Pittsburgh
Dog Bite Lawyers

A dog bite can happen in an instant, and the physical and emotional consequences can last far longer than the wound itself.

Even bites that do not seem severe at first can cause nerve damage, deep tissue injury, permanent scarring, and serious psychological trauma, particularly in children.

When a dog owner’s failure to restrain or control their animal leads to an attack, Pennsylvania law gives victims clear rights.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers have more than 40 years of experience representing attack victims throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. We handle these cases with the thoroughness and compassion they deserve, fighting for compensation that reflects the true impact of your injuries.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation

Pennsylvania Dog Bite Law, What Victims Need to Know

Pennsylvania’s approach to dog bite liability is shaped by both statute and common law.

Under Pennsylvania’s dog law, an owner whose animal causes severe injury may be held strictly liable for the victim’s medical expenses, meaning you do not need to prove the owner had prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous.
This is a meaningful protection for victims of serious attacks.

For injuries that do not meet the threshold for strict liability, Pennsylvania’s general negligence principles still provide a basis for recovery.

If an owner knew or had reason to know their dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable precautions, they can be held responsible for the resulting harm.

Local leash laws and municipal ordinances may also factor into a negligence analysis.

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites and are statistically more likely to suffer injuries to the face, head, and neck.

If your child was attacked, our attorneys will handle the case with the care and sensitivity your family needs.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks in Pittsburgh

Dog bites range from minor wounds to life-altering injuries.

Our attorneys handle the full spectrum, including:

  • Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring surgical closure
  • Nerve and muscle damage in affected areas
  • Permanent facial scarring and disfigurement, especially common in children
  • Serious infections, including cellulitis and, in rare cases, rabies
  • Broken bones sustained during the attack or from falling
  • Eye injuries and vision loss
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs

Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Pittsburgh

What you do in the hours and days after a dog bite can have a significant impact on both your health and your legal claim.

Our attorneys recommend the following steps:

  • Seek medical attention immediately, even bites that appear minor can lead to serious complications if not properly treated
  • Identify the dog’s owner and get their contact information and insurance details
  • Report the attack to your local animal control authority
  • Photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and any visible lack of restraint
  • Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened
  • Contact an attorney before making any statements to the dog owner’s insurance company

Insurance companies representing dog owners will often look for ways to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you.

Having an attorney early in the process means having someone in your corner before any of those conversations begin.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation

Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims in Pennsylvania

If you or your child was injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a range of losses.

Our attorneys calculate the full value of your claim, not just immediate medical costs, before any settlement is recommended.

Recoverable damages may include:

  • All medical treatment costs, including emergency care, surgery, and follow-up visits
  • Reconstructive or plastic surgery for scarring and disfigurement
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Psychological counseling and mental health treatment
  • Lost wages during your recovery
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and ongoing anxiety related to the attack
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Contact Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky Today For a Free Consultation

ABOUT
Why Choose Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky for Your Pittsburgh Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite claims involve specific legal rules that differ from other personal injury cases, and insurance companies representing dog owners are often aggressive in disputing liability.

Having an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury attorney, one who understands Pennsylvania’s dog bite statute and how local courts handle these cases, gives you a clear advantage.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., we have spent more than 40 years representing injury victims in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

We handle dog bite cases for clients of all ages, including children, and we approach every case with the same level of commitment: thorough investigation, careful documentation, and determined advocacy for the compensation our clients deserve.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation
“

I highly recommend Mike Murphy and John Perkosky. They kept us informed every step of the way. Both are incredibly caring and were readily available to answer any questions we had. I felt completely confident in their abilities and am extremely grateful for all that they did. Mike and John fought hard to get us the best possible outcome for our case.

– C. G.
“

Ben Gobel was extremely helpful with my case! He was thorough and transparent. I trusted him and did not have very many questions as they were addressed throughout the process, I left pleased with the outcome of my settlement.

– J. B.
“

I was so frustrated about my particular situation, I didn’t want to talk about it so I just sent them an email one night … they responded immediately. Everyone, every single person I came in contact with in that office was outstanding. I was worried because I started with Eve and she was absolutely fantastic, but she moved on. Before doing so she took the time to call me and assured me that I was in good hands so I began working with Gary. Professional, realistic, accessible, and compassionate. I don’t have a single complaint about how I was treated. One of the best decisions I have ever made. Don’t hesitate to consider them concerning personal injury issues.

– J. B.
“

Mr Perkosky was THE BEST lawyer we have ever worked with. Not only did he bring us comfort and confidence in our case, but he went over and above with understanding, support, extremely hard work ethic, and patience. Mr Perkosky and his team set the bar high and I would HIGHLY recommend them.

– A. R.
“

As a fellow attorney, I only send my clients in need of personal injury and med mal assistance to Ben Gobel at Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky. Mr. Gobel is extremely attentive to my clients’ needs and achieves excellent results.

– N. K.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Dog Bite Claims

View All FAQs

Pennsylvania provides strict liability for dog owners when their animal causes serious injury, no prior knowledge of dangerous behavior is required. For less severe injuries, negligence principles apply, and liability may still be established if the owner failed to properly control their dog.

Pennsylvania municipalities generally require dogs to be restrained in public. If an owner violated a local leash ordinance and their unrestrained dog attacked you, that violation is strong evidence of negligence in your claim.

The location of the attack does not determine whether you have a claim. Whether you were on a public sidewalk, in a park, or visiting someone’s home, the dog owner’s responsibility for their animal’s behavior generally follows them. If you were lawfully on private property when the attack occurred, you retain the right to pursue a claim.

Yes. In most cases, compensation comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not directly from their personal finances. Filing a claim does not have to mean suing someone personally, and you should not let a personal relationship prevent you from seeking compensation for real injuries.

Seek medical attention immediately, especially for bites to the face, head, or neck. Report the attack to animal control. Then contact our office for a free consultation. We handle child dog bite cases with particular care and sensitivity.

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the bite. For cases involving minor victims, the deadline may be tolled until the child turns 18. Contact an attorney promptly to confirm your deadline.

Psychological harm, including anxiety, fear, and PTSD following a dog attack, is a recognized and recoverable category of damages in Pennsylvania. These losses should be documented and included in your claim. Our attorneys make sure the full emotional impact of your experience is accounted for.

Pittsburgh Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Victims Throughout Allegheny County

Dog bite injuries deserve to be taken seriously, and so does your legal claim.

At Ogg, Murphy & Perkosky, P.C., our Pittsburgh dog bite lawyers represent attack victims and their families throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, fighting to recover compensation that reflects the true cost of their injuries.

Pennsylvania law provides real protections for dog bite victims, and our attorneys know how to use them.

Whether your attack involves a neighbor’s dog, an unleashed animal in a public park, or a dog with a known history of aggression, we are prepared to investigate, build your case, and pursue every dollar you are entitled to.

Call (412) 471-8500 today for a free case evaluation.

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    The results obtained in any particular case depend upon the specific facts and circumstances of that case. Past verdicts and settlements do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in future cases.

    245 Fort Pitt Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, US