Reviewed by: Michael Alan Siddons, Esquire — LL.M (Taxation), member of the PA, NJ, MD, and NY bars.
Last reviewed: May 9, 2026. Content reflects current case-acceptance criteria and legal posture as of the review date.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or your child was attacked by a dog anywhere in Pennsylvania, our firm represents victims throughout the state. Free case review — no fee unless we recover. Call (610) 255-7500 or use the form below.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law

Pennsylvania imposes strict liability for medical expenses for any dog bite (3 P.S. §459-502-A). Full liability for all damages — including pain and suffering — applies if the dog had previously been declared dangerous or if the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities.

Comparative-fault rule: Pennsylvania applies modified comparative — you can recover if you are 50% or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share.

Statute of limitations: 2 years from the date of the bite.

Government claims: 6 months notice for claims against state agencies and political subdivisions.

Counties We Serve in Pennsylvania

Our dog-bite attorneys handle claims throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, Bucks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Berks, York, Dauphin, Cumberland, and Northampton counties.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania

  1. Get medical care immediately. Bites become infected fast and rabies prophylaxis is time-sensitive.
  2. Photograph the wound and the dog if you can do so safely.
  3. Identify the dog’s owner — name, address, and ideally the dog’s license tag and rabies records.
  4. Report the bite to animal control and your local health department. The official report is critical evidence.
  5. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
  6. Call us at (610) 255-7500 — we send the insurance preservation letter the same day.

Why Siddons Law for Pennsylvania Dog Bite Claims

  • Multi-state coverage across PA, NJ, NY, and MD — useful when bites involve crossing state lines or out-of-state owners.
  • Contingency fee — no recovery, no fee.
  • Free case review usually within one business day.
  • We advance all case expenses; you pay nothing out of pocket.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite FAQ

Will I have to sue the dog owner personally?
Almost never. Homeowner’s, renter’s, and umbrella insurance policies cover dog bites in most cases. We deal with the insurer; the dog owner usually does not write a check.
Should I report the bite to animal control?
Yes — and you should photograph the wound, get medical care immediately, and identify the dog and owner. The animal-control report and rabies-quarantine record are key evidence.
What if I was bitten by a service or working dog?
Service-dog liability follows the same state strict-liability rules; police-dog cases involve immunity defenses that require careful evaluation.

Call (610) 255-7500 for a free case review — or use the case-review form above. Serving every county in Pennsylvania.