Attacked by a dog in Newport News? You may be entitled to compensation.
If you were seriously injured by someone else’s dog in Newport News, you may have a claim for compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
For decades, the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has successfully represented individuals injured in dog attacks throughout Virginia.
We’ve helped children attacked while playing in their own front yards, mail carriers and delivery drivers bitten while on the job, and people simply taking an evening walk through their neighborhood.
If you or a loved one was attacked by someone else’s dog in Newport News or elsewhere in Hampton Roads, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Do You Have a 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 negligence?
- Did the attack occur in Newport News 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 Dog Attack Victims Choose Serpe Firm
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has represented injured individuals for nearly 40 years. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers every year since 2005 and by Super Lawyers since 2006.
He is known for thorough case preparation, strategic advocacy, and a commitment to helping clients pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord also focuses her practice exclusively on personal injury law, including dog bite cases.
She is known for her meticulous approach to case development, direct communication, and thoughtful client advocacy, ensuring every case is carefully prepared from start to finish.
When you work with our firm, you get:
- Attorneys highly experienced in Virginia dog attacks
- Direct, responsive communication regarding your case
- Comprehensive case preparation to maximize your recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
3 Steps to Protect Your Case After a Newport News Dog Attack
- See a doctor right away: Your health and well-being should be top priority, so consider seeing a doctor. Bite wounds can look minor and still become infected. A medical visit also documents your injury from day one which will become important evidence later.
- Report it to Newport News Animal Services. Call 757-595-7387 to file a report. Animal control can investigate, quarantine the dog if necessary, and create a record that supports your claim.
- Contact a local dog bite lawyer. We offer free consultations and there is no risk in discussing your situation with us.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
No two cases are identical, but compensation in a Virginia dog bite case can include:
- Medical bills: ER visits, surgery, follow-up care, and anticipated future treatment.
- Lost income: wages missed during recovery, or longer-term earning loss
- Pain and suffering: physical pain and the psychological impact of the attack
- Scarring or disfigurement: especially significant in attacks involving the face
- Wrongful death: for families who’ve lost a loved one to a fatal dog attack
Examples of Our Dog Bite Settlements
Here are examples of our Virginia dog bite settlements:
- $425,000.00 – child with severe facial bite injuries
- $175,000.00 – adult bitten on the face
- $160,000.00 – adult with a serious leg injury
- $149,000.00 – pedestrian attacked while walking
- $134,000.00 – child attacked by a neighbor’s dog
- $100,000.00 – delivery driver severely bitten
- $100,000.00 – mail carrier requiring surgery
Prior results don’t 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 or older adults are involved. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and deep tissue lacerations
- Nerve damage and loss of mobility
- Scarring and disfigurement, particularly to the face
- Infections that develop after the initial injury
- Painful post-exposure rabies treatment
- The wrongful death of a loved one in a fatal attack
Who’s Liable When a Dog Attacks You?
Under Virginia law, a dog owner (or whoever was responsible for controlling the animal at the time) can be held financially liable for an attack. Liability often comes down to whether the owner acted carelessly, such as when they:
- Let the dog off-leash in public or in a shared space
- Failed to secure a fence, gate, or enclosure
- Knew the dog had aggressive tendencies and didn’t take precautions
- Ignored Newport News or Virginia animal control laws
Importantly, Virginia law does not require proof that the dog had previously bitten someone. A first-time attack may still support a claim if the owner was negligent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?: No, but victims represented by an attorney typically walk away with significantly more compensation than those who negotiate with the insurance company alone. We handle the back-and-forth so you can focus on healing.
The dog has never bitten anyone before do I still have a case? Possibly, yes. A clean bite history isn’t a shield for the owner. If they were careless (ignoring leash laws, failing to secure the dog, or missing obvious warning signs) they can still be held responsible.
I was attacked on the owner’s own property. Does that hurt my claim?: Not necessarily. Many victims are bitten while visiting a friend, relative, or neighbor’s home. Being a guest on the property doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering compensation.
What does hiring a dog bite lawyer cost upfront? Nothing. We work on contingency, meaning there’s no fee unless we recover money for you.
How long will my case take?: It varies. Many cases resolve in a matter of months; more complex or contested ones can take a year or more, especially if a trial becomes necessary. We’ll keep you updated throughout.
Is there a deadline to file a dog bite claim in Virginia? Yes, generally two years from the date of the attack. Some exceptions apply, but waiting too long can put your right to compensation at risk, so it’s best to act sooner rather than later.
Get Help From Experienced Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers – No Fees Unless We Win
Whether you were attacked while jogging, walking through your own neighborhood, or making a delivery, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Whether your dog attack occurred in Hilton Village, Hidenwood, Oyster Point, Port Warwick, Kiln Creek, Denbigh, Menchville, Lee Hall, Richneck, Riverside, or another Newport News neighborhood, our firm is here to help.
Attorneys Richard Serpe and Ashley Strandjord have built their careers fighting for injured Virginians. Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to set up a free consultation.