Who pays in Pennsylvania?
the owner pays your medical bills in full, and carelessness covers the rest
2 years to file Call about my state law(844) 703-3920Claim details
This is the planning limit for an ordinary adult claim against a private owner. Children's claims and claims against public owners need a separate timing review. It is not an automatic personal last date.
Your state's dog bite lawOhio Rev. Code 2305.07Other state rules
The rule in Pennsylvania: the owner pays medical bills, negligence covers the rest
Pennsylvania splits a dog bite claim in two. Under section 502 of the Pennsylvania Dog Law, whoever owns or keeps the dog must pay your medical costs in full.
Lost pay and the harm itself are different. For those, you need to show the owner was careless. One earlier warning about the dog, or an open gate, can carry that part of the claim.
The medical bills are the easier part. See how proof of what the owner knew works.
Dog bite statute of limitations in Pennsylvania: 2 years
An adult has 2 years from the bite to file in court, under 42 Pa.C.S. 5524.
A public dog changes the timing. A claim against a city or county, such as a police dog bite, often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, tell us on the first call.
Compare dog bite deadlines in every state.
What Pennsylvania dog bite claims pay
Pennsylvania had 1,004 insured dog bite claims in 2024. The average paid per claim was $88,668, according to Triple-I claims data.
That average is not your number. Your value starts with your bills and lost pay. A scar or a bite to the face raises it.
A homeowners or renters policy usually covers the owner's dog, up to its limit. Read how the insurance claim works, or run your own numbers.
After a bite in Pennsylvania: care, records and your claim
Get medical care first. If the wound is deep or the bleeding won't stop, go to the emergency room now. See dog bite treatment and rabies risk after a bite.
In Pennsylvania, a dog that bites is isolated for at least 10 days so its health can be checked. The bite report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date. Insurers and attorneys both rely on it.
- Write down the date of the bite and keep the bite report.
- Note anything showing the owner knew or was careless, such as earlier warnings or an open gate.
- Ask the owner for the insurance company name and policy number on day one.
- Keep every bill and receipt from the first day.
Then call (844) 703-3920 before you talk to the insurer. For the full checklist, read what to do after a dog bite.
| State | Year | Claims | Average paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2024 | 1,004 | $88,668 |
Reviewed September 3, 2026