Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
While walking through your neighborhood, down a local sidewalk, or on a park trail, the last thing you anticipate is an attack by a dog. Instead, you expect dog owners to control their pets, keeping them leashed in public and fenced at their homes.
Unfortunately, animal attacks and dog bites happen, often leaving victims with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. Victims can seek compensation from dog owners, but the path to justice is not always straightforward. Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws are complicated, allowing the dog owner to raise defenses and avoid liability. That makes it critical to enlist the help of an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, our award-winning lawyers are here to help. Our attorneys have a proven record of recovering compensation for dog bite victims to cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Navigate This Page
- Why Choose Cordisco & Saile’s Dog Bite Attorneys in Pennsylvania
- Our Dog Bite and Attack Settlements
- What Our Clients Say
- Pennsylvania Dog Bite and Attack Laws
- Types of Damages Recoverable Following a Dog Bite Attack
- The Dunbar Bite Scale and Dog Bite Claims
- What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
- What Evidence Is Needed To Prove a Dog Bite Claim?
- How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Case in Pennsylvania?
- Call Our Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyers Now
Why Choose Cordisco & Saile’s Dog Bite Attorneys in Pennsylvania
If you have been injured in a Pennsylvania dog attack, you may not know where to turn for help. At Cordisco & Saile, our injury lawyers have proudly represented accident victims throughout Pennsylvania for over 30 years, recovering millions of dollars for those injured through no fault of their own.
Our nationally recognized team of attorneys is passionate about fighting for injury victims. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us to handle your case:
Skilled Legal Professionals
A dog bite case isn’t always clear-cut due to the complexity of Pennsylvania dog bite laws. Fortunately, our lawyers have handled many dog attack cases and know how to prove liability. Our meticulous legal team will review every detail of your attack and leave no stone unturned as we gather the evidence necessary to support your claim.
In-Depth Local Knowledge
Dog bite injuries can be serious, and the claims process isn’t simple. It’s important to partner with local dog bite lawyers who can make the right connections to build a solid case. Co-founders John F. Cordisco and Michael L. Saile Jr. have strong Pennsylvania ties. We know the state’s courts, judges, and laws and have developed proven strategies to win compensation for our clients.
Commitment to Client Service
We understand what it’s like to suffer the trauma of a dog attack, and we promise to treat your dog bite case with compassion and care. We are here when you need us the most and are passionate about what we do. It can be stressful and confusing to navigate a Pennsylvania dog bite claim. Therefore, we are committed to keeping you informed about our processes and the progress of your case every step of the way.
Trial-Ready Approach
Over the last three decades, we have settled thousands of cases, helping many clients secure massive awards and justice for life-altering injuries. While most of our cases get resolved through settlements, some insurance companies fail to offer reasonable terms and even try to deny responsibility for damages. We can provide dog bite settlement examples to prove we mean business, but we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
No-Fee Promise
If a dog has bitten you, you’re likely already facing unexpected medical bills and other losses. We don’t want to add to your financial and emotional burden. Your initial consultation with us is completely free, and we don’t charge you any legal fees unless we win your case.
Our Dog Bite and Attack Settlements
We have a track record of successfully recovering substantial settlements across Pennsylvania for dog bite injury victims, including the following results:
- $750,000 settlement for a 78-year-old woman who suffered a serious spinal fracture when a dog jumped on her
- $275,000 settlement for a young mother whose face was severely scarred and disfigured in a vicious dog attack
To learn more about our successes, check out our case results. Testimonials from satisfied clients show how we have helped other personal injury victims recover compensation for their losses.
What Our Clients Say
We strive to deliver the highest-quality client service and legal representation. We are proud of the compliments we receive from those who’ve worked with us. Here is what some of our past clients have to say:
Pennsylvania Dog Bite and Attack Laws
Pennsylvania has a complex set of laws governing dog bite liability. These laws incorporate elements of strict liability and negligence rather than following the strict so-called “one bite rule” that absolves dog owners of liability for their pet’s first attack.
In Pennsylvania, dog owners can be liable for some damages if their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s history of aggressive behavior or previous bites. The specific circumstances of the incident and the severity of the victim’s injuries determine the extent of the dog owner’s liability and the damages that can be recovered.
