A peaceful walk along the Main Line can turn frightening in an instant. Last year, a Radnor Township woman learned that the hard way. While walking her dog near the 400 block of W. Wayne Ave., she was bitten by a “sick” fox, according to NBC Philadelphia.
It was a terrifying moment that left the community shaken. Most people think of dog bites when they hear about animal attacks. But in our area, encounters with raccoons, foxes, or even aggressive squirrels can be just as dangerous. Beyond the pain of the bite, the risk of rabies or infection can mean serious medical bills and lasting fear.
So what happens when a wild animal attacks on someone else’s property?
When Property Owners Could Be at Fault
You cannot sue a fox, but you may be able to hold a property owner responsible. In Pennsylvania, the law expects property owners and managers to keep their premises reasonably safe. That responsibility is known as premises liability.
It does not only apply to broken steps or icy sidewalks. It can also involve conditions that attract dangerous wildlife. For example, if a property owner repeatedly ignores open trash cans or food left out that draws raccoons or foxes, that could create a dangerous situation.
If someone knows about a wild animal problem on their land and does nothing to fix it, and someone gets hurt, they may be considered negligent. A fox bite lawyer in Radnor Township can help you understand if this applies to your case.
How Negligence Is Proven
To hold a property owner responsible, you must show that they knew or should have known about the danger and failed to act. Maybe neighbors reported a fox den nearby. Maybe the owner ignored signs that animals were digging through trash or attacking pets.
A good legal team can investigate reports, maintenance logs, and witness statements to prove that the danger was obvious and preventable.
What to Do After a Wild Animal Bite
Get medical care immediately, report the bite to animal control, and document injuries and the scene. These steps preserve evidence for a potential wildlife injury claim in Pennsylvania.
Your first step is always medical care. Even a small bite can carry infection or disease. See a doctor right away and report the attack to animal control and local police. Then, document everything. Take photos of the area, your injuries, and any signs of poor property maintenance. Keep copies of all medical reports and bills.
These details are vital evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
Can You File a Claim if It Happened on Public Property?
Claims against cities, towns, or park authorities are more complicated because of special legal protections called government immunity. However, if a municipality knew of a specific danger—such as reports of a rabid animal in a public park—and did nothing to protect or warn people, a claim may still be possible.
A lawyer can review the facts and tell you whether your situation qualifies.
Why You Should Talk to a Lawyer
Proving a property owner’s negligence after a wildlife attack is not easy. It requires evidence, legal knowledge, and persistence. If you’re searching for a fox bite lawyer in Radnor Township, the right legal team can handle the investigation, gather expert reports, and deal directly with insurance companies.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a wild animal on someone else’s property, you do not have to face it alone.
At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we help people across Pennsylvania and New Jersey who are hurt because someone failed to keep their property safe. From our offices in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, we are proud to serve residents of Radnor Township, the Main Line, and surrounding communities.
For a free consultation to discuss your wildlife injury claim in Pennsylvania, call 1 800 CANT WORK or visit 1800CantWork.com today.
