You’ve been bitten by a dog, maybe on a neighbor’s porch, at a backyard BBQ, or during your morning walk. It was serious enough to land you in urgent care or the ER. Now people are telling you to “get a lawyer.” But what does that actually mean? What happens if you decide to take legal action?
At Benjamin Levine Law, we’ve helped clients in Butler County and throughout Western PA understand their legal options after a dog bite. And while every case is unique, here’s a clear look at what happens if you move forward with a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania.
Every year, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, and roughly 800,000 require medical attention[1]. That includes puncture wounds, torn tendons, broken bones, and injuries that require reconstructive surgery. The first and most important step is to get treated immediately.
This is not just about your health, although 1 in 5 dog bites become infected[1]. It’s also about your case. If you don’t have documentation like photos, diagnoses, and bills, your claim may not hold up.
Once you’re safe and have sought care, we step in.
If you decide to pursue a claim, we immediately begin investigating:
Our firm handles this legwork so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
A dog bite lawsuit doesn’t always mean suing your neighbor or going to court. Many cases start with filing a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
In 2024, insurance companies paid out a staggering $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims. The average payout? $69,272 per claim[2]. That’s a significant increase, and it shows how seriously these claims are taken.
But insurance companies don’t write checks out of goodwill. We fight to make sure your settlement covers all of it: medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, scarring, and more.
Pennsylvania follows a version of strict liability when it comes to dog bites, but with limits. Dog owners are automatically liable for your medical expenses, even if the dog never bit anyone before. But to go after damages like pain and suffering, you usually need to prove:
In some cases, we may pursue claims under negligence theories, especially if the dog was unleashed in violation of local leash laws or was known to roam.
If insurance negotiations stall, we may file a formal lawsuit. This could include:
But here’s the reality: most dog bite cases settle out of court. We’ll help you decide if it’s worth pushing further and make sure you understand the process at every step.
Not necessarily. Most cases are handled through insurance, and we manage communication to keep things civil and professional.
Usually, no. Filing a personal injury claim is about compensation, not punishment. However, Animal Control may investigate if the dog is considered dangerous or has a bite history.
Some resolve within a few months. More complex cases, or ones involving surgery, infection, or permanent scarring, may take longer.
If you’ve had serious injuries, it often is. Between ER visits, time off work, plastic surgery, and emotional trauma, the toll adds up fast.
Dog bites don’t just break the skin, they can break your peace of mind. In 2024 alone, over 6,000 postal workers were attacked by dogs across the U.S[3]. And last year, there were 58 fatal dog attacks reported nationwide[4]. These are not rare events. They’re real, and they can be devastating.
If you were bitten in Butler, Cranberry Township, or anywhere in Western PA, call Benjamin Levine Law. We’ll listen, explain your options, and fight to get you the outcome you deserve, without pressure.
Your recovery matters.
Call us at 412-432-6911 for a free consultation.
