Pittsburgh Dog Bite Lawyer
Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in Pittsburgh, PA?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in the Pittsburgh area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. At Friday & Cox LLC, our experienced Pittsburgh dog bite attorneys understand the serious impact a dog attack can have on your life. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can cause more than physical injuries—they often leave emotional scars and financial burdens. Whether the bite happened in a public place, on private property, or even at a friend’s home, Pennsylvania law provides legal options for victims. Let us help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
Contact us at (412) 900-8250 today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Pittsburgh dog bite attorney.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law
Dog bite claims in Pennsylvania are governed by a mix of strict liability and negligence rules, depending on the circumstances of the attack.
Strict Liability for Medical Expenses
Under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (Section 502-A of the Pennsylvania Dog Law), dog owners are strictly liable for covering a victim’s medical costs if their dog bites someone. This means that even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no prior knowledge of aggression, they must still pay for the victim’s medical expenses.
Negligence and “Dangerous Dog” Classification
If the victim is seeking compensation beyond medical bills—such as lost wages, pain and suffering, or emotional distress—they must typically prove that the dog had a history of vicious behavior or that the owner was negligent in handling the animal. Pennsylvania defines a “dangerous dog” as one that has:
- Inflicted severe injury without provocation
- Attacked a person or domestic animal without cause
- Been used in the commission of a crime
- A history of aggressive behavior
If a dog has previously bitten someone or shown signs of aggression, the owner may be held liable for all damages, especially if they failed to restrain or warn others.
Statute of Limitations
Victims in Pennsylvania generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline could bar you from recovering any compensation.
Contact us today at (412) 900-8250 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Friday & Cox LLC?
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Unparalleled Client ServiceYour inquiries are returned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call for a free case evaluation at (412) 900-8250.
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Excellent Track RecordWe bring more than 100 years of combined experience and results to helping injured people obtain the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
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We Are Willing To Go All The WayOur lawyers are trial tested and our firm has won many verdicts and countless settlements.
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"You all were wonderful, and I would tell anybody to come to you for help."- Joseph L.
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Dear Paul & Ivexis, thank you both for all of the hard work that you spent on my case! I truly appreciate you helping me in my time of need - it is a great help to me! Your professionalism and abilities have enabled me to get my life back on track after my injury. Thank you again for representing me - I am forever grateful!- Christian B.
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“They went out of their way to help me.”- David M.
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“They where up front and that means a lot. They worked hard!”- Aaron D.
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“If your serious about hiring a lawyer for personal injury call here first.”- Former Client
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“Everything was done in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend their services to people.”- Stacey
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“Handled my mother’s fall/ injury litigation with compassion, empathy and professionalism”- Carl L.
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“If you are serious about hiring a lawyer for personal injury call here first.”- Former Client
Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in PA
Dog bite injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma, and the financial aftermath can be overwhelming. At Friday & Cox LLC, we help clients pursue full and fair compensation for the following types of damages:
Medical Expenses
This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up treatments, rabies vaccinations, physical therapy, and reconstructive procedures.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working—either temporarily or permanently—you may be entitled to recover lost income or loss of future earnings.
Pain and Suffering
We recognize that dog bites often lead to significant physical pain and long-lasting emotional distress, including anxiety, PTSD, or a newfound fear of dogs.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Permanent injuries, especially to the face or hands, can cause lifelong physical and psychological harm. These damages should be fully accounted for in your claim.
Property Damage
If the dog damaged your clothing, phone, or other personal property during the attack, those costs may also be recoverable.
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases where the dog owner acted with recklessness or malice—such as encouraging an attack—punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoing.
FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in Pittsburgh, PA
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention right away. If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner, take photos of your injuries, and file a report with local authorities or animal control. Then, contact a Pittsburgh dog bite attorney at Friday & Cox LLC to discuss your legal options.
Can I file a claim if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?
Yes. While it may feel awkward, remember that most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner's homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Your relationship with the dog owner doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation.
What if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
You may still be able to recover medical expenses under Pennsylvania’s strict liability law. For additional damages, you’ll need to demonstrate negligence or that the dog had dangerous tendencies.
What if I was partially at fault?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51% at fault for the incident, you may still recover damages—though your compensation could be reduced proportionally to your share of fault.
Do I need a lawyer to file a dog bite claim?
While not legally required, hiring an experienced Pittsburgh dog bite lawyer significantly improves your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often attempt to downplay the seriousness of your injuries or blame you for the attack. Our attorneys can level the playing field and advocate for your rights.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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$12.8 Million Work Injury
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$7.5 Million Defective Product
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$4 Million Work Injury
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$2.6 Million Motor Vehicle Accident
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$1.3 Million Medical Malpractice