Bucks County Dog Bites in Parks: Your Rights After an Attack

A dog bite injury can be a frightening and painful experience, especially when it happens unexpectedly during a walk in a Bucks County park. Medical bills can quickly pile up, and you may wonder what steps you can take to hold the responsible dog owner accountable.

Understanding Dog Bites in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, dog owners have a responsibility to control their animals. When a dog bites someone, the legal consequences for the owner can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the dog's history. We understand that after an attack, you might be confused about your options and where to turn.

Pennsylvania law, specifically 3 P.S. § 459-502-A, addresses dog bites. This statute divides bites into two categories: "severe injury" and "non-severe injury." A severe injury is defined as any physical injury that causes a person to be disfigured, to suffer a broken bone, or to suffer a protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member, organ, or mental function. If a dog causes a severe injury, the owner faces stricter liability. For less severe injuries, you typically need to show that the owner knew, or should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies. This is often referred to as proving "owner knowledge" or the "one bite rule."

Regardless of the severity, every dog bite case is complex. Our firm can help you gather the necessary evidence to build your case.

Bucks County Parks and Leash Laws

Many people enjoy the natural beauty of Bucks County's numerous parks and trails, from Core Creek Park in Langhorne to Peace Valley Park in Doylestown. These areas offer great opportunities for outdoor activity, often including walking dogs. However, most Bucks County parks and trails have strict leash laws designed to keep everyone safe.

For example, the Bucks County Parks and Recreation Department enforces regulations that typically require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the control of their owner at all times. Specific townships, like Warrington Township or Middletown Township, may have their own additional ordinances regarding dog control in their local parks. A dog running loose, even if it seems friendly, can quickly become a danger to others, especially if it reacts unpredictably to another dog, a child, or a sudden noise.

When a dog bite happens because an owner failed to follow these leash laws, it can be a strong piece of evidence in your case. This failure shows a lack of control and a disregard for public safety. It is important to note where the incident occurred, such as on the trail near the Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park or on a pathway in Churchville Nature Center, as specific park rules may apply.

Proving Owner Knowledge and Negligence

For non-severe dog bite injuries, proving that the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous is crucial. This is sometimes called the "one bite rule," but it does not literally mean a dog gets one free bite. Instead, it means you need to show the owner had prior knowledge of their dog's aggressive tendencies. This knowledge can come from various sources:

• Previous bites or aggressive acts by the dog
• The dog's breed (some breeds are known for protective instincts)
• The owner's statements about their dog's behavior
• The dog's history of lunging, growling, or barking at others
• The owner's failure to follow leash laws or other regulations

Even if there's no history of aggression, an owner can still be found negligent if they failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite. This could include allowing a dog off-leash in a designated on-leash area, failing to secure a gate, or not warning someone about a dog's temperament. We investigate every detail to determine if negligence played a role in your injury.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, your first priority should be your health and safety. Dog bites can cause serious infections and other complications. Here are steps you should take:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it is vital to have it cleaned and assessed by a healthcare professional. Go to an urgent care center or a hospital like Doylestown Hospital or St. Mary Medical Center if needed.
2. Identify the Dog and Owner: If possible, get the dog owner's contact information, including their name, address, and phone number. Ask if the dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations.
3. Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the incident, get their names and contact details. Their testimony can be valuable.
4. Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog if it is safe to do so. Write down everything you remember about the attack as soon as possible.
5. Report the Bite: In Pennsylvania, dog bites must be reported to the local animal control or police department. This creates an official record of the incident.

These steps can help protect your health and strengthen any potential legal claim.

The Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania

It is important to act quickly after a dog bite. In Pennsylvania, there is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including dog bites, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. This rule is established by 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your claim.

How a Bucks County Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming. You may be facing painful injuries, medical treatments, and time away from work, all while trying to understand your legal options. Our firm is here to help you navigate this complex process.

We can investigate the circumstances of your dog bite, gather evidence, prove owner knowledge or negligence, and handle all communications with the dog owner's insurance company. We will fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair consideration for your losses. We understand the specific laws and ordinances that apply in Bucks County and can apply them to your case.

What to do next

If you have been bitten by a dog in a Bucks County park or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, contact our firm for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and discuss the next steps in pursuing your claim.

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia · Pittsburgh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a dog bite in a Bucks County park?

First, seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Then, try to get the dog owner's contact information and take photos of your injuries and the location. Report the bite to local animal control.

Do I need to prove the dog had a history of biting to file a claim?

Not always. For severe injuries, the owner is often strictly liable. For less severe injuries, you typically need to show the owner knew, or should have known, their dog had dangerous tendencies, or that they were negligent in controlling their dog.

What is the deadline for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the injury. This deadline is set by 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524.

Are there specific leash laws in Bucks County parks?

Yes, most Bucks County parks, such as Core Creek Park and Peace Valley Park, have specific leash laws. These often require dogs to be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the owner's control at all times.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the incident, you may still be able to recover compensation, though your award could be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What kind of damages can I claim after a dog bite?

You may be able to claim damages for medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The specific damages depend on the details of your injury and case.

Serving injured Pennsylvanians in: Philadelphia · Pittsburgh.