What to Do if My Dog Bites Someone

Dogs are often beloved members of our families, trusted companions, and sources of boundless joy. But even the most well-trained pets are capable of exhibiting unpredictable behaviors in certain situations. So, what do you do When your dog bites someone? 

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My Dog Just Bit Someone! Now What?

All dog owners hope they’ll never be involved in a dog bite accident, especially one that results in serious injury or death. From the moment your dog bites someone, you have legal responsibilities you need to be aware of to protect your rights and your animal’s future. If your dog has just bitten someone, follow these steps.

Remain Calm

Dog bite accidents can be extremely stressful for everyone involved, but if your dog did the biting, you have even more pressure to remain calm. Don’t argue with the victim at the scene. Be polite and apologetic, but don’t admit fault. Get medical attention for the victim if necessary and exchange contact information.

Depending on the circumstances, the victim may have provoked your dog, and you two can agree to forget the accident ever happened. If the victim does want to contact a dog bite lawyer, however, you need a lawyer of your own to protect your rights under Pennsylvania dog bite laws.

Understand Your Rights

Dog bite laws vary state by state. In Pennsylvania, if your dog has previously bitten someone else or indicated a violent tendency, our dog law permits a victim to recover full compensation for damages. Pennsylvania dog law separates dog bite cases based on the severity of the injuries if your dog has never bitten anyone before – severe or non-severe.

If the victim was severely injured (and needed surgery or suffered fractured bones or disfiguring lacerations), he or she can recover medical expenses and other monetary damages through a lawsuit. The victim needs to prove the dog was unprovoked at the time of the attack, regardless of whether the dog had previously bitten someone else.

A victim who was not severely injured can still make a claim against the owner, but will be eligible only for medical expense compensation. In these cases, the only thing the victim has to establish is that the defendant was the dog’s owner at the time of the attack.

Many circumstances can lead to a dog bite accident, but not all of them are the dog or the owner’s fault. For example, if a dog has a history of violence when he or she feels threatened, and a stranger enters the property without permission and is bitten, it may not be the owner’s fault. If, however, a dog breaks free of its chain and attacks someone, the courts will hold the owner responsible for negligence under the Dangerous Dog Law.

What if Someone Else’s Dog Bit Me?

If you’ve experienced the unfortunate and distressing incident of being bitten by someone else’s dog, you’re likely dealing with both physical pain and emotional confusion. This can be a scary and overwhelming experience, and it’s crucial to know how to protect yourself, your health, and your legal rights.

Ensure Immediate Safety and Medical Attention

The first thing you should focus on after a dog bite is your safety and health. Get yourself out of harm’s way by moving to a safe location, away from the dog. Even a dog known to be friendly can become aggressive if startled, scared, or provoked. Once you’re safe, assess your injuries. Dog bites can range from minor scratches to serious wounds requiring surgery or stitches.

Philadelphia is home to several reputable medical institutions where you can seek immediate attention, including Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, and Temple University Hospital. Even if the bite doesn’t seem severe, it’s vital to have a professional evaluate the wound. Dog bites carry the risk of infection, including rabies, tetanus, and other bacterial infections. Prompt medical care can prevent complications and document the severity of your injury, which may be critical for legal and insurance purposes later on.

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Knowing the dog’s vaccination history is crucial, especially when it comes to rabies prevention. If it’s safe to do so, calmly speak with the owner of the dog and obtain their contact information. Ask whether the dog has been vaccinated and request proof from their veterinarian.

If the incident occurs in a public area, such as Fairmount Park, or near landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the dog’s owner may leave in a panic. If you’re unable to identify the dog or owner at the moment, try speaking with witnesses or nearby people who may have seen what happened. Gathering information is essential not only for your health but also for any legal claims you may need to file.

Document the Injury and Incident

Right after the injury, take detailed notes about the incident. Include information such as:

• The location of the incident (such as Rittenhouse Square, a Center City street, or your neighbor’s backyard).
• How the attack occurred (Were you walking past? Was the dog off-leash?).
• What the dog looked like and its behavior (size, breed, aggression level).
• Any direct or indirect conversations you had with the owner.

Photos and videos of your injury can also strengthen your case if you pursue legal action. Take clear images of the bite, surrounding areas, and any torn clothing. If a loved one was with you, they can help document the scene while you focus on getting medical attention.

Understand Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding dog bites and owner liability. Under the state’s dangerous dog laws, owners can be held liable for damages if their dog bites or attacks someone. This includes:

• Strict Liability for Medical Bills: If a dog bites you, the owner is responsible for covering your medical expenses, regardless of the dog’s history.
• Owner Negligence: If the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and the owner failed to take reasonable precautions, they could also be liable for additional damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress.
• Leash Laws: Philadelphia enforces clear leash laws. If a dog owner lets their pet roam freely off-leash in public areas, such as Schuylkill River Trail or Dilworth Park, and their dog injures someone, the owner could face further legal consequences for negligence.

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand how these laws apply to your case.

Report the Incident

Reporting the dog bite to the appropriate authorities serves several purposes. It ensures the dog’s behavior is properly documented and can help prevent similar incidents in the future. You can contact the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT Philly) to file a report about the aggressive dog. If the attack is severe, the police may also need to get involved.

For attacks that occur in public parks, local park authorities may also need to be alerted. Ensuring proper documentation can strengthen your case if you pursue legal action.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Recovering from a dog bite isn’t just about healing physically. You may face significant medical expenses, time away from work, emotional trauma, or even permanent scars or disabilities. Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia who specializes in dog bite cases can help you secure the compensation you deserve for these damages.

At Leonard Hill – Personal Injury Lawyers and Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve spent decades holding negligent dog owners accountable for their actions. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a severe dog bite can impose on your life, and we’re here to advocate on your behalf. We take pride in offering honest, straightforward communication with clients, so you’ll always feel informed and supported.

Speak with Our Trusted Dog Bite Lawyers Today

The best way to ensure your legal rights if your dog bites someone or if someone else’s dog bites you is to hire a local attorney with experience in dog bite cases. Since state laws vary greatly when it comes to dog bite accidents, it’s difficult to handle a court case on your own. Find the top dog lawyers in Philadelphia at the Hill & Associates law firm to protect your rights.

For aggressive and competent professional dog bite representation, contact Leonard Hill today at (215) 567-7600 or through our online form to speak with a representative. Our dog bite lawyers have represented both sides of dog bite cases and have a firm understanding of how these legal proceedings work in Philadelphia.