Our Pittsburgh lawyers have explained the damages recoverable in PA for a dog bite. But what happens when your own insurance pays for your medical bills — or lost wages — from an animal attack? Can you still claim those amounts against the person responsible for the attack? Even though your…
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New Case: Does Dog Breed, Alone, Deem it “Dangerous” in PA?
In PA, there is no “strict liability” for a dog bite, typically. Rather, there are only two ways a person can be liable (civilly) for damages caused by a dog bite. The first is, the failure to control the animal (by a leash or otherwise). Or, the person harboring the…
Showing “Prior Dangerous Propensities” | PA Dog Bite Liability
Prior Vicious or Dangerous Propensities The victim of a canine attack in Pennsylvania need only do a few Google searches to realize: the attack survivor must often prove negligence to recover money for a dog bite in PA. This often means, the victim needs proof that the dog owner (or…
How to Report a Dog Bite in Pittsburgh & Western PA
We regularly advise victims of a dog bites at every stage, including how to report a dog bite to authorities. The focus of this article is how to report the attack to the appropriate authorities for investigation. Reporting a Medical Emergency First of all, call 911 for any medical emergency…
Dog Bite Conviction | Effect on Civil Liability in PA
Does a Dog Bite Criminal Conviction Guaranty Civil Liability (For a Bite)? Some Background Pennsylvania Dog Law imposes criminal penalties for harboring a dangerous dog or failing to control it. In fact, Pennsylvania recently increased criminal penalties and fines for violations of PA’s Dog Law. While the criminal courts excel…
Changes to PA’s Dog Law in 2024
Many feel that PA’s dog law is too lenient against those who own or harbor a dangerous dog. For example, unlike 36 other states having strict liability for dog bites, PA requires the injured party to prove negligence (in most cases) to get money for a dog attack. The reason?…
Unrepresented Dog Owner Not Liable (Defense Verdict)
Our primary responsibility — as Pittsburgh lawyers helping dog bite victims — is to give candid advice that helps our injured clients. One thing we say during every consultation is: there are no guarantees in litigation. A good lawyer can help your enhance your chances of success, but sometimes, an…
Canine Knocks Over & Drags Dog Walker: Dog Owner Liable PA?
Dog Owner Liable: Canine Knocks Over and Drags Dog Walker As you might expect, in Pennsylvania, the negligent owner of a dangerous dog can be liable for failing to control the animal or warn others of its dangerous propensities. You’re thinking – dog bite, right? Nope. Liability can exist absent…
Training the “Bite” Out of the Dog?
Can Training a Canine Prevent it From Attacking? The answer is “no,” according to this Pittsburgh lawyer, who focuses on dog bite cases. We’ve handled hundreds of dog attack claims for injured people. We can tell you this: no dog can be made “safe” through training. It’s often impossible to know…
The *Truth* About Pit Bull Dogs | Pittsburgh Lawyers
Take it from a firm that has litigated hundreds of dog bite cases: pit bull attacks are all too common and especially vicious. Ready to learn the truth about pit bulls? First, we’ll discuss the number and severity of injuries that pit bulls — in particular — have caused. …