Maybe you were simply out for a walk when you passed by someone walking their dog. You moved aside to give them space, doing everything right—but the dog unexpectedly felt threatened and lashed out. Before you or the owner could react, the dog bit you, leaving a painful and possibly disfiguring injury. After receiving medical attention, you realized it was time to contact a dog bite accident lawyer to understand your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Even if your situation looked different, one thing is clear: dog bites and animal attacks are more common than many people realize, and Pennsylvania law allows victims to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Whether the injury was to you or your child, you should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s failure to control their animal properly.
At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, our experienced dog bite injury lawyers understand how traumatic these incidents can be. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
If a dog has attacked you, taking immediate action is important to protect your health and preserve your legal rights. The steps you take now can make all the difference in building a strong case with your dog bite attorney later.
Dogs may be beloved pets in many American households, but when a dog turns aggressive and bites a child, the consequences can be heartbreaking. In addition to the immediate physical injury, a dog bite can cause long-term trauma and emotional scars that last well into adulthood.
Tragically, children are the most frequent victims of dog bites due to their size and natural curiosity. A single incident can result in serious wounds, permanent scarring, and a lifelong fear of animals. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and decisively after a dog bite.
If a dog has attacked your child, follow the essential steps outlined above. Seek medical attention immediately, gather the dog owner’s information, file a report with local authorities, and consider counseling for emotional healing. Most importantly, you will want to contact a dog bite injury lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and protect your child’s rights.
At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, our compassionate and experienced dog bite accident lawyers understand how devastating these cases can be for families. We’re here to help you pursue justice and recover compensation for medical bills, psychological care, pain and suffering, and any lasting impact the bite has had on your child’s life.
Under Pennsylvania law—specifically 3 Pa. Stat. § 459-502—when a dog bites or injures someone, the dog’s owner is strictly liable for all medical treatment expenses related to the injury. This means that even if the owner wasn’t negligent or didn’t intend for the incident to happen, they are still legally required to cover the cost of your medical care.
However, this statute only guarantees reimbursement for medical expenses. It does not automatically provide compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, or long-term disabilities resulting from the attack. To pursue those additional damages, you’ll need to present a strong legal case demonstrating the owner’s negligence or the severity of your losses.
That’s where a skilled dog bite accident lawyer becomes essential. If your case goes beyond a simple claim and heads to court, you need a seasoned legal advocate on your side. At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, our experienced dog bite injury lawyers know how to build compelling cases that hold dog owners accountable for medical bills and the full impact the injury has had on your life.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, it’s important to act quickly. Like other personal injury claims, dog bite cases in Pennsylvania are subject to a statute of limitations. According to 42 Pa. Consol. Stat. § 5524, you have just two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, regardless of how serious your injury is or how clear the liability may be.
However, some exceptions may apply in unique circumstances. Don’t make assumptions if you’re unsure whether too much time has passed. Consult with a knowledgeable dog bite attorney to explore your legal options as soon as possible.
Even if the injury seems minor or the dog wasn’t classified as dangerous, you may still be entitled to compensation. Pennsylvania law recognizes that even seemingly minor bites can result in infection, scarring, emotional trauma, or medical costs that accumulate over time.
That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer who can evaluate the details of your situation. At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, we’ll review the facts, explain your rights, and help you decide if legal action is in your best interest. Our dog bite lawyers are here to support you through every step of the claims process—from initial consultation to resolution.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Westmoreland Injury Lawyers today to speak with a trusted animal attack lawyer and find out if you have a valid case.
At Westmoreland Injury Lawyers, our experienced dog bite accident lawyers proudly serve clients across multiple counties in Western and Central Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a dog attack, you deserve trusted legal representation, no matter where you live.