Best Dog Bite Attorneys in Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

  For non-emergency concerns in Pittsburgh, dial 311. Call 412-255-2621 if you have non-emergency issues while you are not in Pittsburgh.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

  To get a police report in Pittsburgh, you must go to the Central Records and Reporting Unit of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police at 660 First Avenue, 3rd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every Monday to Friday.

• Can you file a lawsuit in Pittsburgh for a dog bite, even if the animal has never bitten another person before?

  Yes. The “one bite” rule, which used to apply provided the dog owner could prove that the dog didn't have a history of aggression, has been abolished in Pennsylvania. As a result, a dog owner in Pittsburgh may be liable under the existing legal system even if their pet has never bitten somebody before.

• Does Pittsburgh require dog owners to obtain a license for their pets?

  Yes. By the time the dog reaches the age of three, the owner in Pittsburgh needs to get a license from the county treasurer or other licensing authority. There are ongoing licensing requirements, and the dog must have a license by January 1st of every year. Failure to comply with licensing requirements can result in a fine of up to $300 per offense, plus any associated court expenses.

• How much time do you have to determine whether to seek financial compensation in Pittsburgh for a dog bite injury?

  The time frame for seeking compensation for a dog bite injury in Pittsburgh is two years under Pennsylvania law. If the victim was underage when the bite happened, they have two years starting from the day they turn 18 to determine whether to launch a case. Despite this being a generous amount of time, it is crucial to move swiftly while assembling the case because the evidence will be at its most convincing right after the incident.

• If a dog bites you in Pittsburgh, who is covering the tab for your medical care?

  If a dog bites you in Pittsburgh, the owner's property insurance policy will pay for your medical expenses. Medical coverage may cost up to $20,000 or more, but it only covers your out-of-pocket expenses and does not give you money back for emotional distress or physical scarring. Since this insurance is “primary,” it must be used up before your own health insurance will begin to pay.

• Does the victim of a dog bite in Pittsburgh have to demonstrate that the dog's owner was careless?

  Most of the time, yes. An injured party must instead demonstrate that the dog's owner in Pittsburgh was at fault for the attack. It may be feasible to prove the owner's negligence by proving that the owner was aware of the dog's harmful tendencies or that the owner did not take adequate measures to keep the animal contained or restrained, enabling the dog to escape and then attack someone.