Legal•Info

Virginia Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

Millions of personally owned animals attack innocent citizens each year in the U.S. The consequences of such attacks range from minor bites and scratches to serious infections and injuries, up to and including death. And although death occurs in less than 100 of the dog bites reported annually, injuries requiring hospitalization are very common, especially among children. In fact, dog bites are the second most frequent cause for emergence room visits among small children, second to only car accidents.

If you've done everything in your power to avoid an animal attack, and you become the victim of a bite or attack anyway, then it is imperative for you to do two things: Seek medical help, and then consult with a qualified Virginia dog bite attorney, as he or she can help you seek compensation for medical costs, injury or suffering, and loss of work. Attorneys experienced in animal attack cases know how to dismiss defense of the dog owner, and can take the necessary steps in seeking your reward for the pain you've endured.

Virginia is a one-bite state. Considered outdated and unfair, the one-bite rule makes it tough for the victims of animal attacks and dog bites to fight and win their cases, especially when acting alone, without the counsel of an attorney. Virginia's one-bite rule states that an owner is not held liable for a dog attack if the animal has never attacked before, or if the animal was provoked. The owner will be held liable, though, if the animal has an aggressive history, has been a part of an attack before, is a dangerous breed, or was running loose.

A dog and animal bite lawyer will be well-versed in Virginia dog bite laws, and they will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog bite case on your behalf. Enlisting their services can mean recovering the maximum amount of damages allowed under Virginia law.

If you feel you were a victim of a dog bite due to someone's negligence, you should consult with an attorney and let them know the following:
Whether or not the dog was on a leash or harness
Whether the dog was on the owner's property or roaming around freely
Whether or not there was any warning about a potentially dangerous dog existing on any given premise.
Whether the dog was running at large or just slipped away from the owner's property momentarily.

Such information is pertinent to your case, so documenting the incident immediately following the bite is critical to a successful case. Furthermore, if a witness other than the owner was present, you'll want to get their side of the story, as well as their contact information. Testimony witness plays a key part in any court case, and dog bite cases are no different.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer who specializes in dog and animal bite law; however, personal injury lawyers who handle other practice areas can be helpful as well. If you find a personal injury lawyer with several specialties, it is very important to inquire about the number of dog or animal bite cases they have handled, and how long they have been in practice. Successful Virginia lawyers will have hundreds of successful dog-bite cases to their credit.

To find an experienced personal injury or dog and animal bite lawyer, visit the American Bar Association Website to gain access to thousands of dog and animal bite lawyers in your area. Their profiles will detail to you their experience and expertise in the field.