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…
Blog
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 Pittsburgh lawyer who has has litigated hundreds of dog bite cases: pit bull attacks are 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…
Evidence: Proving a Dog Bite Claim in Pennsylvania
Our Pittsburgh lawyers are often asked: what evidence do I need to prove a claim for injuries from a dog bite in Pennsylvania? After all, knowing the rule of law is one thing: do I need to show negligence? (often, yes) Does PA have a “one free bite” rule? (no). …
Tips For Parents of a Child Bitten by a Dog in PA
It’s back-to-school time for your child or children, but it’s dog bite season for our Pittsburgh trial lawyers. You see, summer is when families go away on vacation (away from the neighbor’s dog). Granted, there are plenty of attacks in the spring and summer also, such as: June 26: in…
Dog Bite Cases – Joint and Several Liability in PA?
The Fair Share Act in PA – Dog Bites Our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers adored something called “joint and several liability.” That was where each Defendant could be liable for the whole verdict, even if 1% at fault! So let’s say a landlord knowingly allowed his dead beat tenant to…
Defense Perspective: Taking Dog Bite Cases to Verdict
Our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers primarily represent individuals (including an adult or child) attacked by a canine. That said, many of our lawyers have also defended high-value (multi-million dollar) cases all the way to verdict. So what about the defense perspective? Can a defendant sued for money ever win? The answer…