Let’s be honest—most of us love dogs. You see them walking along the D&L Trail, playing in Monocacy Park, or hanging out with their owners at the Allentown Farmers Market. But no matter how sweet they look, even the friendliest dog can bite when scared, sick, or simply caught off guard. And when that happens, things can get messy—physically, emotionally, and legally.
If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog in the Lehigh Valley, you’re probably wondering what your rights are. Can the dog owner be held responsible? What does the law say in Pennsylvania? And most importantly—what should you do next?
Let’s walk through it, step by step.
Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Law: The Basics
In Pennsylvania, the law doesn’t follow a simple “one free bite” rule that you might have heard about in other states. Instead, it focuses on whether the dog owner was negligent or if the dog had a dangerous history that the owner knew about.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- If a dog has bitten someone before or shown signs of aggression (growling, lunging, etc.), the owner could be held strictly liable for medical costs—even if the bite wasn’t “provoked.”
- If it’s the first incident, you may still be entitled to compensation, especially if the owner failed to properly restrain or control their dog in a public area.
In other words: the law in Pennsylvania does give dog bite victims a path forward—but there are some important details that can affect your case.
What Counts as Negligence?
Let’s say you’re walking through Fountain Hill and a neighbor’s dog jumps the fence and bites your leg. Or maybe you’re at a family picnic in Bethlehem and a friend’s dog bites your child without warning. In cases like these, the dog owner might be considered negligent for not controlling or restraining their dog, especially if they knew it had the potential to act aggressively.
Some examples of negligence include:
- Letting a dog run loose off-leash in a public area
- Failing to warn guests that a dog might be aggressive
- Ignoring leash laws (and yes—local municipalities in the Lehigh Valley do have leash laws)
These situations can all increase the dog owner’s responsibility—and your chances of being compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
First things first: seek medical attention immediately, even if the bite doesn’t seem severe. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and other complications. Plus, having medical records tied directly to the incident helps protect your legal claim.
Next, gather as much information as you can:
- Name and contact info of the dog’s owner
- Any witnesses to the incident
- Photos of your injuries and the scene
- Information on whether the dog is up to date on vaccinations (especially rabies)
Also, make sure to report the incident to your local animal control office. If you’re in Allentown, Bethlehem, or another part of the Lehigh Valley, each town may have a slightly different reporting process—but it’s an important step for both legal and public health reasons.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Depending on the situation, you might be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both immediate and long-term)
- Lost income if you miss work due to the injury
- Pain and emotional distress
- Scarring or permanent disfigurement
- Psychological trauma (especially in children)
If the bite occurred due to gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be possible. That’s rare, but it can happen—like in cases where an owner ignored repeated warnings about their dog’s aggressive behavior.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Dog bite claims can get complicated, especially when the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or relative. Nobody wants to “make a big deal out of it,” but the reality is, you may be facing steep medical costs, trauma, and a difficult recovery. Often, it’s the dog owner’s homeowners insurance that pays—not the person directly.
That’s why it helps to have someone local in your corner. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve worked with families across Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and all throughout the Lehigh Valley. We understand the nuances of Pennsylvania dog bite law—and we take the time to truly listen to your story.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in the Lehigh Valley or Eastern Lehigh Valley, don’t wait to get answers. Visit www.snoverlaw.com to learn more, or to schedule a conversation with a firm that’s committed to helping our local communities recover and move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next, Visit www.snoverlaw.com to get the support you need from a firm that proudly serves Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
