Getting bitten by a dog can be a frightening and painful experience — whether it happens on a quiet street in Chestnut Hill or in your own neighborhood park in South Philly. One moment you’re enjoying a walk, and the next, you’re dealing with a bleeding wound, panic, and a lot of questions. Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding dog bites that hold dog owners responsible when their dog bites someone — especially if the owner failed to control the animal or violated leash laws.
If you or a loved one has been bitten, what you do next is critical for both your health and any potential legal claim.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are emotionally and physically traumatic. Common dog bite injuries that we see at Aversa & Linn include:
- Puncture wounds
- Infections (including MRSA or rabies)
- Facial scarring
- Nerve damage
- PTSD and anxiety, especially in children
Unfortunately, the victims of dog attacks are often young children who are particularly vulnerable to painful and lasting injuries.
7 Steps After a Dog Attack
If you or your child is attacked by a dog in Pennsylvania, remember to take these steps as soon as possible.
Get to a Safe Place
First things first: put distance between you and the dog. Even if the animal seems calm after the bite, you don’t want to risk another attack. If others are nearby, alert them and ask for help if needed.
Get Medical Attention — Even for Small Bites
Even a minor dog bite can lead to serious infections. Don’t wait to see if it gets worse. Go to the emergency room or urgent care right away. Dog mouths carry bacteria, and a puncture wound can trap it deep in the skin.
You might need stitches, antibiotics, or even a rabies shot depending on the situation. And medical records will be important if you decide to pursue compensation.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If possible, get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number. If they’re unwilling or unavailable, ask anyone nearby if they know who owns the dog. Knowing the dog’s vaccination history — especially for rabies — is crucial for your treatment plan.
If you don’t know the owner, you’ll likely need to undergo post-exposure rabies treatment, which isn’t fun (and isn’t cheap).
Report the Bite to Animal Control
In Philadelphia, an animal bite should be reported to the Department of Public Health by calling (215) 685-6748. Your medical provider is also required to report the dog bite. This helps track potentially dangerous animals and verifies whether the dog is up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Document Everything
Take photos or videos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and (if possible) the dog. Keep copies of all medical records, police reports, and any communication with the dog’s owner. This information will be key if you file a claim.
Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Without Legal Advice
The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company might contact you for a statement. Be careful — they’re not on your side. Their goal is to minimize your payout. Before answering questions or accepting any settlement, talk to a lawyer who understands dog bite laws in Pennsylvania.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite injuries can cause severe and permanent physical injuries but it doesn’t stop there — a dog attack can also lead to emotional trauma, missed work, and unexpected medical bills. You may be entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional and financial damages, even if the bite happened at a friend’s house or involved a dog that’s never bitten anyone before. (In most cases, dog bites are covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, so don’t worry if it happened at a friend’s or neighbor’s place. You can still seek compensation without putting personal relationships at risk.)
At Aversa & Linn, we’ve helped adult and child dog bite victims across the Philadelphia region get justice. We’ll handle the legal headaches while you focus on healing. And it costs nothing to speak with us — you only pay if we win or settle your case.
When you’re ready to talk, we’re just a phone call away. At Aversa & Linn, you will speak directly with an attorney who listens, walks you through your options clearly, and stays by your side every step of the way until you get the compensation you deserve.
Bitten by a dog? Contact us today for a free, zero-risk consultation.
