Answer: In 2024, dog-related injury claims in the U.S. surged significantly, with insurers paying out approximately $1.57 billion, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
This marked a sharp increase from $1.12 billion in 2023. The number of claims also rose to 22,658—an 18.9% jump from the previous year—while the average payout per claim climbed to $69,272, up over 18% from 2023.
Over the past decade, both the frequency and cost of these claims have seen dramatic increases, with average payouts rising nearly 86%.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlement Examples
- $134,000 – Child attacked by a neighbor’s dog in Arlington, VA.
- $155,000 – Adult attacked by dog in Alexandria, VA
- $100,000 – FedEx driver severely bitten in Wythe, 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.
*Please understand that every case is different. Prior results can never guarantee a similar outcome.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Depending on the circumstances of your situation, your settlement could include one or more of the following types of damages:
- Medical Expenses
- Scarring & Disfigurement
- Loss of Earnings
- Pain and Suffering
- Wrongful Death
Deadlines for Virginia Dog Bite Claims
In Virginia, there are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. In many cases, Virginia provides a two-year deadline also known as a Statute of Limitations.
However, sometimes special circumstances apply and can alter that deadline. It is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights.
Contact Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer Richard Serpe
If you’d like to discuss your case with one of our Virginia dog bite lawyers, give us a call or send us an email to setup a free consultation.
If you do decide to retain us to represent you, we have a no fee promise: No legal fees unless we settle or win your case.
Richard Serpe is a highly skilled Virginia personal injury attorney with nearly 40 years of experience and a reputation for meticulous trial preparation and presentation. He has a track record of success in obtaining substantial jury verdicts and settlements for his clients, many of them injured children.