What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania?

A dog bite can be a frightening and painful experience. In addition to the physical injuries, victims are often left wondering who will pay their medical bills and what steps they should take to protect themselves.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking the right actions immediately after the attack can protect both your health and your legal rights. Below, our Pennsylvania dog bite attorney explains what you should do after a dog bite and how a personal injury claim may help you recover compensation.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health should always be your first priority.

Even a seemingly minor dog bite can lead to serious complications, including:

• Infection;
• Nerve damage;
• Permanent scarring;
• Tissue damage; and
• Rabies concerns.

Prompt medical treatment not only protects your health but also creates important medical records documenting your injuries. Those records can become critical evidence if you later pursue a Pennsylvania dog bite claim.

2. Report the Dog Bite

Dog bites should be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Local police;
• Animal control officers; or
• The local health department.

Reporting the incident helps create an official record and may assist in determining:

• The dog's vaccination status;
• Whether the dog has bitten someone before;
• Whether the owner violated local ordinances; and
• Whether the dog may be considered dangerous.

3. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

If possible, obtain:

• The owner's name;
• Address;
• Telephone number;
• Homeowner's insurance information; and
• Information regarding the dog's vaccinations.

Do not place yourself in danger to gather this information. If necessary, law enforcement or animal control may be able to assist.

4. Take Photographs of Your Injuries

Photographs can be some of the most powerful evidence in a dog bite case.

Take pictures of:

• Bite wounds;
• Puncture injuries;
• Bruising;
• Torn clothing;
• Bloodstains; and
• Any visible scarring.

Continue taking photographs as your injuries heal. Dog bite wounds often change significantly over time, and documenting the healing process can help demonstrate the severity of the injury.

5. Gather Witness Information

If anyone witnessed the attack, obtain their:

• Name;
• Address; and
• Telephone number.

Independent witnesses can provide valuable information regarding:

• How the attack occurred;
• Whether the dog was restrained;
• Whether the owner was present; and
• The severity of the incident.

Witness statements often become important evidence in disputed dog bite claims.

6. Keep Records of Your Medical Treatment

Maintain copies of:

• Medical records;
• Medical bills;
• Prescription receipts;
• Physical therapy records; and
• Photographs of your injuries.

You should also keep a journal documenting:

• Pain levels;
• Emotional distress;
• Missed activities; and
• How the injury impacts your daily life.

These records can help establish the damages you suffered as a result of the attack.

7. Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Before Consulting an Attorney

In many cases, a dog bite claim is handled through a homeowner's insurance policy or renter's insurance policy.

Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the incident.

Before providing a recorded statement, consider consulting with an attorney. Statements made early in the claim process can sometimes be used to minimize or dispute your injuries.

8. Understand Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania law provides important protections for dog bite victims.

Depending on the circumstances, victims may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses;
• Lost wages;
• Pain and suffering;
• Permanent scarring;
• Disfigurement; and
• Emotional distress.

Liability may extend beyond the dog owner in certain cases. For example, landlords, property owners, or other responsible parties may also bear liability depending on the facts.

What If a Dog Bites a Child?

Dog bite injuries involving children can be particularly traumatic.

Children are often bitten on the:

• Face;
• Neck;
• Head; or
• Arms.

These injuries can result in permanent scarring and emotional trauma. Parents should seek immediate medical treatment and carefully document all injuries.

Because children may face lifelong consequences from a dog attack, it is important to fully evaluate the extent of their damages before resolving a claim.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?

Every case is different.

The value of a Pennsylvania dog bite case depends on factors such as:

• Severity of the injuries;
• Medical expenses incurred;
• Permanent scarring;
• Need for future treatment;
• Emotional trauma; and
• Impact on daily activities.

Cases involving facial scarring, nerve damage, or injuries to children often present substantial damages.

Contact a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation under Pennsylvania law.

If you were injured from a dog bite in Luzerne County or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, you may have the right to compensation—but acting quickly matters. Evidence can disappear, and deadlines apply. At Sklarosky Law, we offer free consultations and handle dog bite cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.