In the early morning hours of December 13, 2025, a Colonial Heights police officer became a hero when he intervened to save a man being viciously attacked by three pit bull dogs at the Dupuy Court Apartments on Dupuy Avenue.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., an officer on patrol heard desperate screams for help coming from an apartment complex, according to reports. The officer quickly responded and discovered a man under attack by three pit bull dogs. In an effort to stop the attack and save the victim’s life, the officer was forced to shoot one of the animals.
The victim sustained serious injuries during the attack and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While the full extent of his injuries has not been publicly disclosed, dog attacks of this nature often result in severe physical trauma, psychological distress, and lasting scars.
Police identified the owner of the dogs near the scene and arrested him on multiple charges. Colonial Heights Animal Control continues to investigate the incident.
Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws
Virginia follows what’s called the “one-bite rule,” which means that if a dog owner knew or should have known their dog had dangerous propensities based on previous behavior, they can be held liable for attacks. However, victims don’t necessarily need to prove a prior bite occurred; other aggressive behaviors can establish an owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous nature.
Virginia dog bite victims have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against a dog owner to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Civil claims are independent of criminal proceedings and focus on compensating the victim for their losses.
Victims of serious dog attacks may be entitled to recover damages, including:
- Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing care
- Reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, psychological counseling
- Income lost during recovery and any reduction in future earning capacity
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma
- Permanent physical changes resulting from the attack
- Impact on daily activities and relationships
Why Legal Representation Matters
Dog bite cases can be complex, involving questions about owner negligence, the dog’s history, insurance coverage, and the extent of damages. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to victims, so having an experienced dog attack lawyer in Virginia to fight for you can make a big difference.
A Virginia dog bite attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Contact Us For A Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack anywhere in Virginia, contact us to discuss your legal rights and options. The consultation is free, and we do not charge any legal fees unless we settle or win your case. You don’t have to face this alone.
Our Virginia dog attack lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC have successfully settled of Virginia dog bite cases across the state helping adults, children, USPS, FedEx, UPS, food delivery drivers, contractors working on someone else’s property, and more. We have the experience and the knowledge to help you recover the compensation you are rightfully owed after being seriously injured by someone else’s dog.