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.
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1-800-444-5309Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who We Help
Dog bite cases involve more than just the bite itself. We handle the full range of dog attack situations across Pennsylvania.
Deep lacerations, nerve damage, tendon injuries, broken bones, and wounds requiring stitches or surgery. These cases carry the highest compensation value.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Off-leash dog attacks in parks, on sidewalks, or in public spaces. The owner is liable whether the dog was leashed or not.
Dog bites frequently cause serious infections, cellulitis, and in rare cases rabies exposure. All medical treatment — including extensive antibiotic treatment — is recoverable.
Dog attacks cause lasting psychological trauma, especially in children. Therapy costs and emotional distress damages are fully recoverable in Pennsylvania dog bite claims.
What We Recover
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.
Emergency treatment, stitches, surgery, infection treatment, plastic surgery, and all follow-up care related to the bite.
Income lost while recovering from your injuries, plus future lost earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent limitations.
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, fear, anxiety, and the psychological impact of being attacked by a dog.
Permanent scarring — especially facial scarring — carries significant additional compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs — especially important for children who were attacked.
In cases where the owner knew the dog was dangerous and did nothing, additional punitive damages may be available to punish that negligence.
How It Works
Simple, transparent, no surprises. Here's exactly what to expect from Pisanchyn Law after a dog bite.
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.
We deal directly with the dog owner's homeowner or renter's insurance. No more uncomfortable conversations with your neighbor or their adjuster.
We investigate the dog's history, gather medical records, document scarring and injuries, and establish the full value of your claim.
Settlement or verdict — our fee comes out of the recovery. You never pay us out of pocket. Ever.
Client Results
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."
"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."
"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."
Common Questions
Our Offices
We serve dog bite victims across Northeast Pennsylvania from four convenient locations — or we come to you.
524 Spruce Street
Scranton, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Luzerne County
4th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Allegheny County
3609 N. Front Street
Harrisburg, PA
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.