Pittsburgh Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Legal Support After a Dog Bite Injury

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog, you need an experienced Pittsburgh dog bite lawyer in your corner. Animal attacks can result in serious injury, scarring, and infection, especially when children are involved.

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our team understands the nuances of Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, and we’ve helped countless victims navigate the complicated process of filing a dog bite case.

If an animal has bitten you or your child, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. Your second priority should be to contact the experienced attorneys at Ainsman Levine, LLC. If the bite results in rabies, infection, loss of motor skills, disfigurement, or any other serious injury, you may have the right to seek financial damages from the animal’s owner and the owner of the property that holds the animal.

Most animal-related injuries involve dog bites, and our Pittsburgh legal team has extensive experience representing those with dog bite injury claims.

What You Need to Do After a Dog Bite in Pittsburgh

In 2024, homeowners’ insurance paid out over $1.5 billion for dog attacks. That is why the steps you take right after being bitten by a dog can make such a significant difference in both your recovery and in the success of any potential legal claim. Taking fast, organized action protects your health, preserves critical evidence, and strengthens your dog bite case. Some of the most important steps you need to take include:

1. Assess the severity of the injury. Minor scrapes or punctures might only require urgent care, while deep bites, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection require emergency care. It’s a good rule of thumb to always call 911.
2. Thoroughly document the injury. Take photos of the wound every day to track your healing progress and keep any torn clothing or other items that were damaged during the attack.
3. Identify the dog and its owner or handler. Note the contact information of the owner, and if possible, get copies of the dog’s vaccination records.
4. Report the incident to the Pittsburgh Animal Care and Control (PACC) by calling (412) 255-2036, or (412) 255-2935 for after-hours response.
5. Follow all rabies and tetanus guidance and all public health recommendations.
6. Avoid quick settlements or making recorded statements. In addition, don’t sign anything from your insurer until you fully understand the extent of your injuries and contact a lawyer.

Taking these steps not only ensures your safety but also protects important evidence and positions you for a stronger legal case. If you or a loved one has been bitten, the team at Ainsman Levine, LLC, can guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law: Who Pays and What Must Be Proven

Understanding Pennsylvania’s dog bite law is important for anyone who’s been injured by a dog. The state’s laws are designed to make sure that you get the financial support you need while also holding the responsible parties accountable. Some of the key points to familiarize yourself with include:

• Pennsylvania law requires the owner or caretaker of the dog to cover all of the medical treatment costs associated with the dog bite. To recover those costs, victims generally need to show that the dog caused the injury and that medical treatment was necessary because of it. It’s also important to note that you don’t need to prove fault or show similar past behavior by the dog to get medical expenses.
• All dogs involved in a biting incident need to be quarantined for at least 10 days so that they can be monitored for signs of rabies. The investigating officer is then required to notify the victim of the results of the confinement, which can be important for both medical decisions and for documentation that supports the claim.
• Liability in a dog bite claim could extend to anyone with custody or control of the dog, not just the legal owner. Pittsburgh’s Animal Care and Control uses a broad definition of the word owner, which can support this concept in cases where there are liability disputes.

It’s also important to be aware that Pennsylvania law could exclude liability in cases where the victim provoked a dog that was normally friendly or that they trespassed on private property. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we work closely with our clients to protect their rights and to make sure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their injuries.

Compensation You Could Be Entitled To

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Pennsylvania, you could be entitled to more than just coverage for your mounting medical bills. In order to be completely fair, your compensation needs to address the full impact of your injuries, and a quick settlement never accounts for the many ways a dog bite injury can affect your life. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future treatment costs.
• Lost income
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Psychological trauma
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

Every dog bite case is unique, but an experienced Pittsburgh dog bite attorney from Ainsman Levine, LLC, can assess your injuries, document your losses, and negotiate with insurers to maximize your recovery. Our team is committed to helping victims of dog bite incidents all across Pittsburgh, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Usually Take?

A: The amount of time it takes to resolve a dog bite case depends on many different factors, like how complicated the case is, how serious your injuries are, and whether the insurance companies are cooperating or not. It’s possible for some cases to resolve in a few months, while others could take a year or more if it goes to litigation.

Q: What Happens if the Dog Has No Previous Biting History?

A: If the dog has no previous biting history, Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws still state that the owner or caretaker of the dog could be held liable. This means that they still need to pay for your damages. Prior bite history could have an influence on claims for negligence, but it isn’t required for a valid dog bite case.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Pennsylvania?

A: In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes dog bites, is usually two years from the date of the incident. However, the sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can evaluate your case and determine if it might be subject to a different deadline. Missing your timeframe means giving up your right to compensation.

Q: Do I Still Have a Dog Bite Claim if the Bite Didn’t Break the Skin?

A: Yes, you could still have a dog bite claim even if the dog didn’t break the skin. Dog attacks can cause significant injuries, such as bruising, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries. In addition, these kinds of attacks often come with emotional distress and psychological trauma, both of which are recoverable under Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today and Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, you need to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer immediately to learn more about preserving your rights and protecting your interests.

The personal injury attorneys at Ainsman Levine, LLC, can help you understand the issues involved in your case and guide you through this complex area of law. We always concentrate on your financial recovery so you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally.

Call us today at 412-338-9030 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. We look forward to protecting your rights and your future.