Attacked by a Dog in Chesapeake?
A dog attack can turn an ordinary day into a life-changing event. In seconds, you can go from taking a walk in your neighborhood to facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and weeks or months of recovery all because of someone else’s failure to control their dog.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has represented injured dog bite victims in Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, and throughout the state.
We have helped innocent children playing outside, adults out for a jog, mail carriers on their routes, delivery drivers, and many others injured in unexpected and unprovoked dog attacks.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Chesapeake
Dog attacks can leave victims with serious and lasting injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Facial scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones and nerve damage
- Serious bacterial infections
- A Series of painful rabies shots
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Send us on email, try our chat, or give us a call at 757-233-0009.
What Choose Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers?
When your injuries are serious, the lawyer you choose can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.
Our law firm brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims, including a proven record of success in Virginia dog attack cases.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has nearly 40 years of experience and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for more than two consecutive decades.
He is known for his thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and long-standing commitment to helping the injured. A large portion of his legal career has been dedicated to helping innocent children.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord works closely with Richard and has built a reputation for detailed case preparation, courtroom readiness, and clear, compassionate communication.
She focuses exclusively on personal injury and takes the time to understand how an attack has affected your life.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Attorneys experienced in Virginia dog bite law
- Communication throughout your case
- Case preparation focused on maximizing your recovery
- No legal fees unless with win your case
What To Do After A Chesapeake Dog Attack
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your right legal right to compensation after a dog attack in Virginia:
See a Doctor: Your health should be top priority. Even a minor scratch can lead to infection. If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, your medical documentation will be critical evidence.
Report the Incident: Report the attack to the Chesapeake Animal Services Unit at 757-382-8080. They can investigate the incident, confirm the dog’s rabies vaccination status, and may require a 10-day quarantine. An official report will also serve as important evidence in your case.
Contact an Attorney: Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Virginia dog bite lawyer to discuss your situation and options.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
No two cases are identical, but a dog bite claim in Virginia can include compensation for:
Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, follow-up care, physical therapy, and anticipated future medical costs.
Lost income: Wages lost during your recovery, or reduced earning capacity if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional anguish of the attack.
Scarring and disfigurement: Particularly significant in facial injury cases, which are especially common when children are the victims.
Wrongful death: If a family member was fatally injured in a dog attack, surviving family may be entitled to compensation.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlements
These are examples of results our firm has achieved for injured clients:
$425,000: Multiple facial bites to a child
$175,000: Adult suffered injury to face
$160,000: Adult with serious leg injury
$149,000: Pedestrian attacked by a dog
$134,000: Child injured by neighbor’s dog
$100,000: Delivery driver attacked on the job
$100,000: Mail carrier attack on route
Because every situation is unique, past results can never guarantee a similar outcome.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“When I passed a woman walking her dogs, I had no idea the dogs would lunge at me. The attack left me with serious injuries on my face and arm. I still have the scars today.
Thankfully, I reached out to Richard Serpe, who handled everything for me. The whole process was much easier than I ever expected, and his entire team was so easy to work with. I would like to thank Mr. Serpe and his entire staff…
If you’re considering hiring a lawyer for a dog attack, or any other type of personal injury, don’t hesitate to give Richard Serpe a call.” – Yelp Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog had no prior history? Virginia law does not require a prior attack to hold an owner liable. If the owner failed to take reasonable precautions like ignoring known aggressive behavior, violating leash ordinances, or simply failing to restrain the dog, they can be held responsible.
Can I still file a claim if I was attacked on the owner’s property? Yes. Being on someone’s property, whether as a guest, a visitor, or even a contractor, does not forfeit your right to seek compensation. Many dog bite victims are attacked at a friend’s or neighbor’s home. This includes apartment complexes.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer? Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront costs, no hourly charges, and no legal fees unless we win. You have nothing to lose by calling us.
Chesapeake Dog Bite Attorneys
Whether the attack occurred in Deep Creek, Great Bridge, Greenbrier, South Norfolk, or anywhere else in Chesapeake or throughout Virginia, our firm is here to help you and your family.
Call or text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to discuss your situation.