Dogs aren’t exactly people, so when they harm someone, you may be curious about who’s liable. Well, this is where dog bite laws in PA come into play. According to state law, there are rules for how liability is handled, the damages that are paid, and even how long someone can file a claim for.
That said, laws can be complicated, which is why we’ve created this guide. Read on to learn more about PA dog bite laws.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in PA
The state of Pennsylvania has a handful of laws and rules that cover how dog bites need to be handled. For this reason, it’s important to understand how liability works for handlers, leash laws, and even PA’s “one-bite” rule. Learn more about the highlights of dog bite laws in PA below.
Strict vs Full Liability for Dog Bites in PA
When it comes to dog bites, PA law dictates that the owner is liable for damages. If the dog has not been dangerous in the past, then they may be liable for medical expenses. This is also influenced by “one-bite” laws, where the state is more lenient in situations where dogs haven’t shown signs of being dangerous in the past.
However, once they’ve bitten someone, this is off the table for future cases. In fact, this is where full liability comes into play. If dogs have proven to be dangerous in the past, and they bite someone again, the owner of the dog may be liable for more than just someone’s medical expenses.
Property Laws
Now, this is where things get a little tricky. If your dog bites someone on your property, you may be liable for medical expenses. However, even if someone else’s dog bites someone on your property (if given permission to be there), you may be liable.
Whether or not the liability is full or strict, well, that depends on the dog’s history. We highly recommend getting a lawyer in these unique circumstances.
It’s also important to note that if someone breaks into your home, you’re not liable for dog bites. Therefore, if your dog attacks someone who enters your home without permission, you shouldn’t have to worry; still, you should seek legal counsel.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites Laws in PA
Last but not least, there’s a statute of limitations for dog bites in Pennsylvania. If someone is bit by a dog, they have two years to file a claim. When claims are filed after this period, they’re no longer able to take legal action against the handler of the dog. Therefore, if you’re bitten by a dog, it helps to act sooner rather than later.
How to Avoid Dog Bite Problems in Pennsylvania
The last thing you want is to end up liable for a dog that’s running around and biting. Whether you’re at home or at the park, there are a few things you can do to avoid these issues.
Use a Harness or Leash
When you’re bringing your dog out on a walk through your neighborhood in Pittsburgh or to a dog park in Philadelphia, make sure they’re on a leash or a harness. If you plan on walking away from them, make sure they’re tethered to something. This can prevent them from chasing and biting people.
Train Your Dog
Sometimes, a little bit of training is all you need, especially if you plan on letting them hang around your property without a leash. With the proper training, you can also correct bad behaviors and ensure that your dog doesn’t pull you on a leash. That said, if your dog is really aggressive, we recommend working with a professional.
Choose the Right Dog
To avoid any problems before they arise, you can choose the right dog. Smaller dog breeds usually pose less of a risk than big dog breeds, so you can start there. However, some breeds may also be a little harder to train and more unpredictable. Therefore, make sure you consider these factors before purchasing a puppy or adopting a dog.
Also, if you need help adopting the right dog in Pennsylvania, organizations like Dog Academy have resources that will help with dog adoption in PA.
Our Final Thoughts on Dog Bite Laws in PA
Dog bite laws in PA aren’t too hard to understand. Essentially, if your dog bites someone, there’s a good chance you’ll be liable for medical expenses. What’s more, if your dog bites someone again, you may be liable for all damages. Always remember that there’s a statute of limitations, and if you’re bitten by someone’s dog, act fast.