Animal & Dog Bites

In Pennsylvania, the dog’s owner is typically held liable for injuries caused by their pet. The law holds owners responsible for controlling their animals and preventing them from causing harm. Pennsylvania’s “strict liability” statute means that an owner can be responsible for medical costs even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

However, liability for other damages, such as pain and suffering or lost wages, may depend on whether the dog had known aggressive tendencies or whether the owner was negligent (e.g., allowing the dog to roam off-leash, failing to post warning signs, etc.).

Our firm’s deep knowledge of local ordinances and state dog laws allows us to pinpoint negligence and prove liability, especially when dealing with complicated circumstances like shared property lines, rented properties, or commercial premises. We will also investigate whether homeowner’s, renter’s, or commercial insurance policies apply so you can collect damages from the appropriate sources.

Yes, and this is a common concern. Many dog bite victims are injured by dogs owned by people they know- neighbors, relatives, or friends. You may feel conflicted about pursuing legal action, but it’s important to remember that you are not suing them personally. Instead, the claim is typically filed against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.

These policies are designed to cover personal liability incidents like dog bites. The reality is that your medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma are very real and deserve compensation. Filing a claim helps you recover what you need without directly impacting the dog owner financially- especially if the injury was due to neglect or lack of proper animal control.

Our firm handles these delicate situations with compassion and discretion, ensuring the process remains civil and respectful while securing the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, or phobias
• Scarring and disfigurement, especially if visible or permanent
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

In cases involving children or the elderly, long-term care and counseling may be necessary, and those costs can add up. At GLS Injury Law, we work with medical professionals, vocational experts, and economists to accurately value your claim. Our goal is always to secure a settlement or verdict that reflects the full impact the injury has had- and will continue to have- on your life.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. That means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may lose the right to recover any compensation.

However, it’s strongly recommended that you do not wait to take action. Evidence such as witness statements, photos, surveillance footage, and medical documentation can become harder to obtain over time. The sooner our legal team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.

There are some exceptions that may extend or toll the statute, particularly in cases involving minors. If a child is bitten by a dog, the two-year period typically begins when the child turns 18.
Still unsure? Give us a call. We offer free consultations, and we’ll walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront costs.

Absolutely. In Pennsylvania, a “one bite” rule does not apply the way it does in some other states. A dog owner may still be liable for your injuries, even if the dog has never shown aggression or bitten before. If the dog caused harm without provocation, and the owner failed to restrain or control the animal properly, you may have grounds for a negligence claim.

In many cases, even if the owner insists that the dog was “friendly,” their failure to secure the dog on a leash, behind a fence, or in a safe space can establish liability. Additionally, state and local laws require owners to take reasonable steps to prevent attacks. If they failed to comply, we would use those legal violations to bolster your claim.

At GLS Injury Law, we leave no stone unturned in investigating the dog’s behavior history, prior complaints, and whether local ordinances were violated.

Yes, and these are some of the most serious and heart-wrenching cases we handle. Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks due to their size, lack of awareness of danger signs, and natural curiosity. Injuries in these cases are often severe, both physically and emotionally.

If your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you can file a claim on their behalf as a parent or legal guardian. Compensation can include not only medical expenses and emotional trauma, but also damages for long-term care, therapy, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.

In addition, Pennsylvania law allows extended time for minors to file injury claims, usually beginning when the child turns 18. However, it’s still best to consult an attorney right away, as early legal intervention can preserve key evidence and help secure prompt compensation.

We are sensitive to the trauma that both you and your child may be experiencing, and we promise to handle your case with the care, urgency, and attention to detail it deserves.

Not necessarily. In fact, most dog bite cases settle outside of court. Our firm has a strong reputation with local insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, which often leads to fair settlements without the need for a trial.

That said, we always prepare every case as though it will go to court. This meticulous preparation puts us in the strongest position to negotiate from a place of power. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. You deserve full compensation, not a lowball offer from the insurance company.

You’ll be involved in every major decision, and we’ll guide you every step of the way. Our priority is making the legal process as stress-free and transparent as possible, while getting the results you need to move forward.

Even if you were partially responsible for the incident- perhaps by unknowingly provoking the dog or entering a property without permission- you may still be able to recover compensation under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules.

This law allows injured victims to recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your share of the fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% responsible, your total recovery would be reduced by that amount.

Our attorneys are experienced in minimizing your percentage of fault by carefully investigating the circumstances and building a strong case supported by evidence. We don’t let insurance companies unfairly blame victims to avoid paying rightful claims.

Hiring us costs you nothing up front. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through how our fee structure works and answer all of your questions. There are no hidden fees, no hourly rates, and no retainers. Our interests are aligned with yours- we are fully invested in getting you the best possible outcome.

With decades of combined experience, a deep understanding of Pennsylvania dog bite laws, and a reputation as Lancaster’s #1 injury law firm, you can feel confident placing your case in our hands. Let us take on the legal burden while you focus on healing.

Victims typically have two years from the attack date to file a dog bite lawsuit. Delaying action weakens your case as witness memory fades and evidence disappears. Contacting GLS Injury Law early ensures vital documentation and medical records are preserved.

Each dog bite settlement depends on injury severity, medical bills, future treatment needs, lost wages, scarring, and emotional distress. Our experienced dog bite attorneys carefully evaluate every detail to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your suffering and long-term recovery.

In most cases, the dog’s owner bears primary responsibility. Property managers and landlords can also be liable if they knew about the dangerous dog and failed to take action. GLS Injury Law investigates every angle to establish clear liability and pursue all responsible parties.

Yes. Even seemingly minor dog bite injuries can lead to infections, nerve damage, or psychological trauma later. Insurance companies routinely minimize such claims. Hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you’re not pressured into accepting unfair settlements.

Timelines vary based on case complexity, liability disputes, and injury severity. Some cases resolve through negotiation in months; others require litigation and take longer. GLS Injury Law moves efficiently to secure the best outcome without unnecessary delays.

Key evidence includes photos of injuries and the scene, witness statements, animal control and police reports, medical documentation, proof of ownership, and records of prior incidents or complaints. Our legal team works quickly to collect and preserve this evidence from day one.

You pay no upfront fees and nothing unless we win. GLS Injury Law works on a contingency-fee basis, our payment comes only from your successful settlement or verdict. Your first consultation is completely free and confidential.

Yes, in most cases. Property owners have a duty to warn visitors about dangerous dogs. However, if you were trespassing or provoking the dog, your claim may be affected. Our attorneys analyze the specific circumstances to determine your rights.