Even the most well-behaved dogs can act out. If a dog isn't properly trained or controlled, it can cause serious and sometimes life-changing injuries — even without biting. Whether it's a small dog that leaves deep puncture wounds or a large dog that knocks you to the ground, the outcome can be painful and costly.

At Worthington Law Group, we've seen firsthand how traumatic these incidents can be. Attorney Sandra Worthington has been representing injured Pennsylvanians for over two decades and has successfully fought for clients in dog-related injury cases across the state.

Real Case. Real Results.

In one recent case, we represented a woman who was simply out walking her dog in her neighborhood — something any of us might do on a quiet afternoon. Suddenly, a mixed-breed dog escaped from a neighbor's house — unleashed and uncontrolled. Startled, our client's American Bulldog instinctively tried to protect her, but in the chaos, pulled her down onto the sidewalk, fracturing her femur.

As the two dogs fought around her, our client was trapped on the ground, overwhelmed and in pain. She later described the anxiety and helplessness she felt as one of the most terrifying moments of her life. The other dog's owner eventually intervened, but by then, the damage had been done.

We took action immediately — investigated the facts, built the case, and ultimately secured a $250,000 settlement for our client. And here's what's important: no bite ever occurred. You can still have a strong case if you were injured during a dog attack, even if it was your own dog that caused the injury while trying to defend you.

Know Your Rights After a Dog Attack

Under Pennsylvania law, dog owners are strictly liable for any medical expenses resulting from a bite — even if the dog has no history of aggression. But to recover for pain and suffering, lost income, emotional trauma, or permanent injury, we must show that the dog's owner was negligent.

That usually means proving that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous and failed to take the proper steps to prevent an injury.

Examples of negligence include:

• Failing to leash a dog or contain it on the owner's property

• Allowing a breed known for aggression, like a pit bull or rottweiler, to roam freely

• Ignoring previous aggressive behavior

• Causing injury without a bite — such as being knocked down

At Worthington Law Group, we know how to gather the evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. We take these cases seriously — because we know how much they can affect your life.

What Is a “Dangerous Dog”?

Under Pennsylvania law, a dog is considered “dangerous” if it has:

• Attacked or seriously injured someone without provocation

• Killed or injured another pet while off its property

• Been used to commit a crime

• Previously shown unprovoked aggression

If the dog that injured you meets any of these criteria, the owner has additional responsibilities — including registering the dog, securing it with a proper enclosure, muzzling it in public, and carrying insurance.

If you're unsure whether the dog that hurt you was considered dangerous under the law, let us help you figure it out. That's what we're here for.

You Can Still Take Legal Action — Even If You Know the Dog's Owner

Many dog attacks happen in familiar places — at a friend's home, a neighbor's yard, or during a family gathering. You might hesitate to pursue a claim because you don't want to damage that relationship.

But here's what most people don't realize: your claim is likely covered by homeowner's insurance, not by the person directly. We'll work with you to keep things as respectful and private as possible. And you'll always be in control of how the claim proceeds and whether any personal payment is involved.

Take the First Step Today

Dog attacks are more common — and more serious — than many people realize. If you've been hurt, don't try to deal with the stress, medical bills, or insurance companies alone.

At Worthington Law Group, we've helped countless people across Pennsylvania recover financially and emotionally after dog-related injuries. We offer free consultations, and you'll never pay a fee unless we win for you.

Let us take on the legal burden — so you can focus on healing.

Get in Touch with Worthington Law Group Today

📍 1432 Bethlehem Pike, Suite E, Flourtown, PA 19031
📞 215-576-5150

Call now or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We're here for you — days, evenings, weekends, and even holidays.