{"id":376079,"date":"2017-06-13T11:23:12","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T16:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/philadelphia-dog-bites-the-basics.html"},"modified":"2017-06-13T11:36:52","modified_gmt":"2017-06-13T16:36:52","slug":"philadelphia-dog-bites-the-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/philadelphia-dog-bites-the-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Philadelphia Dog Bites: The Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Philadelphia Dog Bites: The Basics<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Nothing beats a day at the Schuylkill River Dog Park with your best friend Fido, so when Fido bolts to chase a squirrel you don’t bat an eye. A child’s scream breaks from the direction Fido ran interrupts your daydream, and you realize there was no squirrel. The kid is bawling and his mother is pointing at Fido, screaming "keep that beast away!" You apologize profusely and tell them that Fido has never misbehaved before.<\/p>\n

But what are the legal consequences of a dog bite? What will happen to Fido? Does the child have a legal claim against you? You need straight answers and this guide to your Philadelphia dog bite case may help.<\/p>\n

First Steps<\/h2>\n

If you are the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even minor bites should be thoroughly scrubbed with soap and water. You should also notify the Division of Disease Control<\/a> at (215) 685-6748 to report the incident. Once notified of the incident, they will evaluate whether you are at risk for rabies infection. To safeguard your legal rights and properly report the incident, please take note of:<\/p>\n