After a dog attack on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, it’s often hard to know what to do next. Once you’ve received medical attention, it may be in your best interest to speak with an attorney about your legal rights. With no obligation beyond a free consultation, there’s little risk in exploring your options.
Insurance companies are often quick to minimize settlements or deny claims. If you’re not prepared to take them on alone, having an experienced lawyer in your corner can make a major difference.
Do You Have a Virginia 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 the dog owner’s negligence?
- Did the attack occur on the Eastern Shore or in Virginia?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim under Virginia law. It’s important to consult with an attorney experienced in handling dog bite cases to better understand your options.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
Here’s how to protect your health and your legal rights following a dog attack:
1. Seek Medical Attention. Your health is the top priority. Medical treatment not only helps prevent infection and further injury but also creates a record of your injuries which are vital for any personal injury claim.
2. Report the Incident. Dog attacks should be reported to local animal control or law enforcement. In Accomack or Northampton County, animal control officers will typically investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to observe for signs of rabies. Their report can serve as important evidence in your case.
- Accomack County Animal Control (757) 787-7091
- Northampton County Animal Control (757) 678-0458
3. Contact a Virginia Dog Bite Attorney. A personal injury lawyer familiar with Eastern Shore dog bite laws can help assess your situation. We offer free consultations.
Compensation for Virginia Dog Bite Victims
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Lost Wages: If the injury prevented you from working, you may recover income lost during your recovery period.
- Future Earnings Loss: If your injuries impact your long-term ability to work or earn income, you may be compensated for diminished earning capacity.
- Medical Expenses: This includes reimbursement for medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any long-term care needs related to the injury.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Particularly applicable in cases involving visible injuries, such as those to the face which are commonly seen in attacks involving children.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack, as well as any ongoing mental anguish.
- Wrongful Death: If a dog attack results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and the deceased’s lost income or services.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlement Examples
- $425,000 – Child suffered severe facial bites in Richmond, VA.
- $175,000 – Adult bitten on the face in Newport News, VA.
- $160,000 – Adult sustained a leg injury in Portsmouth, VA.
- $149,000 – Pedestrian bitten by a dog in Virginia Beach, VA.
- $134,000 – Child attacked by a neighbor’s dog in Arlington, VA.
- $100,000 – FedEx driver severely bitten in Wythe, VA.
- $100,000 – USPS mail carrier required surgery in Norfolk, VA.
- View More Here
Statute of Limitations in Virginia
In most cases, Virginia law gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is called the Statute of Limitations.
Certain exceptions may apply, but waiting too long can jeopardize your right to compensation. To protect your rights, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
Eastern Shore Dog Attack Lawyers
Our experienced Virginia dog bite lawyers are dedicated to representing individuals injured due to someone else’s negligence.
If you’ve been attacked by someone else’s dog on the Eastern Shore or anywhere else in Virginia, contact our legal team for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Our Virginia dog bite lawyers serving Accomac, Chincoteague, Onancock, Parksley, Cape Charles, Exmore, Nassawadox, Belle Haven, Eastville, Cheriton, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and anywhere else on the Eastern Shore and in Virginia.
