Content Legally Reviewed & Approved
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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- How We Help Our Clients
- You Deserve Justice and Our Team Can Secure It
- Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Laws
- Defenses You Might Face in a Dog Bite Claim
- Types of Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Case
- Local Dog Bite Incidents
- Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
- Get Help from Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC
Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatizing experience. You may be dealing with medical bills and emotional distress in the aftermath. These incidents can be challenging to navigate, especially when the animal belonged to a friend, family member, or neighbor.
Cordisco & Saile LLC can help you get the compensation you need to cover all your damages. Call us today at 215-642-2335 to schedule an initial consultation with a Philadelphia dog bite lawyer.
How We Help Our Clients
Our hardworking team of dog bite attorneys in Philadelphia has been fighting for the rights of our clients for over 30 years. We have a long track record of recovering millions of dollars for injured individuals. You only get one shot to bring your claim, so get it right the first time. Give yourself a fighting chance and let us fight for you.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, people come first. If you choose us to fight for you, we will not take that lightly. We will help you no matter how much effort it takes and try to remove as much stress from the process as possible.
We serve clients throughout the Philadelphia area and have in-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania’s dog bite laws. Our founder, John F. Cordisco, is recognized nationally for his experience in personal injury law and his tenacity as a litigator. Managing attorney Michael L. Saile has vast experience handling dog bite cases and recovering the best results possible for clients.
You Deserve Justice and Our Team Can Secure It
Dog bite cases are especially emotionally and physically draining. You may blame yourself or feel bad about reporting the dog. The dog might even belong to a family member or friend. However, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of recovering from serious injuries alone. What happened to you is unfair, traumatic, and possibly one of the most challenging experiences of your life.
Our compassionate Philadelphia lawyers understand how sensitive these matters can be. We also know how severe a dog bite or attack can be, leaving not only serious physical injuries but also significant emotional and psychological effects. We can help you seek justice, no matter how complex or straightforward your dog bite case is. Cordisco & Saile has gotten solid compensation for individuals throughout the state and could begin working on your case.
“This firm has been the best to deal with, always there for calls and to explain what is going on. This has been an issue for almost four years, and they are right by my side [during] the entire process. Worth every penny, very professional, and they work very hard. They don’t give up and will deliver. Wonderful firm; the best call I could have made.”
“Thank you so much for your professionalism and expertise in helping me obtain the best possible outcome for my court case. I’ve never had to personally hire a lawyer before and you and your team made the whole experience as comforting and painless as possible—top notch. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone who needs your services. The ladies in the office are amazing and really help to calm your nerves and answer any questions you may have with genuine care and compassion, which is backed up by your impeccable knowledge of the law, concern for your clients, and the strong relationships that you hold in the court. From the very first phone call I had with Mary Jo and Barbara, to leaving you at the courthouse, while I never wanted to have to go through this, I am glad that I did it with you.”
Pennsylvania’s Dog Bite Laws
Under 3 Pa. Stat. § 459-502, a dog owner is strictly liable for the victim’s medical treatment costs resulting from a bite or attack—regardless of whether the owner had prior notice of dangerousness. This includes all medical expenses for serious injuries, such as those involving broken bones or disfigurement that require stitches or cosmetic surgery. However, exceptions may apply if the injured person was willfully trespassing or provoked the dog.
Victims can only recover compensation for other damages, like pain and suffering or lost income, if the owner was negligent. Thus, owners may be liable if they knew their dog had vicious propensities and failed to take reasonable steps to control their pet. In addition, if they failed to properly restrain or leash the dog and that failure leads to a bite or attack, they might be liable.
While criminal culpability is not required in a civil case, it can help to show negligence. Under Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dog Law, a pet owner could be held criminally liable for harboring a dog deemed dangerous. Under the law, a dangerous dog is one that, without provocation, has done any of the following:
- Inflicted severe injury on a human on public or private property
- Attacked a human being
- Killed or severely injured a domestic animal while off the owner’s property
- Been used in the commission of a crime
- Exhibited a history of similar unprovoked attacks
With so many stipulations and legal avenues to recover compensation, bite victims need to consult a Philadelphia dog bite attorney about the details of their case.
Defenses You Might Face in a Dog Bite Claim
Dog owners may invoke various defenses to contest liability for a dog bite. The most common defenses in dog bite cases include provocation and trespassing.
Trespassing
The dog owner may claim you were unlawfully on their property when the incident occurred. To overcome this defense, you may need to demonstrate either of the following:
- You were lawfully present on the property
- You had implied or explicit permission to be there
Provocation
The owner may also argue that you provoked the dog, causing it to bite. Provocation can include teasing, hitting, chasing, or otherwise threatening the animal. In response to this defense, you must prove either of the following:
- You did not interact with the dog in an aggressive or threatening way
- The dog’s reaction was disproportionate or unprovoked based on your behavior.
Our seasoned dog bite attorneys in Philadelphia can help you challenge these defenses by gathering witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and applying relevant local laws. Anticipating and countering these defenses is key to building a strong injury claim.
"After an accident, not only are people in pain, but they're fearful. They don't know what to do next. At Cordisco and Saile, we know how to fight, we take cases to trial from beginning to end, and we never give up on our clients."
Types of Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Case
In dog bite cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you experience from a personal injury, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for the more subjective effects on your life, such as the following:
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Keep in mind that you can only secure compensation for medical costs in strict liability cases. To recover compensation for your other losses, you must prove the dog owner was negligent.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we have deep experience in Philadelphia dog bite claims and have recovered significant case results for our clients.
A Successful Dog Bite Case We Handled
Our client, a young mother, suffered severe facial injuries when a dog bit her during a violent altercation with her abusive boyfriend. The dog, owned by the boyfriend’s parents, attacked after he lunged at her. The dog was not properly restrained despite the family’s knowledge that sudden outbursts easily provoked their four dogs.
The bite severed her superior orbital nerve, leaving her with lasting facial scars, chronic pain, and debilitating headaches now managed with ongoing Botox treatments. She was forced to relocate out of state with her child, leaving behind her job and support system. The trauma has led to anxiety, depression, and significant financial strain. Our team recovered $275,000 to help her rebuild her life.
Local Dog Bite Incidents
The following are some notable recent headlines regarding dog attacks in Philadelphia:
Postal Worker Dog Bite Incidents, Philadelphia, PA: According to the U.S. Postal Service, Philadelphia was the 11th worst city for dog attacks on mail carriers in 2024, with 32 bite incidents. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania was the sixth-worst state, with 316 total attacks.
Fatal Dog Attack, Woman Killed in Mantua, Philadelphia: In November 2024, a 51-year-old woman was found dead from multiple dog bites at her home in the 16th Police District. Authorities classified it as a dog bite fatality, though the specific breeds and further details were not publicly released.
Fatal Pit Bull Attack, 63-Year‑Old Man, West Philadelphia: In October 2023, Antonio Shaw, 63, mistakenly entered the wrong property on North 62nd Street in West Philadelphia, where the owner kept five pit bulls. Two of the dogs attacked him. After over 15 surgeries and months in the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries two months later.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases
Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases is two years from the incident date. If you fail to file suit before the deadline expires, you will likely be barred from recovering any damages.
Our Philadelphia dog bite lawyers will ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your rights to recover damages.
Get Help From Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC
Cordisco & Saile LLC helps people with cases against dog owners whose pets have caused serious injuries. If someone’s dog has harmed you, call 215-642-2335 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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Real Stories. Real Results.
“I was in a serious accident in 2021. My injuries were new however they mimicked some of the injuries I received in a 2017 accident. After treating with 2 doctors, both who stated my injuries were permanent, I was recommended to Cordisco & Saile. My attorney, Steven DeBonis, was wonderful. He listened and guided me through the process. He worked endlessly to ensure I received a proper settlement. I am so grateful for his effort and kindness. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needed someone to fight for them. The staff was friendly, informative and helpful. They are the best legal team around. Thank you for all you have done.”
I had a slip and fall on Saturday, December 21, 2024. I waited a few days before calling Barbara’s firm and when I decided to reach out, I left a message late at night on the 23rd. First thing Christmas Eve day, Barbara calls me to let me know. She received the message and wanted to chat about my fall. She was extremely professional, detailed the process, and what they would look for in terms of backup documentation, but also instilled a sense of safety and security because she was kind, compassionate and empathetic. She gave the distinct impression that my case would be well researched thoroughly but also be done ethically without having me jump through a whole lot of extra hoops. Five stars, would highly recommend.”
“I had a car accident in January 2019. I called Cordisco and Saile. Michael Saile Jr. worked with me along with his associate Steve, and para legal Michele. They treated me with kindness and respect. I had injuries to my neck and spine. I went through months of physical therapy. The person who t- boned my car had no license, registration or insurance, therefore Mr. Saile had to put together a lawsuit against my own insurance company. I had limited tort insurance but Mr. Saile and his people fought to get me the most money that I was entitled to from my insurance company. It took four years due to the pandemic but they kept at it until they reached the maximum. I cannot thank them enough. Everyone in their office worked very hard for me. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has had an accident, or any legal work.”
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Read Our Blogs
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite Injury in Pennsylvania?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to sue for a dog bite injury in Pennsylvania. If you have been attacked by a dog, it’s important to understand the law and what happens if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
How To Report a Dog Attack
If a dog has bitten you or attacked another person or animal, here’s what you need to know about how to report a dog attack.
Common Mental Issues That Develop After a Dog Attack
Being attacked by a dog often results in a myriad of physical complications, which may include everything from lacerations and bleeding to broken bones. What’s often overlooked, though, is the range of psychological issues that a person may develop after a dog attack.
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