Number of Pa. dog bites is on the rise

Statistics show that the number of dog bites in Pennsylvania has risen from last year.

The Keystone State now ranks fifth, nationally; up from number six, last year, reports CBS3. New Jersey is much farther down the list at number 16. Pennsylvanians have collected $4.9 million for dog bite claims from State Farm insurance company alone.

Pennsylvania currently imposes strict liability for all severe damages related to dog bites under the Dog Law. This entitles victims full compensatory restitution if the dog had previously bit another person. If the dog had never bitten anyone before, the severity of the damages is taken into account.