PA · Mixed
Pennsylvania dog bite law
Pennsylvania will help you with medical bills through the Dog Law. The rest of a serious case — wages, scarring, pain — is still a common-law fight.
- Liability
- Strict for medical costs; common law otherwise
- Statute
- 3 Pa. Stat. § 459-502(b)(1)
- Deadline to file
- 2 years · 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524
- Bites only?
- Primarily bites
Two years. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and township leash rules matter. Identify the owner and any landlord who knew.
Exceptions insurers will mention
The Dog Law’s civil piece is aimed at medical treatment. Broader damages usually travel through negligence or knowledge of viciousness.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.