Injured by a dog in Richmond?
A dog attack can turn an ordinary day into a life-changing event. The physical injuries are painful enough, but then come the medical bills, missed work, and the frustrating reality that someone else’s negligence put you in this situation.
You shouldn’t have to fight the dog owner’s insurance company on your own. That’s what we’re here for.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has spent decades standing up for injured victims in Richmond and throughout Virginia. Our firm has recovered compensation for children attacked while playing outside, adults attacked while out for a walk, all types of delivery drivers, as well as USPS mail carriers.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Richmond
Dog attack victims often suffer from a wide range of injuries including:
- Deep puncture wounds and severe lacerations
- Permanent scarring and facial disfigurement
- Fractured bones and nerve damage
- Serious infections and complications
- Painful, multi-shot rabies treatment series
- Wrongful death of a loved one
If you, your child, or a loved one were bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog, contact us for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
When your injuries are serious, the attorney you choose truly matters.
Our law firm brings decades of personal injury experience, including a strong track record of success in Virginia dog attack cases.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has been nationally recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for more than 20 consecutive years.
Mr. Serpe is known for his thorough case preparation and strong client advocacy. He has also spent a large portion of his legal career helping injured children.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord works closely with Richard, bringing her own reputation for detailed case preparation, courtroom readiness, and thoughtful communication with clients.
She focuses her practice on personal injury and takes the time to understand the specific impact an attack has had on your life.
When you work with our law firm, you can expect:
- Attorneys who know Virginia dog bite laws
- Communication throughout your case
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
What to Do After a Richmond Dog Attack
Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation:
Get Medical Treatment: Your health should always come first. Even a minor bite or scratch lead to an infection. If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, your medication documentation is critical evidence.
Report the Incident: Report the attack to Richmond Animal Care and Control at 804-646-5573. They will conduct an investigation, verify the dog’s rabies vaccination, and possibly quarantine the dog for 10 days. The Animal Control report also becomes important evidence for your case.
Speak to an Attorney: Set up a free consultation with an experienced Virginia dog bite lawyer to discuss your situation and protect your right to compensation.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every case is unique, but a successful dog bite claim in Virginia can include compensation for:
- Medical bills: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care, and future medical expenses related to the injury.
- Lost income: Wages you lost during recovery, or long-term earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work in the furture.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional toll of the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Particularly relevant for facial injuries, which are especially common when children are attacked.
- Wrongful death: Surviving family members may have a claim if a loved one died as a result of a dog attack.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlements
The following examples illustrate recoveries our firm has obtained for past clients:
- $425,000 Child sustained severe facial bites
- $175,000 Adult bitten on the face
- $160,000 Adult suffered 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 evaluated on its own facts and circumstances.
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. 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.” – Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dog has no history of aggression? A clean history doesn’t automatically protect the owner. If they were negligent, ignoring leash laws, failing to restrain the dog, or dismissing obvious warning signs, they can still be held liable for your injuries.
What if the attack happened at someone’s home? Location doesn’t disqualify your claim. A significant number of dog bite victims are hurt while visiting someone’s home.
What if I was attacked by a dog at my apartment complex? Apartment dog attacks are more common than most people realize. The dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries regardless of where the attack took place whether in a hallway, parking lot, courtyard, or other shared space on the property.
What does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer? We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we collect no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
How long will my case take? Most cases resolve within a few months to a couple of years. Factors include the severity of your injuries, how quickly you reach maximum medical recovery, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We keep clients informed at every stage.
Contact Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog attacks happen throughout Richmond, from neighborhoods like The Fan District and Church Hill to surrounding communities like Henrico and Chesterfield.
Wherever it happened, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to discuss your situation.