A dog bite is a devastating experience, especially when the victim is a small child. Victims of dog attacks face serious physical injuries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Our Virginia dog bite lawyers represent innocent victims throughout Virginia — children, delivery drivers, postal workers, joggers, pedestrians, and anyone else attacked by a dog.
Nationwide, the average dog bite claim pay out in 2019 was $44,760 according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). In total, dog bite related injuries cost insurers $797 million.
Should I hire a dog bite lawyer?
Richard J. Serpe, PC works can help dog bite victims navigate the legal system after their attacks. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite and don’t know what to do next, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. We know how scary it can be to stand up to dog owners and hold them responsible for their pets’ actions. You don’t have to do this alone.
As advocates for dog bite victims, we’re committed to educating our clients on what to expect and what to do after an attack. We’re unafraid to go toe to toe with irresponsible dog owners and apathetic insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. While we can’t turn back the clock and stop the attack from occurring in the first place, we can make sure your road to recovery is as painless as possible.
What are my legal rights after a Virginia dog attack?
After a dog attack, many victims feel shocked and overwhelmed. If you’ve been attacked, it’s important to know your rights. When an animal attacks, the owner of the dog can be held liable for the damage done. Sometimes a person who is caring for the animal at the time of the attack can also be held liable. Victims bitten by dogs have the right to compensation.
Typical damages that Virginia dog bite victims can receive compensation for include: pain and suffering, loss of earnings while unable to work, future loss of earnings if you cannot return to work, disfigurement – if the injury causes scarring or other unsightly marks, plastic surgery, and other medical expenses.
What should I do after a dog attack?
Seek medical attention immediately. You do not know whether or not the animal has been vaccinated against rabies. Even if they have, you are still at risk for infection. As well, it is important that your injuries are documented by a medical professional should you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Report the incident by calling the the police or your local animal control unit. It is very important that the incident is documented by authorities. In addition, the dog will need to be quarantined to monitor for rabies.
Take photos of your injuries. Be sure to take photos of your injuries right after the attack, and continue to take photos through the healing process. This will become important evidence for your case.
Contact a Virginia dog bite lawyer who is experienced with dog bite cases to help you get the best possible settlement.
What type of compensation are victims entitled to?
Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may be entitled to the following compensation:
Pain and suffering: This is the right to compensation for physical pain and suffering and mental anguish you have suffered and could possibly endure in the future.
Loss of Earnings: You are entitled to recover for the loss of earnings which you suffered from your injuries.
Future Loss of Earnings: If your injuries have prevented you from your ability to earn income in the future, you can recover damages for the value of the reduction in earning capacity with reasonable probability which will occur in the future.
Disfigurement: If the injury causes scarring or other unsightly marks, the victim is entitled to recovery for the disfigurement. Because these injuries are often in very visible places, victims are often very self-conscious of their appearance. Children are frequently bitten in the facial region and require plastic surgery.
Medical Expenses: Damages include any sort of medical expenses that a victim has had to pay for at a hospital, clinic, or to a pharmacy.
Wrongful Death of a Loved One: Fatal dog attacks don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they’re always incredibly tragic. 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.
What are the deadlines for Virginia dog bite claims?
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. It is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights.
No Legal Fees Unless We Win
We understand that the fees associated with a lawsuit can be a barrier to justice, and we believe that everyone should have a voice when it comes to asserting their rights. Corporations and insurance companies have tremendous resources, and our No Fee Promise levels the playing field. This means you don’t owe any legal fees unless we settle or win your case.
