Kids love animals, but animals don’t always love kids. When dogs feel threatened, afraid or angry, they can lash out at even the tiniest of children. If you child was bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog, a Virginia dog bite lawyer can help you recover compensation for their injuries.
The attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC have extensive experience with Virginia personal injury cases, including dog attacks. Attorney Richard Serpe has spent much of his 37-year legal career seeking justice for innocent children.
Sadly, many of our clients are innocent children who were either playing outside in their own yards, at a friend or family member’s home, or simply going about their daily activities when they were viciously attacked.
Injuries Children Sustain in Dog Attacks
Dog attack injuries to children can range from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma. Common injuries include deep cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, fractures, and tissue loss.
Facial and neck bites often leave lasting scars that serve as painful reminders. Many young victims require immediate surgery to repair physical damage, and some later need plastic surgery to address cosmetic concerns.
Beyond physical scars, the emotional impact can be profound. Childhood dog attacks often lead to long-term psychological effects such as phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Without proper therapy or counseling, these mental wounds may persist throughout a child’s life.
Facial Scars & Disfigurement
Childhood trauma is a difficult burden to bear in any form, but when the physical manifestation of the incident is displayed on one’s face, the impact can be overwhelming.
While nothing can turn back the clock to undo the damage done in an attack, a dog bite lawyer can help recover costs associated with the victim’s care. From initial emergency services to plastic surgery, no family should have to bear the financial impact of a violent dog attack.
Compensation for Injured Children in VA
In Virginia, victims of dog attacks have the right to pursue compensation from negligent pet owners.
Every case is different, so victims should speak with a Virginia dog bite lawyer to determine potential compensation. Settlements frequently include compensation for:
- Medical bills. This can include ER visits, urgent care, therapy or counseling, physical therapy, and future medical care such as plastic surgery.
- Pain and suffering. While money can’t erase the trauma a child experiences from a dog attack, compensation can provide the support needed for their recovery and future well-being.
- Wrongful Death: Fatal dog attacks don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they’re always incredibly tragic. The Virginia wrongful death statute allows certain family members of the victim to file a claim on the behalf of the deceased.
Examples of Our Virginia Dog Attack Settlements for Injured Children
- $425,000 – Child suffered facial bites by pit bull in Richmond, VA.
- $100,000 – Child attacked by pit bull + rabies shots in Norfolk, VA.
- $120,000 – Child bitten all over body by pit bull in Fredericksburg, VA.
- $50,000 – Child bitten by neighbor’s pit bull in Portsmouth, VA.
- $150,000 – Child attacked by friend’s German Shepherd in Orange, VA
- $100,000 – Child attacked by a German Shepherd in Wythe, VA
Our Clients Say It Best
“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. THANK YOU!”
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers for Children
The Virginia dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you and your child.
If your child was attacked by someone else’s dog, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation. We’re here to help. No matter where you are in Virginia.