Dog Bite Liability in Pennsylvania
Whether a dog owner in Pennsylvania is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Under the Dog Law, any cost to a bite victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the dog's owner or keeper. Dog Law, Act 225 of 1982, § 502(b) (3 P.S. § 459-502(b))
| Dog bites | Under the Dog Law, any cost to a bite victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the dog's owner or keeper. Other damages (such as pain and suffering) are not addressed by this provision and depend on general negligence and common-law rules. |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Two years for an action to recover damages for injuries to the person caused by the wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence or negligence of another. Assault, battery, false imprisonment and similar claims also have a two-year deadline. Source: 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524(1), (2), (7) |
More Pennsylvania personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Pennsylvania
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- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Pennsylvania
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
- Truck Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
- Construction Site Injuries in Pennsylvania
- All Pennsylvania personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Pennsylvania?
Under the Dog Law, any cost to a bite victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the dog's owner or keeper. Other damages (such as pain and suffering) are not addressed by this provision and depend on general negligence and common-law rules.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Pennsylvania?
Two years for an action to recover damages for injuries to the person caused by the wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence or negligence of another. Assault, battery, false imprisonment and similar claims also have a two-year deadline.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.