Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

My dog bit another much smaller dog and a 13 yr old girl while my dog was tied on my property. My dog was tied in my back yard when the neighbors dog ran onto my property barking and biting at my dog provoking a fight. Unfortunately the 13 yr old grabbed her dog from the fight and sustained minor injuries from my dog biting her in the back and the leg. The small dog sustained injuries as well but I'm not sure of the severity. What am I responsible for in terms of medical or vet bills if at all? My dog is not aggressive but is territorial of the back yard when tied out.


Asked on 9/20/10, 9:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Purchase Purchase & George, P.C.

You may not be responsible for the injuries although I'd need to know more about your dog's history and other facts. Your reference to the dog's tendency to be territorial when tied up makes me wonder if there weren't facts you knew about before this that may have put you on notice that it was not safe to leave the dog tied up as it was. The answer to the question of whether you are liable or not will require a fact intensive investigation and analysis.

The good news is that you should have coverage for any liability that you have. You should notify your homeowner's or renter's insurance carrier of the claim. Your insurance carrier will perform an investigation, handle payment of the claim and, if necessary, hire a lawyer to defend you.

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Answered on 9/27/10, 7:43 am


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