Pennsylvania’s dog bite statute, Pa. Consol. Stat. § 502A, imposes a limited version of strict liability upon dog owners. Under the statute, a person who is attacked or bitten by a dog can hold the owner strictly liable, but they can recover medical expenses only. The owner will be shielded from any liability, however, if the victim was provoking the dog or was trespassing when the bite occurred.
In order to recover for other types of damages (for example, pain and suffering or lost wages), Pennsylvania allows victims to pursue a negligence claim against the owner. This typically requires proof that, at the time of the attack, the owner (1) knew the dog had “unmistakably vicious tendencies,” and (2) neglected to properly control the dog. Additionally, the victim could establish a “negligence per se” claim, which can be established by evidence that (1) the owner violated a state law that provides rules for controlling dogs, and (2) their violation of the law was a substantial factor in causing the victim’s injuries. In this context, this typically means that the owner did not have their dog leashed in a public place despite a law requiring dog owners to do so.
Client Testimonials
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This was the easiest and best experience I've experienced with a law firm. They represented me aggressively and handled my case with finesse and diligence. I highly recommend anyone who is having any issues to reach out to Mike Agruss Law Firm. They WILL take care of you.
-Victor
He went above and beyond
Mike called me on the weekend to answer a question I had emailed him on a Friday I wasn't expecting to hear from him until Monday. He went above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. Not only is he a excellent attorney he is also a kind, caring and a patient person. I was truly blessed by him, his paralegal, and this law firm.
-Sean
Thank you everyone!
Yes this team is incredible. They were not only professional and intelligent and thorough, they demonstrated the highest level of care and compassion for what was otherwise a really demoralizing and confusing experience. My case was long and difficult and they kept me in the loop all along the way and brought it to excellent resolution. So grateful to their team especially Rachael who took my first flustered call on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to partner Jim who carried the case across the line. Oh, and they got a great settlement! Thank you everyone!
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I was injured and tried handling things on my own with insurance. My first call it was apparent they weren’t going to help me even though I wasn’t at fault. I was referred to Mike Agruss Law and the experience made what was a nightmare turn into an easy and peaceful experience. They handled everything for me and made sure my medical bills were paid, and I was compensated for loss of wages and more. I came to them in tears, shaken up, and scared. They comforted me and took care of me and my family. I can’t say thank you enough! Thank you, Rachael Mitchell, Jackie Laino, and Ryan Platt!!
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Highly recommend
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Thank you!
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The attorneys at Agruss are attentive, hard-working, and genuinely care for their clients and their best interests. I have seen them work tirelessly to ensure the best outcome for clients. I highly recommend Mike Agruss and his staff.
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Communication was top notch
Mike Agruss Law was extremely easy to work with. They helped me on two different times. Communication was top notch. If ever in need I would use again and have recommended to several people.
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I highly recommend him and his firm!
Mike Agruss is an extremely knowledgeable personal injury attorney who puts his client's best interests first. Whenever I reach out to him with questions, he always gets back to me right away, which is extremely refreshing when dealing with an attorney. I highly recommend him and his firm!
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Mike Agruss Law was incredibly helpful
Mike Agruss Law was incredibly helpful and tenacious at fighting for me with my case. I am beyond satisfied with my results and cannot recommend them enough for all the hard work they put in. They really care about what they do and care about their clients and it can be seen in the work they do. All that is left to say was that my case was a win-win all around very happy with the results. Please consider them if you have any issues.
