We Help The Injured

Pennsylvania's Animal Bite Lawyer

Experienced Animal Bite Attorneys in Pennsylvania – Protecting Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack, you need a trusted Pennsylvania animal bite lawyer to fight for the compensation you deserve. At Figured Law Firm, we specialize in representing plaintiffs in animal bite cases across Pennsylvania, including dog bites, cat attacks, and other animal-related injuries. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania law, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (570) 954-9299 or fill out our online form to get started. Don’t let time run out on your claim—act now to preserve your legal options.

Understanding Pennsylvania Animal Bite Law

Pennsylvania has specific laws governing animal bite cases, blending strict liability and negligence principles. Knowing these laws is critical to building a strong claim.

Strict Liability for Medical Costs

In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for medical expenses caused by their dog’s bite, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. This means you don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous to recover costs for hospital bills, surgeries, or follow-up care.

Negligence for Full Compensation

To recover additional damages—like pain and suffering, lost wages, or emotional distress—you must prove the owner was negligent. This could involve showing:

  • The owner knew or should have known the animal had dangerous tendencies (e.g., prior bites or aggressive behavior).
  • The owner failed to restrain or control the animal (e.g., no leash, broken fence).
  • The animal was classified as a “dangerous dog” under Pennsylvania law (e.g., it attacked without provocation or killed another animal off the owner’s property).

At Figured Law Firm, our attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq.) and case law, such as Groner v. Hedrick (1961), which broadens what qualifies as a “dangerous propensity.” We use this expertise to maximize your recovery.

Protecting and Preserving Your Animal Bite Claim in Pennsylvania

Time is of the essence after an animal attack. Taking the right steps immediately can make or break your case. Here’s what you need to do to protect your claim:

  • Seek Medical Attention Immediately
    Your health is the priority. Even minor bites can lead to infections or rabies. Medical records also serve as critical evidence linking your injuries to the attack.
  • Report the Incident
    Notify local authorities or animal control to document the attack. This creates an official record and ensures the animal is assessed for rabies or prior incidents.
  • Gather Evidence
    Preserve your claim by collecting:
    • Photos: Take pictures of your injuries, the animal, and the scene of the attack.
    • Witness Information: Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the incident.
    • Owner Details: Identify the animal’s owner and their insurance information, if possible.
  • Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies
    The owner’s homeowner’s insurance may contact you quickly with a low settlement offer. Do not sign anything or give a statement without consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts.
  • Contact an Experienced Animal Bite Lawyer
    Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including animal bites, is two years from the date of the injury (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524). However, waiting too long can weaken your case. At Figured Law Firm, we start investigating immediately to build a strong claim.

Why Choose Figured Law Firm for Your Animal Bite Case?

  • Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions for Pennsylvania animal bite victims.
  • Personalized Attention: Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your needs.
  • No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing upfront.
  • Local Expertise: Based in Pennsylvania, we know the courts, laws, and insurance tactics in your area.

Common Injuries from Animal Bites

Animal attacks can cause severe physical and emotional harm, including:

  • Puncture wounds and lacerations
  • Infections (e.g., rabies, tetanus)
  • Broken bones or nerve damage
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children are especially vulnerable, often suffering more severe injuries. Our attorneys fight to ensure you receive compensation for all damages, not just medical bills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Bite Claims

How Much Is My Animal Bite Case Worth?

Compensation depends on factors like injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and emotional impact. We’ll evaluate your case for free to estimate its value.

What If the Owner Claims I Provoked the Animal?

Provocation can be a defense, but it’s their burden to prove it. We’ll investigate to counter this claim with evidence and witness testimony.

Can I Sue If the Bite Happened on Private Property?

Yes, even on private property, owners are liable if they failed to control their animal—unless you were trespassing illegally.

What If the Animal Was a Stray?

If the owner can’t be identified, we explore alternative recovery options, such as claims against property owners or local government entities.

Contact Figured Law Firm Today – Your Pennsylvania Animal Bite Experts

Don’t let an animal bite derail your life. At Figured Law Firm, we’re committed to holding negligent pet owners accountable and securing the compensation you need to recover. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, we’re here to help.

Call (570) 954-9299 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.