Published: November 24, 2025 | Viking Law – Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering:
Who’s legally responsible? What compensation can I get? Should I report it?
At Viking Law, we regularly represent dog bite victims in Doylestown, Bucks County, Philadelphia, and across Pennsylvania. Whether your injury happened in a local park, on a neighbor’s property, or during a delivery route, we understand the challenges victims face — and we know how to fight for full compensation.
Who Is Liable After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania dog bite law, the dog’s owner or keeper is strictly liable for your medical bills if their dog bites you. That’s true even if the dog never showed aggression before.
But to recover money for pain and suffering, lost income, scarring, or other damages, you usually need to prove negligence or that the dog had dangerous propensities and the owner knew or should have known.
Start with the location of where the attack occurred and check the local municipal laws regarding dogs. Some municipalities require dogs to be leashed at all times while others only require it in certain circumstances.
For example, in Newtown Borough, PA, all dogs must be on a leash when not on the owner’s property. There are limited exceptions for dog parks with fences. Dogs are considered personal property, and therefore owners are responsible for damages caused by their dog.
The dog’s history and propensity for attacks is also relevant. If the dog has ever attacked anyone before and it was not reported but known to have happened, the owners are liable for the attack.
“Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner or keeper of the dog.” (3 P.S. § 459-502(b)(1))
Proving Liability: Three Legal Paths
1. Strict Liability for Medical Bills
If you suffered a bite, the owner must pay your medical costs. No need to prove the dog was dangerous.
2. Negligence
If the dog was unrestrained, unsupervised, or allowed to roam, the owner may be found negligent. You must prove:
- The owner owed a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their negligence caused your injuries
Example: A dog escapes a yard with a broken fence and bites someone. The owner failed to fix the fence — that’s likely negligence.
3. Negligence Per Se
If the owner violated the Pennsylvania Dog Law, for example, letting a dog run loose or failing to muzzle a dangerous dog — that violation can automatically establish liability under the doctrine of negligence per se.
Violating section 502-A (harboring a dangerous dog) can support this claim, especially if the bite resulted in:
- Broken bones
- Disfiguring lacerations
- Cosmetic surgery
These are considered “severe injuries” under the statute.
Does Pennsylvania Follow the “One Free Bite” Rule?
Not anymore. Courts in Pennsylvania have made it clear:
Even a dog’s first bite can lead to legal liability especially if the injury is severe.
The 1996 amendments to the Pennsylvania Dog Law eliminated the outdated idea that a dog must bite once before the owner can be held liable.
What Counts as a “Dangerous Dog” in PA?
A dog may be legally classified as dangerous if it:
- Bites or attacks without provocation
- Inflicts severe injury (broken bones, scarring, etc.)
- Has a history of aggression toward people or animals
Dangerous dogs must be properly confined and muzzled when off-property. Violations of these rules often lead to criminal charges and civil liability.
Can You Sue a Landlord for a Dog Bite?
Usually, landlords are not responsible unless:
- They knew the dog was dangerous
- They had control over the premises and the ability to remove the dog
In most cases, the dog owner or keeper is the liable party, not the landlord.
Should You Report a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Always. Reporting the bite helps:
- Document the attack for your legal claim
- Trigger an animal control investigation
- Potentially prevent future attacks on others
Call animal control or your local police department right away. In Doylestown, for example, get the owner’s information and vaccination records. Contact the Bucks County Health Department or the police to report the incident and start an investigation.
Bucks County Health Department Phone: 215-345-3336
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
If your injury involved more than basic medical costs, and the owner was negligent or violated the Dog Law, you may be able to recover for:
- Medical expenses (past & future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Loss of earning potential
Viking Law Can Help You Recover After a Dog Bite Injury
Dog bite injuries are serious and so is your right to compensation. At Viking Law, we fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and help our clients rebuild after a traumatic injury.
Our attorneys understand Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, insurance claim tactics, and how to build a strong case that gets results.
Don’t let one bite define your future. Let’s talk.
📞 Call Viking Law today for a free consultation.
Or use our online form to get started now.
For more information on Dog Bites in PA, visit or contact the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement by calling 717-787-3062 or emailing them at [email protected].