The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. has successfully settled dog bite injury claims throughout Virginia.
We have helped children, delivery drivers (UPS, FedEx, and food delivery), USPS mail carriers and many other innocent victims attacked by a dog.
Attorneys Richard Serpe and Ashley Strandjord bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of Virginia dog bite and animal attack laws, fighting diligently to secure the compensation their clients deserve for their injuries and anguish.
Do You Have an Augusta Co. 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 Augusta Co. or somewhere else in VA?
If you’ve answered yes to all of these questions, you may have a Virginia personal injury case. Consider contacting our experienced Virginia dog bite lawyers to discuss your situation.
We offer risk-free consultations 757-233-0009.
What to Do After A Dog Attack
Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation after a dog attack in Augusta Co., Staunton, or anywhere else in Virginia:
#1 Get Medical Treatment. First and foremost, if you’ve been injured, it is always a good idea to seek medical attention from a professional to protect your health. If you plan to make a personal injury claim, your medical records will document your injuries.
Keep in mind that if you do not see a doctor for your injuries, the defendant and his/her insurance company may try to claim 1.) that your injuries were not serious, or 2.) that you were not injured in the attack.
#2 Report the incident to authorities. When an animal attacks a person, that animal has become a potential threat to the health and safety of the public and must be reported to authorities.
Further, animal control will need to conduct an investigation into the incident as well as quarantine the animal. The animal control investigative findings will become crucial evidence in your Virginia dog bite case.
- Augusta County, VA Animal Control 540-245-5635
- Staunton, VA Animal Control 540-332-3842
#3 Consider contacting a Virginia dog bite lawyer. While hiring a lawyer is not required, having an experienced professional to advocate for your needs could mean a larger settlement for you and your family.
A successful settlement can cover your medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, plastic surgery, permanent injuries and disabilities, and losses from a wrongful death.
Compensation for Virginia Dog Bite Victims
Every dog bite case is unique. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Medical Expenses: Include any sort of medical expenses that a victim has had to pay for at a hospital, urgent care, plastic surgery, etc.
- Loss of Earnings: You are entitled to recover for the loss of earnings which you suffered from your injuries.
- Future Loss of Earnings: If your injuries have prevented you from your ability to earn income in the future, you might recover damages for the value of the reduction in earning capacity with reasonable probability which will occur in the future.
- Disfigurement: If the injury causes scarring or other unsightly marks, the victim is entitled to recovery for the disfigurement. Because these injuries are often in very visible places, victims are often very self-conscious of their appearance.
- Children are frequently bitten in the facial region and require plastic surgery.
- Pain and suffering: This is the right to compensation for physical pain and suffering and mental anguish you have suffered.
- Wrongful Death of a Loved One: Fatal dog attacks don’t happen very often, but when they do occur, they’re always incredibly tragic. No one ever expects to lose a loved one in such a violent way. The Virginia wrongful death statute allows certain family members of the victim to file a claim on the behalf of the deceased.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlement Examples
- $100,000 – FedEx driver severely bitten in Wythe Co., VA.
- $134,000 – Child attacked by a neighbor’s dog in Arlington, VA.
- $425,000 – Child suffered severe facial bites in Richmond, VA.
- $175,000 – Adult bitten on the face in Newport News, VA.
- $160,000 – Adult sustained a leg injury in Portsmouth, VA.
- $149,000 – Pedestrian bitten by a dog in Virginia Beach, VA.
- $100,000 – USPS mail carrier required surgery in Norfolk, VA.
Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
In Virginia, there are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Typically, Virginia provides a two-year deadline also known as the statute of limitations. However, sometimes special circumstances can alter that deadline.
While two years seems like a long time, it takes time for you to heal and it takes time to build a strong case. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations.
At minimum, consider contacting an attorney to discuss your options, as early as possible, to protect your right to compensation.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer Richard Serpe
Richard Serpe, an experienced Virginia dog bite lawyer, is dedicated to representing individuals injured due to someone else’s negligence.
With over 37 years of legal experience, he has focused much of his career on advocating for and protecting the rights of the injured.
Known for his relentless work ethic and tenacious approach, Richard Serpe has earned a reputation as a highly respected attorney. His proven track record includes securing favorable settlements and verdicts for countless clients.
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Augusta County or anywhere else in Virginia, contact the Serpe Firm for a free consultation.
