Important: Don't speak to the dog owner's insurance before calling us.

The dog owner's homeowner insurance adjuster works for the insurance company — not you. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Pennsylvania law holds dog owners strictly liable. Call Pisanchyn Law first — it's free.

Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Bitten by a Dog in Pennsylvania?

Dog bites cause serious injuries — and Pennsylvania law holds dog owners strictly liable. You don't have to prove the dog had a history of biting. If the dog bit you, the owner is responsible. Pisanchyn Law fights to get you every dollar you're owed.

  • No fee unless we win your case — zero upfront costs
  • Free consultation available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • PA strict liability law — owner is liable regardless of prior history
  • Millions recovered for Pennsylvania injury victims
20+Years in PA
$100M+Recovered
4Locations
24/7Available

Get Your Free Case Review

100% Free

Takes under 2 minutes. We respond within 1 hour.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your information is kept strictly confidential. No fee unless we win.

We received your request!

A Pisanchyn Law attorney will contact you within 1 hour. For immediate help call 1-800-444-5309.

Prefer to call directly?

1-800-444-5309
No fee unless we win
Free consultation 24/7
PA licensed attorneys
Confidential & protected
$100M+Total Recovered
20+Years Experience
4PA Locations
1,000+Cases Won
★★★★★Google Reviews

What Every Dog Bite Victim in PA Needs to Know

Pennsylvania has strong dog bite laws that protect victims. Here's what works in your favor — and why you should call an attorney before talking to anyone else.

01

Pennsylvania holds dog owners strictly liable

Under PA law, a dog owner is liable for medical expenses caused by their dog bite regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. You don't have to prove negligence for medical bills — the bite itself is enough to establish liability.

02

For full damages — negligence matters

For pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress beyond medical bills, PA law requires showing the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. We investigate the dog's history and the owner's knowledge to maximize your full recovery.

03

The dog owner's insurance is already working against you

Most dog bites are covered by the owner's homeowner or renter's insurance. The moment you report the bite, their insurer opens a claim and begins building a defense. Don't talk to them without an attorney — call us first.

04

PA has a 2-year statute of limitations

You have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania. Children who are bitten have until their 20th birthday in most cases. Don't delay — evidence and witnesses become harder to secure over time.

Dog Bite Situations Pisanchyn Law Handles in PA

Dog bite cases involve more than just the bite itself. We handle the full range of dog attack situations across Pennsylvania.

Serious Bite Injuries

Deep lacerations, nerve damage, tendon injuries, broken bones, and wounds requiring stitches or surgery. These cases carry the highest compensation value.

Facial & Scarring Injuries

Dog bites to the face, neck, and head that cause permanent scarring or disfigurement. These injuries have significant long-term physical and emotional impact.

Children Bitten by Dogs

Children are the most common dog bite victims. Cases involving children often carry higher compensation due to the severity of injury, scarring, and lasting emotional trauma.

Neighbor's Dog Attacks

Bitten by a neighbor's dog? The neighbor's homeowner insurance covers these injuries. We handle the claim so you don't have to navigate an awkward situation alone.

Dog Bites at Rental Properties

If a landlord knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to act, the landlord may also be liable on top of the dog owner — potentially doubling the available coverage.

Delivery Driver & Postal Worker Bites

Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and USPS workers bitten on the job may have both a workers' comp claim AND a personal injury claim against the dog owner simultaneously.

Dog Attacks While Running or Walking

Off-leash dog attacks in parks, on sidewalks, or in public spaces. The owner is liable whether the dog was leashed or not.

Infection & Disease Complications

Dog bites frequently cause serious infections, cellulitis, and in rare cases rabies exposure. All medical treatment — including extensive antibiotic treatment — is recoverable.

Emotional Trauma & PTSD

Dog attacks cause lasting psychological trauma, especially in children. Therapy costs and emotional distress damages are fully recoverable in Pennsylvania dog bite claims.

Every Dollar You're Entitled To

Dog bite compensation in Pennsylvania covers far more than just the emergency room bill. We fight for every category of damages available under PA law.

Medical Bills — Past & Future

Emergency treatment, stitches, surgery, infection treatment, plastic surgery, and all follow-up care related to the bite.

Lost Wages

Income lost while recovering from your injuries, plus future lost earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent limitations.

Pain & Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and the psychological impact of being attacked by a dog.

Scarring & Disfigurement

Permanent scarring — especially facial scarring — carries significant additional compensation under Pennsylvania law.

Therapy & Counseling

Mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs — especially important for children who were attacked.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the owner knew the dog was dangerous and did nothing, additional punitive damages may be available to punish that negligence.

