Some injuries take more than stitches to heal. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Bethlehem, you may be dealing with physical and emotional trauma, fear of infection, scars, or disfigurement, and uncertainty about what to do next.
You are not alone, and this wasn’t an isolated incident. Dog bite injuries are more common than most people think. In fact, Pennsylvania recently ranked 6th in the nation for dog bite claims, with 857 cases and over $46 million paid out to dog bite victims in a single year.
A Bethlehem dog bite lawyer with Leeson & Leeson can help you pursue compensation for your medical care, missed work, medical bills, and more. We bring decades of legal experience and a deep commitment to the local community, including responsible dog ownership and the duties that go along with it.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries that require medical attention.
- Dog attacks are more common than many realize, especially in walkable communities like Bethlehem.
- Victims of serious bites may suffer long-term effects, including infection, disfigurement, or emotional trauma.
- Children are among the most at-risk groups, with injuries that may require years of care in serious cases.
- Compensation may cover medical costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more.
- Leeson & Leeson can help you pursue the full financial recovery you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Why Choose Leeson & Leeson for Your Bethlehem Dog Bite Claim?
Dog bite cases require more than legal experience. These highly sensitive cases require compassion, diligence, and local knowledge. Dogs are beloved family members in most American households, so dog bite claims are not about getting revenge on the dog or the owner, but about pursuing compensation fairly through the proper insurance channels.
At Leeson & Leeson, we bring more than 50 years of experience fighting for injury victims in Bethlehem and across the Lehigh Valley, including dog bite victims. We know the neighborhoods and courts. We know the laws. And we know how to win.
What sets us apart is the way we treat our clients. Here, you are never regarded as a case number but a person who deserves care, answers, and a path forward. Whether you were injured walking your dog on Main Street or your child was bitten during a backyard party in Hanover Township, we’ll give your case the attention it deserves.
Joseph F. Leeson III is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been named a Top Personal Injury Lawyer by Expertise.com three years in a row. With his CPA background and MBA, he brings financial precision to every case when calculating your full losses and fighting for the compensation you need.
Pennsylvania Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
Dog bite victims in Pennsylvania are protected under both state and local laws. If you were injured in Bethlehem or anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, knowing the basics of the applicable laws in your case can give you a clearer picture of your options for legal action and what lies ahead.
Dog bite cases are more complicated than many people realize, so always consult a lawyer for legal help when someone else’s dog has injured you.
Pennsylvania follows a strict liability rule under the Pennsylvania Dog Law (Section 502-A of the Pennsylvania Statutes). This means that a dog owner can be held financially responsible if their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Unlike some states, Pennsylvania doesn’t require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If you were bitten and suffered injuries that required medical care, the owner may be liable for your damages, even if the attack happened in a private yard or inside a home.
That said, proving negligence may be necessary for a full recovery of damages like lost wages, emotional distress, or pain and suffering.
Negligence in dog bite cases might involve:
- Failing to leash a dog in a public area
- Allowing a dog to escape through a broken fence
- Ignoring prior signs of aggression
- Failing to warn guests or children about a dangerous pet
Your experienced dog bite attorney with Leeson & Leeson will investigate how the attack occurred and whether the owner violated Bethlehem's local animal control ordinances.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Bethlehem?
While there’s no central database tracking dog bite incidents specific to Bethlehem, national and state-level data help paint a clearer picture. According to the American Veterinary Association, nearly half of American households own at least one dog, and that trend holds steady across Pennsylvania. With over 75,000 residents in Bethlehem, it’s safe to estimate that thousands of dogs live in the city, often as beloved family companions, but not always well-trained or properly supervised.
Statewide, Pennsylvania ranks sixth in the nation for dog bite claims. In 2023 alone, there were 857 reported cases, with insurance payouts totaling $46.2 million. The U.S. Postal Service also includes Pennsylvania among the top 10 states for dog attacks on mail carriers, underscoring the seriousness of this public safety issue.
In walkable communities like Bethlehem with parks, tight-knit neighborhoods, and regular foot traffic, these risks become more than theoretical. With so many dogs living in close quarters with people, even isolated lapses in training, supervision, or restraint can lead to serious injuries.
Injuries Associated With Dog Attacks
Dog bites can range from minor nips to catastrophic injuries that require surgery or lead to permanent disfigurement. Regardless of severity, all dog bite victims should be medically evaluated as soon as possible. Infections, nerve damage, and emotional trauma can occur even with smaller bites.
Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and torn skin
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Facial injuries, particularly in children
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Infections such as rabies or MRSA
- Emotional trauma or PTSD, especially in younger victims
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, a widely used non-medical classification system, helps categorize the severity of attacks from Level 1 (aggressive behavior with no skin contact) to Level 6 (fatal injuries). Most reported incidents fall within Levels 2–4, which still require medical treatment and can have lasting effects.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Bethlehem
If you've been bitten, you’ve likely already sought medical treatment, and that’s the most important first step. But there are additional actions you can take to protect your legal rights and strengthen your potential injury claim.
After receiving medical care, take these steps:
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your case will be. A qualified Bethlehem dog bite lawyer can handle insurance communications, investigate the attack, and file your claim within the proper deadline.
- Keep up with all medical appointments. Follow-up care is essential to document your injuries and demonstrate their impact on your daily life.
- Document your recovery. Use a written or video journal to track pain levels, emotional distress, and physical changes over time. This can be powerful evidence later.
- Save all records and receipts. Keep copies of medical bills, missed work documentation, and communications with doctors or insurers.
