Attacked By A Dog In Norfolk?
Being attacked by someone else’s dog can result in serious physical injuries and significant financial consequences that shouldn’t be your responsibility.
On top of recovering from your injuries, you’re now facing the added pressure of wondering how to get the negligent dog owner to cover your bills. That’s where we come in.
For nearly 40 years, attorney Richard Serpe has fought for injured victims. We’ve helped many innocent victims in all kinds of situations including, kids playing outside, adults taking a walk in their own neighborhood, USPS carriers, and delivery drivers.
Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to set up a free consultation.
Dog Attack Cases We Handle
Dog bites and attacks have the potential to cause serious, life-altering injuries. Many of our clients have suffered:
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
- Facial disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Broken bones and nerve damage
- Infections, including serious complications
- Painful rabies shot series
- Wrongful death of a family member
We represent children, adults, delivery drivers, mail carriers, postal workers, joggers, neighbors, and anyone else hurt by someone else’s dog in Norfolk.
Why Choose the Serpe Firm
When you’ve been seriously injured, choosing the right attorney matters.
Our Norfolk-based personal injury law firm combines nearly four decades of experience with trusted, client-centered advocacy to help you pursue the maximum settlement possible.
At the center of our firm is attorney Richard J. Serpe, a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of recognition from Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers.
He is known for his meticulous case preparation and tenacious approach when insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement.
Working alongside him is Ashley E. Strandjord, a respected attorney known for her thorough case development, courtroom readiness, and compassionate client communication.
Ashley focuses extensively on personal injury cases, ensuring your legal strategy is carefully tailored to your situation.
At the Serpe Firm, you’ll receive:
- Attorneys with extensive experience in dog attack cases
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize your recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
What to Do After a Dog Attack in Norfolk
Taking the right steps after a dog attack protects both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we suggest.
1. Get medical attention immediately. Your health should always come first and even wounds that look minor can become seriously infected. A medical record also creates crucial documentation of your injuries.
2. Report the attack. Contact the Norfolk Animal Protection Services at 757-664-7387. Animal control will investigate, quarantine the dog if needed, and create an official report which becomes important evidence in your case.
3. Contact a dog bite attorney. Before speaking with the dog owner or any insurance companies, talk to our legal team. We offer free consultations and there is no risk in discussing your options with us.
Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us at any time of day.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Attack?
In Virginia, dog owners and anyone responsible for controlling a dog can be held financially liable when their animal injures someone. This is true whether the attack happened on a sidewalk, at someone’s home, or anywhere else in Norfolk.
A dog owner may be liable when they:
- Failed to keep their dog properly restrained or enclosed
- Allowed their dog to roam off-leash
- Knew, or should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take precautions
- Violated a local Norfolk or Virginia animal control ordinances
You don’t need to prove that the dog attacked someone before. Virginia law holds owners accountable when their carelessness causes injury.
What Is My Norfolk Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every case is different, but compensation in a Virginia dog bite claim can include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, and future medical costs
- Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering or if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement: Especially significant for facial injuries, which are common in child attacks
- Wrongful death: If a family member was killed in a dog attack, surviving family members may have a claim
Virginia Dog Bite Settlement Example
These results give you an idea of what our firm has recovered for victims.
- $425,000 – Child suffered severe facial bites
- $175,000 – Adult bitten on the face
- $160,000 – Adult sustained serious leg injury
- $149,000 – Pedestrian bitten by a dog
- $134,000 – Child attacked by a neighbor’s dog
- $100,000 – Delivery driver severely bitten
- $100,000 – Mail carrier required surgery
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim in Norfolk? You are not required to hire a lawyer, but victims who work with an experienced attorney typically recover significantly more than those who handle claims on their own.
Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts. We handle everything, so you can focus on recovering.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before? The dog’s history is not the only factor. If the owner was careless, failing to restrain the animal, violating leash laws, or ignoring warning signs, they can still be held responsible.
What if the attack happened on the owner’s property? You may still have a valid claim. Many dog bite victims are attacked while visiting a friend, neighbor, or family member’s home. Being on the property does not disqualify you from seeking compensation
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer? We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
How long does a dog bite case take? Most cases settle within several months to a couple of years, depending on the severity of the injuries and whether the case goes to trial. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
Contact Our Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers
Norfolk is a densely populated city. Dog attacks happen in places like Ghent, Ocean View, Wards Corner, and Larchmont, and they happen to all kinds of people including children playing in front of their homes, joggers along the Lafayette River trail, delivery drivers working their routes, and neighbors out for an evening walk.
Attorneys Richard Serpe and Ashley Strandjord have built their reputation on one thing: fighting hard for injured Virginians and refusing to let insurance companies take advantage of our clients.
Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us day or night.