Who Is Responsible for Injuries Caused by a Dog in Pennsylvania?
Dog Bite Liability in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries — and the law provides clear standards for establishing who is responsible. Pennsylvania uses a combination of statutory and common law to govern dog bite liability, and understanding how these rules work is essential to knowing your rights after an attack.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Law: Strict Liability for Serious Injuries
Under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law (3 Pa. C.S. § 459-502), a dog owner is strictly liable — meaning liable regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous — for medical treatment costs when their dog bites or attacks another person, provided the victim did not provoke the dog. Strict liability for medical expenses applies even if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior before.
For damages beyond medical costs — such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress — Pennsylvania requires proof that the dog had known dangerous propensities, or that the owner was negligent in controlling the animal. This is sometimes called the “one bite rule” in common law, but Pennsylvania’s statutory scheme provides meaningful protection even without a prior attack history when serious injury results.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In most Pennsylvania dog bite cases, the dog’s owner is the primary defendant. However, other parties may also bear responsibility:
- Keepers or harborers: Anyone who keeps or maintains custody of a dog — such as a dog sitter, kennel, or household member who isn’t the owner — may share liability under Pennsylvania law
- Landlords: In some circumstances, a landlord who knew of a tenant’s dangerous dog and failed to take action may be liable
- Property owners: If the attack occurred on someone else’s property with their knowledge and permission for the dog’s presence, that owner may have some exposure
What to Do After a Dog Attack in Erie
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Erie County or the surrounding area:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for wounds that appear minor
- Report the attack to Erie County animal control or local police
- Document the injuries with photographs
- Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information if possible
- Identify any witnesses
The attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. handle Pennsylvania dog bite and animal attack cases throughout the Erie area. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
