage, serious infections including rabies and MRSA, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) especially in children, and wrongful death from fatal mauling attacks.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share liability for dog bite injuries: the dog owner, property owners and landlords who allowed dangerous dogs, animal control agencies that failed to act on prior complaints, dog walkers, pet sitters, and kennel operators, and homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a dog bite?
Seek immediate medical attention, report the bite to local animal control, document your injuries with photographs, obtain the dog owner’s information and insurance details, and contact Siddons Law Firm at 610-255-7500.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. In New York, you have three years. However, acting quickly is critical to preserve evidence and witness testimony.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover a dog bite claim?
Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies provide liability coverage for dog bites, typically with limits of $100,000 to $300,000 or more. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with prior bite history. Our attorneys know how to identify and pursue all available insurance coverage.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact Siddons Law Firm today at 610-255-7500 for a free consultation. We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis.