The Secrets Insurance Companies Don’t Want Pennsylvania Dog Bite Victims to Know.
If you have suffered a dog bite, you need information. We wrote the Pennsylvania Dog Bite Book (also known as Seven Costly Mistakes That Could Wreck Your Dog Bite Case) to help you understand the secrets that insurance companies don’t want you to know.
Sandra B. Worthington, Esq.
Author & Founder · Worthington Law Group (Est. 1997)
“Representation With Compassion and a Laser-Focus.” For nearly 30 years, Sandra has personally represented injured plaintiffs against aggressive insurance companies.
You speak with Sandra directly — never passed off to an assistant.
Insurance adjusters handle thousands of claims each year with one goal: settling them as cheaply as they can, even if this means you do not receive fair compensation in the process.
Adjusters are rewarded by their employers when they shortchange a dog bite victim by paying as little as possible. The lawyer hired by the insurance company consults with the adjuster to minimize your recovery. You can even out the playing field with this FREE book.
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This Book Will Help You Answer These Critical Questions:
Written by Sandra B. Worthington, Esq., with nearly 30 years of Pennsylvania personal injury experience. Free, no strings attached, to help you understand whether you have a case and what to expect.
How will I pay my medical bills? Do I have to use my own insurance? What if I don't have any health insurance?
Understand how homeowner's or renter's liability policies interact with medical payments coverage, hospital liens, and emergency care.
Will I get fairly compensated for the pain I have experienced?
Learn how Pennsylvania law evaluates non-economic damages, physical pain, emotional distress, and scarring or disfigurement.
Should I talk to the dog owner's insurance adjuster?
Discover why giving recorded statements or signing medical authorizations before consulting counsel can wreck your recovery.
How long will my case take?
Realistic timelines for injury stabilization, collecting complete records, negotiations, and reaching maximum compensation.
What will an attorney do for me?
How Sandra Worthington personally handles investigation, insurer negotiations, evidence gathering, and court representation.
Available as a printed book mailed to your Pennsylvania address or an instant digital edition.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Pennsylvania
When an animal attacks, every decision matters. Over 4.7 million people are bitten each year. Making a claim involves dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company—and adjusters look for any excuse to minimize payouts.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Prompt and proper care is of primary concern, especially with facial injuries or when the victim is a child. If wild or unidentified, doctors may insist on rabies shots.
Identify the Dog & Owner
Obtain the owner’s full name, address, telephone, homeowner's or renter's insurance details, and proof of current rabies vaccination.
Report to Local Authorities
Contact local police, municipal animal control, or the county dog warden to establish an official public record of the attack.
Document the Scene & Injuries
Take clear photos of all lacerations, punctures, bruises, torn clothing, and the location where the incident occurred before physical evidence changes.
Collect Witness Information
Gather names, phone numbers, and addresses of any neighbors or bystanders who saw the bite or can testify to the dog's prior aggressive acts.
Call Worthington Law Group BEFORE the Insurer
Pennsylvania law limits your time to file a claim. Speaking with an attorney early protects your legal rights and prevents costly missteps.
CRITICAL DON’Ts If Contacted by an Insurance Company
The insurer will likely try to convince you that you do not need an attorney. Don’t listen to that bad advice!
How Pennsylvania Dog Bite Liability Works
While some places use strict liability, Pennsylvania is described under state legal rules as following a one-bite rule. The owner may only be held accountable if they knew or should have known the dog had aggressive tendencies.
The “Prior Knowledge” Standard in Pennsylvania
Generally, in PA, if the dog owner has prior knowledge that the owner's dog may bite or attack a person or animal due to past vicious or aggressive acts of the dog, the owner may be liable for later injuries caused by the dog.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, or anywhere across Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Damages You May Recover Under Pennsylvania Law:
Does “Provocation” Defeat a Claim?
Insurance adjusters frequently claim the victim “provoked” the dog to escape liability. Pennsylvania law draws a clear distinction between actual provocation and ordinary, everyday interaction.
- Walking toward a dog
- Walking toward or addressing the owner
- Getting up to face the dog
- Reaching to pet the dog
- Playing with or gently petting the dog
- Feeding the dog
- Extending a hand over or through a fence
- Transporting an injured dog
- Hitting the dog
- Trapping the dog
- Pulling its tail, legs, ears, or fur
- Stepping on its tail
Client Reviews From Actual Dog Attack Cases
Read directly what victims and their families in Pennsylvania say about working personally with attorney Sandra B. Worthington.
“She and her staff are there for you and your family! After my dog and I experienced a vicious attack by two dogs, Sandra was recommended to us to handle our case. She was professional, accommodating, and determined to help us in every way to see that we were compensated. We are so happy she was there for us in every way!!”
Jane
Hired Attorney“Just what our family needed. When our family had been devastated by a vicious dog attack, Sandra stepped in and managed all of the medical and insurance paperwork for us. She was exactly what our family needed, kind, professional, and looking out for our best interest.”
Cara
Hired Attorney“Our Hero. Sandra Worthington, Esq., 12 years ago, 2006, handled a dog bite case for our granddaughter and received a generous settlement for her… We would not be able to navigate without her expertise, again while Ms Worthington was on vacation and at no charge! We recommend to all, Ms Worthington is our hero.”
Dennis
Client Review“My daughter and I were attacked by a neighbors dog, it was a horrific experience and something I do not wish on anyone. I was bit and had ligaments torn in my shoulder fighting the 125 pound Rottweiler, it was not getting past me I had to protect my child… she was so worried about my daughter and she was our angel in our time of need! … She is a fighter and she will fight for you!”
Dexter A.
Hired AttorneyMore Client Recommendations From Worthington Law Group
“Sandra’s expertise with my dog bite case earned me more money than I thought possible. She was sympathetic and empathetic and a breeze to work with. I highly recommend her.”
“Sandra is not only very competent but persistent which is probably an even better attribute in her profession.”
“The first time I talked with Sandy Worthington I felt completely at ease. She had experience and was knowledgeable of the Pennsylvania dog bite laws regarding my type of case.”
Sandra B. Worthington, Esq.
Founder & Principal Attorney · Worthington Law Group
Representation With Compassion and a Laser-Focus.
Established in 1997, Worthington Law Group has spent nearly thirty years standing up for injured victims across Pennsylvania. When you hire Worthington Law Group, Sandra Worthington handles your case personally. You speak with a seasoned trial attorney—not an assistant or a revolving door of junior associates.
Why Call Worthington Law Group:
“The insurance company has a lawyer and so should you. Call us BEFORE you call the insurance company.”
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Avoid the seven costly mistakes that could wreck your claim. Request your free copy today directly from author Sandra B. Worthington, Esq.
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