After a dog bite in Pennsylvania, take these steps: get medical care right away, identify the dog and its owner, report the bite to your local authorities and the state, document your injuries and the scene, be cautious about giving statements to insurers, and speak with an attorney before you settle. These dog bite first steps protect both your health and your legal rights, because Pennsylvania sets deadlines for filing a claim and evidence can disappear fast.
Below is a step-by-step guide for what to do after a dog bite in Pennsylvania, along with a plain-language explanation of your rights and the deadlines that apply.
Step 1: Get Medical Care Right Away
Your health comes first. Even a bite that looks minor can become infected, and dog bites can carry a risk of serious infection, nerve damage, and scarring. Seeking prompt medical care also creates a record that connects your injuries to the bite, which can matter later. Follow your provider’s instructions, keep all follow-up appointments, and hold on to every bill and record.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If you can do so safely, find out who owns the dog and get their name, address, and contact information. Ask whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination. If the owner is unknown, note where the dog was, what it looked like, and any details that could help identify it. Getting the names and phone numbers of any witnesses is valuable too, because independent accounts can support your version of what happened.
Step 3: Report the Bite
In Pennsylvania, dog bites should be reported. To report a dog bite in PA, contact your local police or the local dog warden, and be aware that the state Department of Agriculture oversees dog law enforcement. Reporting creates an official record, helps ensure the dog is evaluated, and can protect others from being bitten. It also strengthens your claim by documenting that the bite occurred and when.
Step 4: Document Everything
Evidence fades quickly, so document while things are fresh. Take photographs of your injuries in the days after the bite as they heal, and photograph the location where it happened. Keep the clothing you were wearing if it was damaged. Write down what happened while your memory is clear, including the date, time, location, and what the owner said. Save every medical bill, pharmacy receipt, and record of missed work.
Step 5: Be Careful With Insurers
The dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your claim, and an insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the bite. Be polite, but be careful. You are not required to give a recorded statement, and quick settlement offers are often lower than a claim may be worth. It is wise to speak with an attorney before you sign anything or accept an offer, so you understand what your claim may involve.
Your Rights and Deadlines After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law provides real protections for dog bite victims. Under the state’s Dog Law, a dog’s owner is generally responsible for the victim’s medical costs, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before. To recover full damages, such as compensation for pain and suffering, scarring, or lost income, the law usually requires showing that the owner was negligent or that the dog had known dangerous propensities. You can read more about how these claims work on our Pennsylvania and New Jersey dog bite page and in our dog bite compensation guide.
Deadlines matter. In Pennsylvania, the deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite claims, is generally two years from the date of the bite. This dog bite statute of limitations in PA can have exceptions, especially for children, so you should not assume a deadline has passed or that there is no rush. If a dog bit you or your child, speaking with an attorney promptly helps ensure no deadline is missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reporting is strongly recommended. Contact your local police or dog warden, and know that the state Department of Agriculture oversees dog law enforcement. A report creates an official record, helps ensure the dog is evaluated, and can support your claim.
Under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law, the owner is generally responsible for a bite victim’s medical costs, often through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, regardless of the dog’s history.
Generally two years from the date of the bite, though exceptions can apply, especially for injured children. Because deadlines are strict, it is best to speak with an attorney promptly.
Be cautious. Early offers are often lower than a claim may be worth, and you are not required to give a recorded statement. It is wise to speak with an attorney before accepting an offer or signing anything.
Many claims are paid through the owner’s insurance rather than out of pocket, so you can often pursue a claim without a personal financial dispute. Our consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.
Talk With a Pennsylvania and New Jersey Injury Attorney
You focus on healing. We will focus on your claim. Call Ethen Ostroff Law at 610-510-8883 for a free, confidential consultation. There is no fee unless we win, and we can help you understand what compensation you may be able to pursue. Justice For All.