- Report the attack to the authorities. In Bethlehem, dog bites should be reported to the Bethlehem Health Bureau or Northampton County Animal Control.
Who’s Liable in a Pennsylvania Dog Bite Case?
Liability depends on the circumstances of the attack, but in most dog bite cases, the dog’s owner is the primary responsible party. Pennsylvania law holds owners accountable even if their dog had no prior record of aggression.
Other parties who may be liable include:
- Landlords who knowingly allow a dangerous dog on the property
- Property owners if the bite occurred due to poor fencing or unsecured animals
- Dog handlers or walkers if negligence occurred during their supervision
Bethlehem residents should also be aware that local leash laws and containment rules may affect liability. If a dog was off-leash or not properly contained in a yard, that can strengthen your case.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Bethlehem
A serious dog bite injury can have far-reaching consequences, from physical limitations and emotional trauma to financial distress. Victims may face weeks or months of recovery, require reconstructive surgery, or lose wages during their healing period.
At Leeson & Leeson, we pursue the compensation you and your family need to recover. We fight to secure every dollar you’ve lost and more.
Damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical expenses and future treatment
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
Each case is different. We evaluate every factor in your situation to determine how much your case may be worth, and we’ll never settle for less than you deserve.
Why Dog Bites Affect Children the Most
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites due to their size, unpredictability, and tendency to approach animals without fear. Data from the CDC shows dog bites are a leading cause of emergency room visits for children. Many of these incidents happen at home or at a friend’s house.
These attacks can lead to:
- Severe facial injuries
- Long-term emotional trauma
- Developmental challenges during recovery
- Complicated legal claims involving family or friends
Because these injuries can be so severe, it’s important to work with a law firm that takes the time to handle the case with care, discretion, and sensitivity, especially when children are involved.
Emotional Impact and Trauma After a Dog Attack
Dog bite injuries don’t just affect the body. They can leave lasting emotional scars, especially for children and trauma-sensitive individuals. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety around dogs, nightmares, and sleep disturbances are common after attacks. These symptoms can linger for months or years without proper support and treatment.
It’s not uncommon for victims to avoid walking in their neighborhoods or being around dogs altogether. If the attack happened in a friend or neighbor’s home, it may even damage personal relationships.
These psychological effects are real and compensable. Pennsylvania personal injury law allows victims to seek financial recovery for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, especially when supported by medical records or evaluations from mental health professionals.
When Dog Owners Deny Responsibility
Some dog owners respond to bite incidents with empathy and accountability—but not all do. It’s not unusual for owners or their insurance companies to shift blame, downplay the severity of the injury, or delay the claims process. Some may claim the victim provoked the dog or trespassed, even when those accusations are unfounded.
Insurance companies may offer quick, low settlements before the full extent of your injuries is clear. Accepting these offers can limit your ability to recover future medical costs or damages if your condition worsens.
An experienced Bethlehem dog bite lawyer can handle all insurance communications, file your claim, and fight back against tactics that minimize your experience. At Leeson & Leeson, we don’t back down from tough negotiations, and we’re always prepared to go to trial when necessary.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under 42 Pa. C.S. § 5524, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania, including dog bite injuries, is two years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the ability to seek compensation altogether.
However, some exceptions may apply. If the victim is a minor, the deadline may be extended. If the dog owner cannot be identified right away, certain delays may also be granted. Still, time is critical. The sooner you get legal help, the better the chances of securing full compensation before evidence is lost or witnesses forget what happened.
FAQs: Dog Bite Claims in Bethlehem, PA
What if the dog that bit me belongs to a family member or friend?
It’s understandable to feel conflicted in this situation. However, dog bite claims are usually handled through the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not their personal finances. Filing a claim allows you to recover damages without directly harming your relationship.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer in Bethlehem?
At Leeson & Leeson, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Initial consultations are always free.
Can I still file a claim if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation, though your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule underscores the need to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer who will protect the value of your claim.
Are certain dog breeds banned or more likely to be considered “dangerous” in Bethlehem?
While Pennsylvania doesn’t ban specific breeds statewide, individual municipalities may have breed-specific ordinances. More important than breed, however, is the dog’s documented behavior. Courts typically focus on whether the owner had reason to know the dog posed a risk.
What if there were no witnesses to the dog bite? Can I still file a claim?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if no one else saw the incident. Many dog bite cases rely on medical records, photographs of injuries, and your own account of what happened.
If the bite occurred on private property, such as at a friend’s home or during a social gathering, there may be text messages, prior complaints, or a pattern of behavior that supports your case. An attorney can help investigate, identify potential evidence, and determine whether the dog’s history or the owner's negligence played a role.
Will the dog be taken away or put down if I report a bite?
In the vast majority of cases, no, the dog won’t be taken away or euthanized just because you report a bite. In Pennsylvania, reporting a dog bite usually leads to a health and safety check by the local animal control or health department.
The main concern is verifying rabies vaccination status and preventing future bites, not punishing the animal. Unless the dog has a history of dangerous behavior or caused severe injuries, officials generally work with the owner on containment and training requirements, not removal.
Ready to Talk About Your Dog Bite Case? Call Leeson & Leeson Today.
If you’re dealing with the consequences of a dog bite in Bethlehem, you don’t need vague answers or more stress—you need clear guidance from an experienced Bethlehem personal injury lawyer who knows this community and how these cases work.
At Leeson & Leeson, we’ve spent decades helping local families get through difficult times with compassion, sensitivity to all the issues involved in these complex claims, and meaningful results.
Call us at (610)691-3320 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and if you choose to move forward, you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. We’re right here in Bethlehem when you need us.