When a dog bites a child, the injuries are often to the face, neck and hands, and the recovery can take month to years. Many of our clients are children who were bitten at a friend’s house, by a relative’s dog, or by a neighbor’s dog that got loose.
Our Virginia dog bite lawyers, Richard J. Serpe and Ashley E. Strandjord, have represented families across the state and bring that experience and knowledge to every case they take on.
What Compensation Can a Child Receive After a Dog Bite in Virginia?
Every case is different, but a settlement for an injured child can cover:
- Medical bills: ER, surgery, rabies treatment, follow-up visits and medication
- Future medical care: scar revision, plastic surgery and physical therapy
- Counseling: therapy for fear, anxiety or PTSD
- Pain and suffering: what your child went through and lives with
- Scarring and disfigurement: especially visible scars on the face
- Wrongful death: in the rare, tragic case of a fatal attack, certain family members may bring a wrongful death claim in Virginia.
Important Steps After Your Child Is Attacked
Taking the right steps after a dog attack protects both your child’s health and your family’s legal rights. Here’s what we suggest.
1. Get medical attention. Your child’s health and safety should come first. Even seemingly minor wounds can lead to serious infections. Prompt medical care also helps document your child’s injuries, providing crucial evidence for a potential legal claim.
2. Report the attack. Contact your local animal control agency to report the incident. Animal control can investigate the attack, determine whether the dog needs to be quarantined, and create an official report that may serve as important evidence in a potential claim.
3. Contact a lawyer. Before dealing directly with the dog owner or pursuing a legal claim on your own, consider speaking with an experienced Virginia dog bite attorney to help you understand your rights and legal options, with no cost or obligation.
Our Clients Say it Best
7-year-old bitten by a neighbor’s Rottweiler
“My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence, escaped, and ran straight towards the children.
The dog ended up attacking my daughter by the calf, pulling her to the ground and dragging her several feet before letting go. When she arrived at the hospital, she was treated for two large lacerations and numerous small bites and puncture wounds before being transferred to CHKD where she had to have surgery.
My lawyer, Richard Serpe, and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner, and were able to secure a settlement for my daughter. The settlement allowed us to pay her medical bills, as well as set aside funds for her future education.
I am so glad I decided to contact Richard Serpe. Even though his office was 4 hours away, he and his staff handled all of the complicated legal issues so that I could focus on my daughter’s health and healing. If you’ve been hurt because someone else was careless, I highly recommend you call Richard Serpe no matter where you are in Virginia.”
Results for Children Hurt in Virginia Dog Attacks
Below are examples of settlements we have obtained for children injured in Virginia dog attacks. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the facts, the injuries and the insurance coverage available.
- $425,000 – Child bitten by a family member’s dog; facial injuries and scarring (Richmond)
- $150,000 – Child attacked by a friend’s dog; face and neck injuries (Fredericksburg)
- $100,000 – Child attacked by a loose dog; multiple injuries and rabies shots (Norfolk)
- $50,000 – Neighbor’s dog jumped the fence and bit child; rabies shots required (Portsmouth)
- $45,000 – Child attacked while playing outside in neighborhood (Williamsburg)
FAQs About Child Dog Bite Claims
How much is a child’s dog bite case worth in Virginia? It depends on the injury, scarring, future care needs and available insurance. In 2025, the average U.S. dog bite claim was $65,450, according to the III.
Is Virginia a “one bite” state? The “one bite” rule means an owner is responsible if they knew their dog could be dangerous, often because it bit or threatened someone before. But in Virginia, that’s not the only way to bring a claim. If the owner broke a leash law, let the dog run loose or was careless in another way, your child may have a case even if the dog never bit anyone before.
Where does the money come from in a child dog bite case? Usually from the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance.
Do I need to live near Norfolk to hire you? Nope. We represent families anywhere in Virginia, from Northern Virginia to Richmond to Southwest Virginia. Most of the work can be done by phone, email and video, but when necessary, we will come to you.
Free Consultations
If someone else’s dog hurt your child, contact us to discuss your situation during a free consultation. You pay no legal fees unless we win.