Thus, Pennsylvania dog bite victims may have a right to seek compensation from the dog owner, even if the dog has never bitten anyone. However, the specific Pennsylvania laws governing dog bite liability are complex and may require the guidance of an experienced dog bite attorney to navigate successfully.
Strict Liability
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for medical expenses if their dog, without provocation, injures a person while they are lawfully on public or private property. Under this law, the victim need not prove the owner was negligent. However, strict liability only applies to medical expenses. Under a strict liability theory, you cannot recover other economic damages, such as lost wages and diminished earning capacity, or non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Negligence
In some dog bite cases, the victim may need to prove the owner was negligent to recover compensation for the full range of damages. Negligent behavior may include violating leash laws or failing to properly secure a dangerous dog. If negligence is proven, the victim may be entitled to comprehensive damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage.
Pennsylvania Common Liability Law
Pennsylvania courts have developed a set of rules that apply in dog bite cases, depending on the circumstances involved. Under Pennsylvania’s common law for dog bite liability:
- The owner is liable for all damages if a dog has previously bitten someone or been classified as dangerous.
- If the dog has no history of biting or has not been classified as dangerous, the victim may still recover damages, but the amount depends on the severity of the injuries:
- For serious injuries involving broken bones or disfigurement requiring stitches or cosmetic surgery, the victim can recover all damages related to the attack.
- For minor injuries, the victim may only recover medical expenses resulting from the bite.
While some people are understandably frightened of certain breeds, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, any dog can attack and cause severe lacerations and scarring. Under Pennsylvania law, an owner is liable if their dog qualifies as a “dangerous dog,” which means any of the following criteria apply:
- The dog has previously injured another person.
- The dog has injured or killed a domestic animal.
- The dog has attacked a person without provocation.
- The dog was used to commit a crime.
However, Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws also include exceptions and limitations that give rise to defenses for dog owners and keepers. Under these exceptions, an owner may not be liable if the victim was doing the following:
- Trespassing
- Committing or attempting to commit a crime
- Tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog
Given the complexity of Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws, you should consult with experienced dog bite lawyers in Philadelphia who can help you understand your rights and options for recovering compensation.
Types of Damages Recoverable Following a Dog Bite Attack
Pennsylvania dog bite victims may be entitled to recover two types of damages:
- Economic damages: These compensate for the attack’s financial impacts, including medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: These cover the harder-to-quantify impacts on your life, such as pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If you got attacked by a dog, you deserve justice. Victims typically must file a personal injury lawsuit asserting negligence to recover non-economic damages. Working with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite attorney can significantly increase your chances of a positive case outcome.
The lawyers at Cordisco & Saile will help you navigate the insurance claims process, gather evidence to support a strong legal case, negotiate a fair settlement, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact us to discuss your legal options and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Can I Sue for Emotional Distress After a Dog Bite?
Dog attacks can cause painful physical injuries and dangerous infections. What many people don’t consider is the common mental issues that develop after a dog attack, including fear, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, depression, appetite changes, and other emotional problems. Such issues can have a lasting toll, especially when the victim is a child.
To sue for emotional distress, you must prove that the dog owner was negligent. In other words, if the owner failed to prevent a foreseeable injury, you likely have a strong case. Having the right dog bite legal team in your corner is an integral part of putting the odds in your favor of collecting maximum damages.
Can I Recover Compensation for My Child Who Was Attacked by a Dog?
Yes. It can be incredibly distressing when your child gets bitten by a dog. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law states that a dog owner can be held liable for medical expenses after the first biting incident. You might be eligible for additional damages if the bite results in severe injuries or the dog has a history of attacking others.
Under Pennsylvania law, minors cannot file a lawsuit, but a parent or legal guardian can pursue a suit on the child’s behalf. The statute of limitations is extended for these claims, giving the injured party two years after reaching age 18 instead of two years from the incident date. If your child has been injured in a dog attack, our firm will handle your cases with the utmost skill and compassion.
"After an accident, not only are people in pain, but they're fearful. They don't know what to do next. At Cordisco and Saile, we know how to fight. We take cases to trial from beginning to end, and we never give up on our clients."
