A dog attack can turn a regular day into a physical and financial nightmare.
Recovering from a dog attack means more than treating physical wounds. Many victims deal with missed work, repeated medical appointments, lasting scars, and real emotional distress from the experience.
When a dog owner’s carelessness is to blame, Virginia law gives you the right to recover compensation.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC, has spent decades representing injured dog attack victims in Roanoke and throughout Virginia. We’ve helped children, innocent bystanders, delivery drivers, mail carriers, and many others attacked by someone else’s dog.
Dog Bite Injuries We Handle in Roanoke
Dog attacks cause a wide range of injuries. We represent Roanoke victims who have experienced:
- Puncture wounds, deep lacerations, and serious infections
- Facial injuries, disfigurement, and permanent scarring
- Broken bones, torn muscles, and nerve damage
- Long-term disability from a severe attack
- Wrongful death of a loved one fatally injured
If you were seriously hurt, reach out for a free consultation.
Why Clients Trust Our Law Firm
When it comes to serious dog attack injuries, experience and knowledge matter. Our law firm has spent nearly four decades fighting for the injured, and we bring that same commitment to every case we accept.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe is a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer with 40 years of experience. He has earned recognition from Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for his relentless client advocacy and meticulous case preparation.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord brings her own depth of personal injury experience to every case she handles. Her clients value her clear communication, her thorough approach to building a case, and her readiness to take a matter to trial if that’s what it takes to achieve a fair outcome.
We are deliberate about which cases we take on. That selectivity allows us to give each client genuine attention and a strategy shaped around the specific facts of their situation.
Here’s what you can count on when you hire our law firm:
- 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 Roanoke
The steps you take after a dog bite can have a real impact on the strength of your claim. We recommend the following:
1. Get Medical Care. Getting evaluated by a medical professional right away protects your health and also documents your injuries. That documentation will be important for your case.
2. Report the Attack to Animal Control. Contact the Roanoke Animal Protection & Services Unit at 540-853-2411. An officer will investigate, look into the dog’s vaccination history, potentially quarantine the dog, and create an official incident report. That report will serve as important supporting evidence for your claim.
3. Contact a Lawyer. Before speaking with the dog owner or any insurance companies, talk to our legal team. A free consultation costs you nothing.
What Is a Roanoke Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every case is different, and what your claim is worth depends on the circumstances of your attack. In Virginia, dog bite victims can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, and future care related to the attack
- Lost wages: Income you were unable to earn while recovering, along with compensation if your injuries reduce your long-term earning ability
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional toll the attack has caused
- Scarring and disfigurement: Especially meaningful in cases involving facial injuries, which are tragically 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
Dog Bite Client Reviews & Settlements
“When I passed a woman walking her dogs, I had no idea the dogs would lunge at me. The attack left me with serious injuries on my face and arm. I still have the scars today. Thankfully, I reached out to Richard Serpe, who handled everything for me.
The whole process was much easier than I ever expected, and his entire team was so easy to work with. I would like to thank Mr. Serpe and his entire staff… If you’re considering hiring a lawyer for a dog attack, or any other type of personal injury, don’t hesitate to give Richard Serpe a call.” – Yelp Review
- $425,000: Severe facial bites to a child
- $175,000: Adult bitten on the face
- $149,000: Pedestrian severely bitten
- $134,000: Injured by a neighbor’s dog
- $100,000: Delivery driver severely attacked
- $100,000: Mail carrier attacked while on route
Every case is unique. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer? Nothing upfront. Our law firm takes dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
How long does it take to resolve a dog bite case? It varies. Straightforward cases with clear liability and documented injuries often resolve within a few months. Cases involving more serious injuries, disputed facts, or insurance company resistance can take longer, particularly if a lawsuit needs to be filed.
What if the attack happened at someone’s home? You may still have a valid legal claim. A significant number of dog bite cases involve attacks at the home of a friend, neighbor, or family member.
Contact Our Roanoke Dog Bite Lawyers
Roanoke is a community where people and dogs share parks, greenways, neighborhoods, and public spaces every day. No matter where the attack happened, the Serpe Firm is here to help you and your family.
Use our chat or email us to set up your free consultation.