In the wake of an Alexandria, Virginia dog attack, it’s often difficult to know where to start. After seeking medical attention, it may be in your best interest to discuss your legal options with an attorney. With zero obligation to work with an attorney beyond the free consultation, there’s no reason not to explore all possibilities.
The insurance company will work hard to minimize a settlement or deny claims whenever possible. If you’re not willing to go head to head with them yourself, you’ll want a Virginia personal injury lawyer representing your best interests.
DO YOU HAVE A DOG BITE CASE?
✓ Were you or a loved one attacked by someone else’s dog?
✓ Did the attack cause serious physical injury?
✓ Did you seek medical attention for your injuries?
✓ Was the attack a result of dog owner (or caretaker) negligence?
✓ Did the attack occur in Virginia?
If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you may have a Virginia personal injury case. Consider consulting with a attorney experienced with dog bite and attack cases to determine your legal options. We offer risk-free consultations 877-544-5323.
ATTORNEY RICHARD SERPE
As a Virginia personal injury attorney, Richard Serpe advocates for those who have been injured due to negligence. Mr. Serpe is a highly skilled attorney with a reputation for meticulous preparation and presentation. He has a track record of success in obtaining favorable jury verdicts and settlements for his clients.
Awards & Recognition: “Super Lawyer” – top 5% of lawyers in Virginia (2006 – Present); Best Lawyers in America (2005 – Present) and Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Plaintiffs (2020); AV rating (highest given) from the Martindale-Hubbell law directory; Rated 10/10 – “Superb” by attorney rating service Avvo.com.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A DOG ATTACK
Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation after an attack.
- Seek medical attention. First and foremost, if you’ve been injured, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention from a professional to protect your health. If you plan to make a personal injury claim, your medical records will document the serious nature of your injuries.
- Report the attack. Any dog that has attacked a person should be reported to authorities to protect the health and safety of the public. In addition, animal control will need to conduct an investigation and quarantine the dog to watch for rabies. Animal control’s investigative findings will be important evidence in your case.
- Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, 703-746-4774
- 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
- Take photos of your injuries. This will be important evidence in your case.
- Consider a lawyer. A Virginia personal injury lawyer who has experience with dog bite cases can be a valuable asset. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. Considering contacting a lawyer to discuss your situation.
COMPENSATION FOR DOG BITE VICTIMS
Compensatory damages are monetary awards intended to compensate victims who’ve suffered losses as a result of negligence or illegal activities. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your attack, you could be eligible for the following:
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for the pain, suffering and mental anguish you endured, or will continue to endure, as a result of the attack.
- Loss of earnings. Even minor injuries can put a victim out of work for days, weeks or even months. Those absences will inevitably take a toll on a person’s income stream. If your injuries are life-altering and affect your ability to earn a living, these damages may also be included in your settlement.
- Disfigurement. If the injury causes scarring or other unsightly marks, it could mean years of plastic surgery or therapy to treat the emotional issues that come with the disfigurement. This is especially true when a child is attacked.
- Children. Unfortunately, some childhood injuries can stay with a person physically for the rest of their life. This can impact their self-esteem and may require expensive plastic surgery. This can be factored into a settlement.
- Medical bills. You may recoup costs of medical treatment related to the attack. And if your injuries require long-term care, those costs may be included in your settlement or verdict.
- Wrongful death. No one ever expects to lose a loved one in such a violent way. The Virginia wrongful death statute allows certain family members of the victim to file a claim on the behalf of the deceased. These cases are more complex than regular personal injury cases, so be sure to speak with an attorney who has experience with Virginia wrongful death cases.
VIRGINIA DOG BITE SETTLEMENTS
- $100,000.00 – Mail carrier injured knee
- $100,000.00 – FedEx driver arm injuries
- $100,000.00 – Child attacked by neighbor’s dog
- $150,000.00 – Client sustained facial wounds
VIRGINIA DOG BITE LAWS
Virginia’s “One Bite” Rule
If a dog owner knows that their pet has bitten at least one time in the past, they can be held liable for the damages caused in subsequent attacks. In other words, if Fido got into trouble for biting a neighbor last year, his owner must take necessary precautions to prevent additional attacks from occurring. Should Fido bite again, his owner will likely be held responsible for the victim’s financial losses. This is because the owner knew of the dog’s violent tendencies but did not take action to prevent additional attacks.
Negligence Per Se
Even if the dog does not have a violent past, negligent owners can still be held liable if a law was broken at the time of the attack. Victims may sue for compensation so long as they have evidence that the owner failed to control their pet and follow the law. For instance, if you’re at the park and are attacked by a dog whose owner has let it roam off the leash, you may have a viable claim. The decision to allow the dog off the leash in a place with strict leash requirements demonstrates the owner’s negligence.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (DEADLINES)
In Virginia, there are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. In many cases, Virginia provides a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations. However, sometimes special circumstances apply and can alter that deadline. Once that deadline has passed, you will no longer be allowed to pursue a claim to recover damages.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer
Contact our experience Virginia dog bite legal team for a free consultation. No legal fees unless we settle or win your case. Call or text us anytime at 757-233-0009.
