On the afternoon of Sunday, August 31, 2026 four pit bulls escaped through a collapsed backyard fence on Lind Street in Norfolk, according to News 3 WTKR.
The dogs chased after two people nearby. A resident who stepped in to help ended up shooting two of the dogs. Minor injuries were report. Norfolk Police, working with the department’s Animal Protection Unit, are still looking into what happened, and the case will be turned over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to decide whether any charges are warranted.
Who’s Responsible When a Loose Dog Hurts Someone in Virginia?
In Virginia, an owner isn’t automatically liable just because their dog hurt someone for the first time. Typically, you’d need to show the owner already knew, or reasonably should have known, that the dog was capable of hurting someone. This could be because of a past incident, or because the dog had already shown warning signs like snapping or lunging.
That’s not the only path to liability, though. When an owner fails to follow the basic laws meant to keep a dog contained, the dog owner can still be held responsible. Examples include a fence that isn’t maintained, a gate that doesn’t latch, a dog let off-leash somewhere it shouldn’t be. This case is a good example: a fence that was supposed to hold four dogs in gave out, and that failure is squarely the kind of fact that can matter in a legal claim.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt by Someone Else’s Dog
If you or someone close to you has been injured by a dog that got loose in Norfolk, Hampton Roads, or anywhere in Virginia, a handful of steps matter early on:
- Consider seeing a doctor, even if the injury seems small. Dog bites and scratches carry a real risk of infection or rabies exposure, and a medical record helps if you end up pursuing a personal injury claim.
- File a report with animal control or the police. This creates an official record and typically prompts an investigation into the dog’s vaccination status.
- Take pictures of the injury right away, and keep documenting as it heals.
- Reach out to an attorney who handles these cases before you get too far into a conversation with an insurance company on your own.
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include liability coverage that typically extends to injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. Insurance adjusters negotiate claims like this all day, every day. That’s exactly why having an experienced dog bite attorney matters. Someone who can evaluate whether an offer is fair, push back when it isn’t, and deal with the insurance company directly while you focus on recovering.
Contact Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
Richard J. Serpe and Ashley E. Strandjord have spent decades representing people hurt in dog attacks and other personal injury cases across Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and across the state. There’s no legal fee unless we win, your consultation is free, and there is no obligation. Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to discuss your situation.