Personal injury

Dog Bite

At Lerner Steinberg & Associates, we understand the physical and emotional trauma that dog bite victims experience. What begins as an ordinary day can quickly turn into a nightmare when an aggressive or poorly controlled dog attacks, often causing serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. For over 34 years, our dedicated attorneys have been helping dog bite victims throughout Pennsylvania recover the compensation they deserve.

Our experienced legal team combines aggressive representation with personalized attention to navigate the complex legal issues in dog bite cases. We thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the attack, identify all responsible parties, and fight diligently to secure maximum compensation for your physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Contact Lerner Steinberg & Associates today by filling out our free consultation form or calling 215-714-1500 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

"*" indicates required fields

How We Can Help After a Dog Bite

When you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog, owners and their insurance companies often try to minimize your injuries or claim you provoked the animal. Our attorneys level the playing field by:

Conducting detailed investigations into the dog’s history and the circumstances of the attack
Gathering and preserving evidence including animal control records, witness statements, and prior incident reports
Documenting your injuries thoroughly with medical evidence and expert testimony
Identifying all potentially liable parties (owners, property owners, dog sitters, etc.)
Navigating Pennsylvania’s complex dog bite laws
Handling all communication with insurance companies
Calculating the full extent of your damages, including future medical needs
Negotiating aggressively for a fair settlement
Taking your case to trial when necessary to secure just compensation

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening:

Puncture wounds and lacerations
Facial injuries and permanent scarring
Nerve damage
Broken bones
Infection (including dangerous bacteria like MRSA)
Loss of digits or limbs
Emotional trauma and PTSD
In severe cases, wrongful death

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Pennsylvania dog bite victims may be entitled to significant compensation for:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Plastic surgery and scar revision procedures
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma and PTSD
Permanent disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania has specific laws governing liability for dog bites, which can be complex and confusing to navigate without legal help:

Pennsylvania's "One Bite Rule" and Strict Liability

Pennsylvania’s dog bite law combines elements of both the “one bite rule” and strict liability:

For severe injuries, the dog owner may be strictly liable regardless of the dog’s prior behavior
For less severe injuries, the victim must prove the dog had dangerous propensities that the owner knew or should have known about
Even first-time offender dogs can create liability for their owners if the attack was severe

Dangerous Dog Statute

Pennsylvania has a “Dangerous Dog Statute” that imposes additional requirements on owners of dogs that have previously attacked humans or animals without provocation. Violation of these requirements can strengthen your case.

Negligence Claims

Even when strict liability doesn’t apply, dog owners can be held liable under standard negligence principles if they failed to properly control their animal or violated leash laws or other animal control ordinances.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bites

Our attorneys identify all potentially responsible parties in your case:

Dog owners
Property owners (if they knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on their premises)
Dog handlers (walkers, sitters, groomers, etc.)
Parents of minors who own dogs
Landlords (in some circumstances)
Businesses that allow dogs on their premises

OUR DIFFERENCE

Why Choose Lerner Steinberg & Associates?

Experience That Gets Results

With over three decades of experience handling dog bite cases, we understand the unique challenges these claims present. Our attorneys have recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for dog bite victims throughout Pennsylvania.

Understanding of Complex Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws are complex, combining elements of strict liability and the “one bite rule.” Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to navigate these laws and build the strongest possible case.

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we provide personalized attention to every client. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. We take the time to understand your unique situation and develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs.

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.

What to Do After Dog Bite

Seek immediate medical attention – Dog bites can cause serious infections and injuries that may not be immediately apparent

Report the attack to local police and animal control authorities

Identify the dog and its owner if possible

Document your injuries with photographs

Gather contact information from any witnesses

Save all clothing worn during the attack as evidence

Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses

Avoid discussing the case with the dog owner or their insurance company

Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys as soon as possible

Get the Representation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, you need skilled legal representation to protect your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize these injuries or claim you provoked the animal, making it difficult to receive fair compensation without proper legal help.

Let our experienced dog bite attorneys at Lerner Steinberg & Associates fight for the maximum compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. We understand the physical and emotional trauma dog bite victims experience and have the knowledge, resources, and determination to help you rebuild your life after this traumatic experience.