Bitten by a dog in Hampton? You may be entitled to compensation.
A dog attack can leave you with more than physical wounds. Medical bills add up, time away from work creates financial strain on your family, and you may be left questioning why you should bear the cost of lost income caused by someone else’s dog.
If a dog attacked you or someone you love in Hampton, Virginia law allows you to pursue compensation from the owner.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has represented dog attack victims throughout Virginia for decades. We’ve stood up for kids bitten while playing outside, postal workers and delivery drivers hurt on the job, and residents attacked while walking through their own neighborhood.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling dog attack cases. Set up a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Do You Have a Hampton dog Bite Case?
- Were you or a loved one attacked by someone else’s dog?
- Did the attack cause serious physical injuries?
- Were you treated by a doctor for those injuries?
- Was the attack a result of negligence?
- Did it happen in Hampton or somewhere else in Virginia?
If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you may have a Virginia personal injury claim. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn more.
Why Clients Trust Our Law Firm
Richard J. Serpe has spent nearly 40 years representing injured victims and has been named in Best Lawyers every year since 2005, along with recognition from Super Lawyers since 2006.
His reputation is built on detailed case preparation and a willingness to push back when insurers undervalue a claim.
Ashley E. Strandjord practices alongside him with a focus on personal injury law, including extensive experience with dog attack cases.
She’s known for staying closely involved with clients throughout their case and building claims with careful attention to detail.
Choosing our firm means:
- Attorneys with extensive experience in Virginia dog attack cases
- Direct, responsive communication regarding your case
- Detailed case preparation to maximize your outcome
- A contingency fee structure, meaning no fees unless we win
After a Hampton Dog Bite: 3 Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Case
- Get medical care immediately. What looks like a small wound can become infected quickly, and a medical visit creates a documented record of your injury foryour case.
- File a report with Hampton Animal Control. Call 757-727-6111 to report the attack. An investigation and official record can become valuable evidence for your claim.
- Speak with a dog bite attorney. Consultations with our office are free, and there’s no obligation to move forward.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
Every dog bite case is different, but a successful claim may recover:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, and ongoing care
- Lost wages for time away from work, now or in the future
- Pain and suffering tied to the physical and emotional impact of the attack
- Scarring and disfigurement, particularly when the is affected
- Wrongful death damages for families who’ve lost a loved one to a dog attack
Examples of Our Past Settlements
- $425,000: child with severe facial bite injuries
- $175,000: adult bitten on the face
- $160,000: adult with a serious leg injury
- $149,000: pedestrian attacked while walking
- $134,000: child attacked by a neighbor’s dog
- $100,000: delivery driver severely bitten
- $100,000: mail carrier requiring surgery
Prior results can never guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its own facts.
Serious Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can result in life-changing injuries, particularly when children are involved. Common injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage and loss of mobility
- Scarring and disfigurement, especially to the face
- Infections that develop after the initial injury
- Painful post-exposure rabies shots
- Wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal attack
Who’s At Fault When A Dog Attacks You
Virginia law allows injured victims to pursue a claim when negligence played a role in the attack. Signs of negligence often include:
- Walking or keeping the dog without a leash where one was required
- A broken, missing, or inadequate fence or enclosure
- Prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior with no added precautions taken
- Disregarding Hampton’s local animal control rules
You don’t have to show the dog bit someone before. A careless decision by the dog owner can often be enough to support your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiring a lawyer necessary for a dog bite claim?: It’s not required, but represented victims tend to recover more than those who go it alone against an insurance adjuster.
What if the dog had never bitten anyone before this?: That alone won’t protect the owner. If they were negligent (ignoring leash requirements, leaving the dog unsecured, or disregarding obvious warning signs) they can still be held liable.
I was bitten at the dog owner’s house. Can I still file a claim?: In many cases, yes. Visiting someone’s home as a guest doesn’t eliminate your right to compensation if their negligence led to your injury.
Will I owe anything upfront to hire your firm?: No. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no legal fees unless we settle or win you case.
How long does a typical case take to resolve?: Timelines vary based on the severity of your injuries and whether the case settles or goes to trial. It could be anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Is there a deadline for filing a Hampton dog bite claim?: Yes, generally two years from the date of the attack under Virginia law, with limited exceptions. It’s best not to wait and at least understand your options.
Speak With a Hampton Dog Bite Lawyer
Attorneys Richard Serpe and Ashley Strandjord have spent their careers advocating for injured Virginians and have extensive experience with dog bite cases.
Whether your dog attack happened in Buckroe Beach, Phoebus, Fox Hill, Wythe, Coliseum Central, Northampton, Downtown Hampton, Grandview, Langley View, Merrimac Shores, Fort Monroe, or anywhere else in Hampton Roads, our firm is here to help.
Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to set up a free consultation.