Recovering
$ MILLIONS
For Injured Pennsylvanians
Reading Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child was injured in a dog attack in Reading, PA, you may be dealing with painful dog bite injuries, mounting medical bills, and serious emotional distress.
I’m Larry Pitt. For more than 40 years, my law firm has represented injury victims throughout Reading and Berks County. As a Reading dog bite lawyer, I understand how traumatic dog bites and animal attacks can be, especially when children are involved.
Dog bite victims have the right to seek compensation under Pennsylvania law. We offer free consultations so you can understand your legal options without any upfront costs.
Contact a Reading Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or your child suffered injuries in a dog attack in Reading, PA, you have legal rights.
Contact our dog bite law firm for a free consultation.
Call 888-PITT-LAW today.
Larry Pitt Won’t Quit.
GET A FREE CONSULTATION WITH LARRY PITT
How a Reading Dog Bite Attorney Helps Dog Bite Victims
After dog attacks, insurance companies often move quickly to limit payouts. An experienced dog bite attorney protects your rights and handles the legal process from start to finish.
Our law firm will:
- Investigate the dog’s history and prior history of aggression
- Determine whether the dog owner failed to properly restrain the dog
- Gather medical records, police reports, and photographs
- Identify insurance coverage under homeowners’ or renters’ policies
- Calculate medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages
- Pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit
Hiring a PA dog bite lawyer significantly increases the chances of recovering fair compensation.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws and Strict Liability
Pennsylvania dog bite laws provide important protections for Pennsylvania dog bite victims.
Pennsylvania is considered a strict liability state for medical costs. That means a dog owner is responsible for medical expenses if their dog injures a human, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression.
However, to recover compensation beyond medical bills, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, the injured party must prove negligence. This may involve showing:
- The dog owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensity
- The dog had a prior history of aggressive behavior
- The pet owner failed to control or restrain the dog
- The dog was deemed a dangerous dog under Pennsylvania law
Pennsylvania follows a modified version of the “one bite rule.” While owners are strictly liable for medical costs, proving negligence may require evidence that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s tendency toward aggression.
When Is a Dog Owner Not Liable?
Under Pennsylvania law, a dog owner may not be liable if:
- The injured party was unlawfully trespassing on private property
- The victim provoked the dog
- The dog was acting in lawful defense
These issues can complicate dog bite cases. A Reading dog bite attorney evaluates the specific facts of your personal injury case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause severe injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Severe injuries requiring surgery
- Facial scarring
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Emotional trauma
Dog bite injuries can crush or tear muscles and soft tissue. Infection is one of the biggest risks after a dog bite because a dog’s mouth contains bacteria that can lead to serious complications.
Children and the elderly are at heightened risk of severe injuries from dog attacks. Nearly 4.5 million dog bites occur nationwide each year, with close to 1,000 people requiring emergency medical care daily.
Immediate medical attention and medical treatment are critical after any dog bite.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Reading, PA
If you were injured in a Reading dog bite incident:
Seek immediate medical care.
Report the animal attack to local authorities.
Obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information.
Take photographs of the injuries caused and the location.
Preserve medical records and medical bills.
Avoid discussing the incident with insurance companies before speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer.
Documenting evidence early strengthens your dog bite claim.
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite victims may pursue compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Trauma
If the dog owner acted negligently, victims may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies provide insurance coverage for dog bite injuries. That means compensation often comes from insurance companies rather than directly from the pet owner.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in PA?
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the attack.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
Early legal action helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Are Dog Bite Lawsuits Worth It?
Many dog bite victims ask whether it is worth filing a personal injury claim.
Dog bite injuries often involve:
- Significant medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional trauma
- Long-term scarring
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts. An experienced dog attack lawyer negotiates aggressively to pursue maximum compensation.
Hiring a Reading dog bite lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Most Reading dog bite lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis.
That means:
- No upfront costs
- No legal fees unless we recover compensation
- Payment is a percentage of the settlement or verdict
Our law firm offers free consultations so you can explore your legal options risk-free.
Choosing the Right Reading Dog Bite Lawyer
When selecting a Reading dog bite attorney, consider:
- Experience handling dog bite cases
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania dog bite laws
- Familiarity with Berks County courts
- A strong track record
- Compassion and responsiveness
You can consult the Berks County Bar Association or research personal injury attorneys through reputable legal directories.
Choosing a qualified dog bite lawyer in Reading can significantly impact your recovery.
What Our Clients Say
How Larry Pitt & Associates Helps Dog Bite Victims in Berks County
At Larry Pitt & Associates, our legal team focuses on personal injury cases throughout Reading and Berks County.
We:
- Investigate animal attacks
- Identify liable parties
- Handle insurance companies
- Build strong personal injury claims
- Fight to recover compensation
We understand that dog attacks are frightening and painful. Our goal is to help injured victims pursue compensation while focusing on healing.
