In the wake of an Augusta County, 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
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you have been injured. Remember, there is no way of knowing if the animal is vaccinated against rabies.
- Report the incident to the proper authorities as soon as possible - August County, VA Animal Control 540-245-5635
- Take pictures of your injuries. This will become important evidence in your case.
- Consider contacting a Virginia dog bite attorney.
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 LAWYERS
In the event of a dog attack in which you’ve been injured, it’s important to know your legal rights, and the right you have to compensation for medical bills, injuries, trauma, and other factors. A personal injury attorney can help you recover such damages. My personal injury law firm, based in Virginia, specializes in dog bite cases; my lawyers and I know how to fight for you against negligent owners and recover the full slate of compensation to which you are entitled.
Augusta County: Craigsville, Grottoes, Churchville, Crimora, Dooms, Fishersville, Fort Defiance, Greenville, Jolivue, Lyndhurst, Mint Spring, Mount Sidney, Mount Solon, Sherando, Spring Hill, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, West Augusta, Weyers Cave