Is the Owner Always Liable?
In Pennsylvania and Ohio, dog owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs. A pet owner must keep control of their dog at all times. If a dog was not on a leash, was not properly secured on the owner's premises, or if the dog owner knew that his or her dog was prone to violence yet didn't take the proper safety measures, they can be held financially liable. Sometimes, a pet sitter or "keeper" can also be held liable for the actions of a dog in their care.
In Pennsylvania, a dog’s owner is liable for all damages when a person is severely injured, or for any severity of injury if a person is attacked by a dog already designated as dangerous. The state’s dangerous dog law defines what is considered a dangerous dog and what rules owners of such dogs are required to follow.
Whether the attacking dog was known to be dangerous or not, a victim can take legal action to recover monetary damages for their losses. Contact our Pittsburgh dog bite injury attorneys today to discuss the specifics of your situation.