Malvern Premises Liability Lawyer

Property owners must keep their premises safe. If you were injured due to hazardous conditions, Kingbird Legal is here to help. Our Malvern premises liability lawyer will fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We hold negligent property owners accountable. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.

Holding Property Owners Accountable for Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, emotional distress, and lasting scars. In Pennsylvania, a dog owner is often responsible when their pet attacks someone, but what happens if the bite occurs on someone else’s property? In some cases, the property owner may also be held liable under premises liability laws.

Understanding how these claims work is important for anyone injured by a dog on private or commercial property. Knowing who can be held accountable and what steps to take can make a difference in securing fair compensation.

When a Property Owner May Be Responsible

Premises liability laws require property owners to keep their spaces safe for visitors. While these laws often apply to hazards like slippery floors or broken stairs, they can also come into play when a dangerous dog is involved.

A property owner may be responsible for a dog bite if:

They knew the dog was dangerous and did not take steps to prevent an attack
They allowed a known aggressive dog onto the property without proper restraints
They failed to warn visitors about a dog that had a history of biting
They did not follow local laws requiring fences, warning signs, or leashes

For example, if a landlord allows a tenant to keep a dog that has bitten others before and does nothing to address the risk, they could be liable if the dog bites another tenant or visitor.

Dog Bite Laws

Pennsylvania law holds dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets, but premises liability claims can be more complex. If the bite occurred on the dog owner’s property, the claim would typically be filed against them directly. However, if a dog attacks someone at a business, rental property, or public place, the owner of that property could also share responsibility.

State law considers whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior. If the animal had a history of biting, both the owner and the property owner may be held liable for failing to prevent the attack.

Landlord Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Landlords are not automatically responsible when a tenant’s dog bites someone. However, there are situations where they could be held accountable.

A landlord may be liable if:

They knew the tenant’s dog was dangerous but still allowed it to stay on the property
They had the legal authority to remove the dog but failed to act
The attack occurred in a common area, such as a shared hallway or courtyard

If a landlord allows an aggressive dog to remain on the property despite complaints or previous attacks, they could be held legally responsible for injuries.

Business Owners and Liability for Dog Attacks

Dog bites do not just happen in residential areas. A business owner could be responsible if a dog injures someone on their property, especially if they allowed the animal inside without proper precautions.

For example, if a store or restaurant permits a dog on the premises and the animal bites a customer, the business owner may be held liable if they failed to ensure a safe environment. Businesses that host pet-friendly events or allow dogs in outdoor spaces should take precautions to protect visitors from potential attacks.

Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim

To hold a property owner responsible for a dog bite, the injured person must prove negligence. This means showing that the owner knew or should have known about the risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Evidence that may support a claim includes:

Witness statements about the dog’s behavior
Records of previous complaints about the dog
Photos or videos of the attack location
Local ordinances requiring fencing or warning signs
Veterinary or animal control records documenting prior incidents

Without clear proof of negligence, it may be difficult to hold a property owner accountable. Working with a personal injury attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case.

What to Do After a Dog Bite on Someone Else’s Property

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect both health and legal rights.

Seek medical attention – Even minor bites can lead to infections or complications. A medical record will also serve as evidence in a claim.
Report the bite – Contact local animal control or the police to document the attack.
Gather information – Obtain the property owner’s and dog owner’s contact details. If possible, take photos of the injuries and the location where the bite happened.
Speak with witnesses – If anyone saw the attack, their testimony may help strengthen the case.
Consult an attorney – A lawyer can help determine whether a premises liability claim is an option and guide the legal process.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite can result in serious medical expenses and long-term consequences. Victims may be able to recover compensation for:

Emergency room visits and follow-up care
Surgery or reconstructive treatment for severe bites
Lost wages due to missed work
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Permanent scarring or disability caused by the injury

Holding a negligent property owner accountable can help cover these costs and ensure that similar incidents do not happen in the future.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Dog bite claims involving premises liability can be complex, especially when multiple parties may be responsible. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine who is liable, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement.

Anyone bitten by a dog on someone else’s property should not wait to take legal action. Pennsylvania law has time limits for filing a claim, and delaying could make it harder to prove negligence. Seeking legal guidance early can improve the chances of recovering the compensation needed for medical treatment and other damages.

Malvern Premises Liability Attorney

Understanding how premises liability applies to dog bites is essential for anyone seeking justice after an attack. Taking action quickly and consulting with a lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation needed for recovery. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe property conditions, you have legal rights. Kingbird Legal’s Malvern premises liability attorney will fight for the compensation you need to recover. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.