If your dog bites someone in Pennsylvania, you may be held liable for the victim's medical expenses and other damages. Pennsylvania has strict liability laws that hold dog owners responsible for medical costs, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or the owner was negligent. The law also allows victims to seek compensation for mental and emotional injuries that can last a lifetime. Under Pennsylvania statutes (3 P.
S. § 459-502), dog owners are strictly liable for payments of the victim's medical costs. This means that the owner is responsible for all of the victim's medical expenses without the victim having to prove that the owner was negligent. However, when it comes to damages other than medical bills, the victim must prove that the owner was negligent or knew that the dog had dangerous propensities.Recent court rulings have changed the “one bite” rule, which previously allowed an owner to receive a pass for the first dog bite if they could prove that the dog had no history of assault.
Now, an owner can be held liable for damage caused by a dog bite, regardless of whether this is the first time the dog bites a person. If you are facing criminal charges under state dangerous dog law, a criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights. If you are a victim of a dog bite, a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove liability and document your damages. It's important to act quickly to protect your right to compensation under Pennsylvania's dog bite laws.Owners of dangerous dogs should also take appropriate steps to ensure that their dog does not bite anyone, such as placing clear and visible warning signs on their property.
If the victim of a dog bite is a child, they usually have two years from their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.
