Dog bites are not only traumatic, but they can also cause significant financial losses. When you get bit by someone else’s dog, you are hit with medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and potentially even lost wages if your injuries are severe enough to warrant missing work.
This is why it is so important to recover fair compensation for the damages you suffer. However, dog bite laws slightly differ in Pennsylvania from that of other states. Here’s what you should know.
Pennsylvania has a limited strict liability statute for dog bites
States either follow a one-bite rule or strict liability statute. In a one-bite rule state, the owner may not be liable for a dog’s first bite if they have no reason to believe that the dog was dangerous or likely to bite.
On the other hand, a strict liability state holds an owner responsible for any dog bite, regardless of whether they could have done something to prevent it.
Pennsylvania follows a limited version of this statute. There is only strict liability for medical expenses, which means the owner is responsible for paying all medical costs related to the dog bite. However, they may not be liable for other damages. Nevertheless, recovering compensation for other damages is possible through a civil case.
You can sue the dog owner for other damages
The aftermath of a dog bite can lead to losses other than medical expenses. If someone else’s dog hurts you, you can consider suing the dog’s owner for negligence. This way, you can recover compensation for other damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Home care and assistance
- Travel expenses related to treatment
To file a successful claim, however, you must prove two things: the owner knew of the dog’s vicious tendencies and they failed to prevent the animal from attacking.
Despite being man’s best friend, dogs can be unpredictable creatures. If someone else’s dog bites you, the consequences can be life-altering. Legal help may be necessary to make sure you receive fair compensation for all the harm you have suffered.