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Bitten or attacked by a dog? You can hold the owner responsible.
Since 1997, the attorneys at Flaherty Fardo Rogel & Amick have represented injured people and their families throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We work closely as one team. Every case that heads toward trial has the whole team behind it.
We represent people injured by dog bites and dog attacks, including children, as well as people hurt in horseback riding accidents and other animal attacks. A dog bite can cause deep wounds, infection, nerve damage and permanent scars. Many people, especially children, also struggle with fear and anxiety long after the wounds heal.
These claims are usually paid by the owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not out of the owner’s own pocket. That matters for families who are reluctant to make a claim against a neighbor, friend or relative.
After a Dog Bite: What to Do
- Get medical care right away. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection.
- Report the bite to the police or animal control. A report documents what happened and helps protect others from the same dog.
- Identify the dog and its owner or keeper. Get names, an address and the dog’s vaccination history if you can.
- Photograph the wounds as they heal, along with the place where the attack happened and any gate, fence or leash involved.
- Get witness names.
- Talk to a lawyer before you talk to the owner’s insurance company.
Injuries From Dog Attacks
- Deep puncture wounds and torn tissue
- Infections
- Nerve and tendon damage
- Broken bones, especially from being knocked down
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Fear, anxiety and trauma, particularly in children
Pennsylvania Rules You Should Know
- Medical bills. Pennsylvania’s Dog Law says the owner or keeper of a dog that bites or attacks a person must pay the victim’s medical treatment costs in full.
- Most claims require proof of fault. To recover for pain, scarring and lost wages, you generally must show the owner was negligent. For example, the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or failed to keep it under control.
- Owners must control their dogs. The Dog Law requires owners to keep their dogs confined, securely restrained, or under reasonable control. Pennsylvania courts have held that an unexcused violation of the Dog Law can be negligence as a matter of law, although the victim must still prove it caused the injury.
- Quarantine. A dog that bites or attacks a person must be confined and isolated for at least ten days so it can be watched for signs of rabies.
- Licensing. State law requires dogs three months or older to be licensed through the county treasurer.
- Deadline. Most claims must be filed within two years of the bite.
- Injured children. For a child under 18, the two-year clock generally does not start until the child turns 18. Waiting is rarely wise, though. Evidence and witnesses are easier to find early.
How We Build Dog Bite Cases
- Pin down ownership. The person who owned or kept the dog is not always obvious. We find out who is legally responsible.
- Find the dog’s history. Prior bites, complaints and warnings can prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
- Document the scarring. Photos over time and opinions from plastic surgeons help show the lasting impact and the cost of future treatment.
- Find the insurance. We identify every homeowner’s or other policy that may cover the claim.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills, including future scar treatment and counseling
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
Related Cases We Handle
Talk to an Injury Lawyer
Every case starts with a conversation with a lawyer. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case and what it may be worth. Our injury cases are handled by Noah Fardo and Bill Rogel, working with Shawn Flaherty.
Call 412-802-6666 or email Managing Partner Noah Fardo at npf@pghfirm.com. Prefer to text? Use 412-855-5511. More answers: Personal Injury FAQ.
There is no fee unless we obtain a monetary recovery. We advance the case costs and are reimbursed from the client’s share only if we are successful. General information only, not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