What Happens After You Call

Simple, transparent, no surprises. Here's exactly what to expect from Pisanchyn Law after a dog bite.

1

Free Consultation

We review your bite, your injuries, and the dog's history. We identify all liable parties — owner, landlord, property owner — and explain your options completely free.

2

We Handle Insurance

We deal directly with the dog owner's homeowner or renter's insurance. No more uncomfortable conversations with your neighbor or their adjuster.

3

We Build Your Case

We investigate the dog's history, gather medical records, document scarring and injuries, and establish the full value of your claim.

4

You Get Compensated

Settlement or verdict — our fee comes out of the recovery. You never pay us out of pocket. Ever.

Real Results for PA Dog Bite Victims

Hear from clients Pisanchyn Law has helped across Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and all of NEPA.

★★★★★
"My neighbor's dog attacked me and left me with serious injuries requiring surgery. The owner's insurance company called me the same day offering a quick settlement. I called Pisanchyn first — they got me three times what the insurance initially offered. Never accept the first offer."
KL
Karen L.
Dog Bite — Scranton, PA
★★★★★
"My daughter was bitten on the face by a dog in our neighborhood. I was devastated and didn't know what to do. Pisanchyn Law handled absolutely everything — the insurance, the medical bills, the scar treatment. They fought hard for my daughter and got her a settlement that will cover her ongoing care."
AM
Angela M.
Child Dog Bite — Wilkes-Barre, PA
★★★★★
"I was bitten while making a delivery and assumed workers' comp was my only option. Pisanchyn Law explained I could also sue the dog owner separately. I ended up with both workers' comp benefits AND a personal injury settlement. Incredible outcome — call them before you assume anything."
TC
Thomas C.
Delivery Driver Dog Bite — NEPA

Dog Bite Questions We Hear Every Day

Do I have a case even if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes — for medical bills, absolutely. Pennsylvania's dog bite statute holds owners strictly liable for medical expenses caused by a dog bite regardless of the dog's prior history. The old "one free bite" rule does not apply to medical bills in Pennsylvania. For full damages including pain and suffering and lost wages, we also investigate whether the owner had any reason to know the dog could be dangerous. Call us — many cases are stronger than victims initially think.

What if the dog owner is my neighbor or someone I know?

This is the most common concern we hear — and it's why most dog bite victims don't call an attorney. Here's the truth: in the vast majority of cases, dog bite claims are paid by the dog owner's homeowner or renter's insurance policy, not out of the owner's pocket. You are not suing your neighbor personally — you are making a claim against their insurance company. We handle all communication so the relationship is preserved as much as possible.

How much is my dog bite claim worth?

It depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of scarring, your lost wages, and the emotional impact of the attack. Minor bites with no lasting effects may settle for a few thousand dollars. Serious attacks with permanent scarring, nerve damage, or significant medical treatment can be worth tens of thousands. Cases involving children, facial injuries, or attacks requiring surgery consistently produce the highest settlements. We evaluate your specific case for free and give you an honest assessment.

What if the dog bite happened on someone else's property?

The property owner may also share liability if they knew a dangerous dog was present on their property and failed to warn visitors or take precautions. This is especially relevant for landlords who knew a tenant had a dangerous dog. In these situations, you may have claims against both the dog owner and the property owner, potentially accessing two separate insurance policies. We identify all liable parties as part of your free case evaluation.

Should I accept the insurance company's first offer?

Almost never. Insurance companies make quick, low offers on dog bite claims hoping victims will accept before understanding the full value of their case. Once you sign a release, the claim is closed forever — even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought, or if scarring becomes more significant during the healing process. Call us before you sign anything. Our consultation is free and we'll tell you honestly whether the offer is fair.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims including dog bites, running from the date of the attack. For children who were bitten, the clock generally doesn't start until their 18th birthday, giving them until age 20 to file. However, don't wait — evidence is stronger and witnesses are easier to locate when you act quickly. Call us as soon as possible after the bite.

4 NEPA Locations Ready to Help

We serve dog bite victims across Northeast Pennsylvania from four convenient locations — or we come to you.

Scranton

524 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA

Wilkes-Barre

Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County

Pittsburgh

4th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County

Harrisburg

3609 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA

Don't Accept the First Offer. Don't Go It Alone.

The dog owner's insurance company is working to minimize what they pay you. Pisanchyn Law fights to maximize it. Free consultation — no obligation — no fee unless we win.

Call 1-800-444-5309 Get Free Case Review