Millions of Americans own dogs—about 78.2 million, with at least one dog in 39 percent of U.S. households. Despite being beloved family members, dogs can sometimes injure people. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a dog in Pennsylvania, Freeburn Law can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite about 4.7 million people in the U.S. each year. Of those, roughly 800,000 require medical attention, and 386,000 need treatment in an emergency room.
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Half of all dog bite victims are children under 12
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82 percent of emergency room visits are children under 15
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On average, there are 16 dog bite-related deaths in the U.S. each year
These statistics highlight how serious dog attacks can be, and why knowing your legal options is important.
Dog Breeds and Risk Misconceptions
It’s a common misconception that only certain breeds bite. While some breeds may have a higher chance of aggression, dog attacks can involve any breed. Bulldogs, Boxers, Collies, Cocker Spaniels, and Labrador Retrievers have all been linked to serious injuries or fatalities.
Preventing Dog Bites in Pennsylvania
There are steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of injury:
- Never approach a dog you do not know
- Never treat a dog in an aggressive manner, even if you think you are being playful
- Never bother a dog that is busy (i.e. eating, nursing, sleeping, etc.)
- Never tease a dog
- Act calm and stay still if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog
- Always ask a dog’s owner if you can pet the dog before doing so
Pennsylvania has a comprehensive set of statutes that deal with dogs, called the “Dog Law.” The Dog Law sets forth the rules for license and tag requirements, kennels, seizure, detention, and quarantine of dogs. The Dog Law also covers dog-related offenses such as dog bites, dangerous dogs, injuries caused to dogs and harm caused by dogs, dog enforcement, animal control officers, and fines and penalties.
Pennsylvania Dog Laws
Pennsylvania’s “Dog Law” covers licensing, kennels, seizures, detention, quarantine, dog-related offenses, and penalties. Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and can be held liable if their dog injures someone.
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Dog Law enforcement is handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and state dog wardens
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Dog owners cannot rely on the “one free bite” myth; liability can occur even on the first attack
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Click here on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website for a list of names and telephone numbers of dog wardens by county.
Not all injuries come from bites. Dogs can injure people by knocking them over, jumping on them, or causing falls. Freeburn Law has successfully handled cases where clients were injured without being bitten, including ruptured tendons and broken bones caused by dog attacks.
Pennsylvania also has a body of case law that deals with the legal responsibility of dog owners for the harm their dog causes. The old saying that every dog is entitled to one free bite is not true. The owner of a dog that shows aggressive tendencies has a legal obligation to see that his or her dog does not get the opportunity to take the first bite. Deardorff v. Berger, 606 A.2d 489 (Pa. Super 1992).
Why You Should Contact Freeburn Law After a Dog Bite
The call is free. We’ll listen to you and tell you if you have a case. We don’t charge a fee unless we recover money for you. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact Freeburn Law today! Call the 7’s, (717) 777-7777 or complete a free consultation form online.
What You Need to Know About Freeburn Law:
- Freeburn Law has experienced the PA dog bite lawyer team that you need to get the money you deserve.
- Freeburn Law has decades of experience representing injury victims.
- Freeburn Law will deal with the insurance companies so that you can concentrate on recovering from your dog bite injury.
- Freeburn Law will immediately assign a team of Pennsylvania dog bite attorneys, paralegals and an in-house investigator to your case.
- Freeburn Law has the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle serious injury and death cases. We have recovered millions for our clients since 1982.
- Free consultation! The call is absolutely free.
- No Recovery, No Fee. You pay absolutely no fee unless we recover money for you!
Freeburn Law has several offices throughout Central Pennsylvania to better serve our clients. We have offices in Harrisburg, York, Selinsgrove, Kingston, Lebanon, King of Prussia, Lewistown, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and Johnstown. If you can’t come to us, we will come to your home, or meet you in the hospital. We are available 24/7 – evenings and/or weekends.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you — WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS! We will meet you at your home or in the hospital, anywhere in Pennsylvania, in the evening or on the weekend – whatever is most convenient for you. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Pennsylvania, contact Freeburn Law for a free consultation. Our experienced dog bite attorneys are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Settlement Results
$185,000 Settlement: A woman suffered hip and arm injuries after an unleashed dog knocked her to the ground. Attorney Christina Bradley recovered $185,000 for her.
$101,000 settlement in dog bite case: Our client, a young girl in Huntingdon County went to a neighbor’s house to see if their children could play. When the door opened, a pit bull mix jumped off the couch and attacked our client, biting her face and neck. The settlement included all available liability, and medical payment coverage available. Ryan P. McDaniel, Esq.