The Dunbar Bite Scale and Dog Bite Claims
Ian Dunbar at The Association of Professional Dog Trainers has developed The Dunbar Bite Scale that standardizes the severity of different dog bites on the human body as follows:
- Level 1 Dog Bite – No skin contact
- Level 2 Dog Bite – Skin contact with no puncture
- Level 3 Dog Bite – Single bite with 1-4 tooth punctures and no puncture being deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth
- Level 4 Dog Bite – Single bite with 1-4 tooth punctures and puncture is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth
- Level 5 Dog Bite – Multiple level 4 bites from multiple dog attacks
- Level 6 Dog Bite – Dog bite that results in death
Our Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers will account for how your physical injuries rank on the Dunbar bite scale. However, we also consider psychological issues such as fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as we diligently fight for the compensation you deserve.
Proudly Serving Pennsylvanians from Our Eight Locations
We’re not just your attorneys, we’re your neighbors. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we’ve built strong relationships with the local judges and courts, making us uniquely equipped to handle your case. Our services span from Bucks County and up to Lehigh Valley, ready to meet all your legal needs.
Get started towards your path for compensation by giving us a call at 215-642-2335.
Serving Clients Across Pennsylvania
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
If a dog has attacked you in Pennsylvania, here are some steps you should take to protect your rights to recover compensation:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you are severely injured. Continue to follow your medical provider’s recommendations.
- Report the attack to local authorities. This will create an official record of the incident that you can use to establish liability.
- Document your injuries and gather evidence. Note the location, date, and time of the attack. Gather information about the dog’s owner, but don’t contact them directly.
- Avoid discussing the incident with the owner or insurance company.
- Don’t post about your dog attack on social media. Social media posts might bring unwanted scrutiny from the insurance company.
- Contact an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer. At Cordisco & Saile, we will do what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve.
"Don't post on social media when you have a personal injury case. Just don't do it. Too many times, I've seen a client come over from a different firm, and they have already done some damage. In this situation, we call it Code Orange. We tried to do the most to mitigate what they've done. I've had a client who said that their lower back hurts and that they're unable to do activities of daily living and they're posting on their Facebook for donations for them to run the Boston Marathon. Not the best look, and in those particular instances, we have to have conversations with clients because we're not going to sacrifice the integrity of their case."
What Evidence Is Needed To Prove a Dog Bite Claim?
In dog bite cases, the dog’s owner or the insurance company may try to avoid liability by claiming you were a trespasser, provoked the attack, or otherwise assumed the risk. To prove liability and maximize your dog bite settlement, you should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
A seasoned dog attack lawyer at Cordisco & Saile will help you locate and retain critical pieces of evidence for your dog bite claim, including:
- The police report
- Photos and CCTV footage
- Witness statements
- Medical and financial statements
Much of this evidence is time-sensitive, meaning there’s a chance it will disappear if you delay too long. You should always prioritize building a strong case as soon as possible to improve the chance of a positive outcome.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Case in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, is two years. Under Pennsylvania law, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of your injury. If you don’t file suit before the two-year deadline expires, you may lose your right to recover damages.
If you have a Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer representing you, the attorney will ensure you meet all deadlines, including the statute of limitations deadline.
Call Our Pennsylvania Dog Bite Lawyers Now
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, our award-winning team of personal injury lawyers fights for accident victims in Bucks County, Montgomery County, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and throughout Pennsylvania. We have a proven record of recovering compensation from the owners of pets that have caused serious injuries.
If someone’s dog injured you or a loved one, call us at 215-642-2335 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers.
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Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
We’re here to listen, help you understand your legal options, and support you during this difficult time. Remember, there is never any cost or obligation when you call our team to learn about your options.
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Read Our Blogs
How To Report a Dog Attack
If a dog has bitten you or attacked another person or animal, here’s what you need to know about how to report a dog attack.
Common Mental Issues That Develop After a Dog Attack
Being attacked by a dog often results in a myriad of physical complications, which may include everything from lacerations and bleeding to broken bones. What’s often overlooked, though, is the range of psychological issues that a person may develop after a dog attack.
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