Making the Impossible Possible

Virginia Dog Bite Attorneys

Results-Oriented Representation for Dog Bite Victims in Annandale

A dog attack can happen in an instant. A peaceful walk in the park or a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood may be suddenly interrupted by an enormous, howling animal that attacks without warning. These traumatic events can leave both physical and emotional scars, and in Virginia, pet owners bear legal responsibility for the injuries their animals cause when they knew or should have known about their dog’s violent potential to behave violently.

If you recently suffered injuries in connection with a dog attack, you should not wait to explore your legal options. At Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC, our team is prepared to offer you the dedicated and comprehensive representation you need to recover full and fair compensation for your injuries. Our Virginia dog bite lawyers are familiar with the intricacies of the state’s laws governing these incidents and will leverage the full extent of our resources in our fight to deliver the best possible outcome.

Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your dog bite case by calling (301) 450-5742 or contacting us online. You never pay anything to our firm unless we win.

Understanding Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws

Virginia follows a version of the “one-bite rule,” meaning a pet owner is not automatically liable for the violent actions of their pet. Under the one-bite rule, a dog's owner can be held legally liable if the dog has previously demonstrated vicious behavior or has bitten someone before. The one-bite rule assumes that if a dog has bitten once, the owner is aware of the dog's propensity for aggression and should take necessary precautions to prevent future incidents.

However, there are scenarios where the owner might not be held legally responsible even if the dog has a history of violent behavior. The owner may not be if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in illegal activities at the time of the incident. For example, if the victim appeared to be attacking or about to attack the pet’s owner, and the dog bites the would-be assailant to defend them, the owner may not be liable for the dog’s actions.

On the other hand, certain types of trespassers who suffer dog bites may still have a case. Young children and other individuals who unknowingly trespass on private property may still be able to take legal action if they are injured by an attacking animal under the one-bite rule.

Because Virginia is not a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, the laws surrounding dog bite liability can be confusing. Our Virginia dog bite attorneys can review your circumstances and advise whether you have a strong case.

Get the powerful advocacy you deserve after suffering dog bite injuries. Call (301) 450-5742 or contact us online today.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite may seem to some to be no big deal, but the unfortunate reality is that these attacks can cause lasting and even life-altering injuries. Especially large breeds of dogs are capable of causing significant damage in a relatively short period of time, especially if they attack repeatedly. Regardless of their apparent severity, all dog bite injuries warrant immediate medical attention.

Common dog bite injuries include:

Puncture wounds. These are deep, narrow wounds produced by the sharp canine teeth of dogs. Puncture wounds can damage deep tissues and lead to serious infections if not treated promptly.
Lacerations and cuts. These are open wounds caused when a dog's teeth cut through the skin. Depending upon the force of the bite, these lacerations can damage muscles, tendons, or even bones underneath.
Crush injuries. Dogs have powerful jaws capable of exerting significant force. In some cases, a dog bite can lead to crush injuries, damaging the underlying bone or joint.
Infections. Dog mouths carry a range of bacteria that can lead to infection if transferred into a wound. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, and fever.
Emotional trauma. Not all injuries from a dog bite are physical. Many victims suffer emotional trauma following an attack, which can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of dogs (cynophobia), and other psychological issues.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Virginia

In the aftermath of a dog bite incident, there are various types of compensation that victims can seek to cover their losses. To successfully do so, you must file a civil lawsuit against the dog owner before the state’s statute of limitations expires. In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the attack to start the legal process, so do not wait to discuss your options with our team at Rowe, Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC.

Our Virginia dog bite lawyers will fight to secure maximum compensation for all losses, including:

Medical expenses. This includes the costs of immediate medical care as well as any ongoing treatments. We will seek full compensation for any necessary hospital visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, psychiatric counseling, and any future medical bills related to the dog bite.
Lost wages. If you are unable to work due to your dog bite injuries, we can seek compensation for the income lost during your recovery period. In cases where your injuries are so severe that they affect your ability to work long-term or permanently, we may also pursue compensation for lost earning capacity.
Property damage. If any of your personal property (such as your clothing, jewelry, watch, purse, or glasses) were broken or ruined during the attack, we can seek compensation for the replacement of the affected items.
Pain and suffering. This compensation is meant to account for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced. In the context of a dog bite, this could include the fear you experienced during the attack, the pain of your injuries, the anxiety of medical procedures, and any emotional trauma or mental conditions that resulted from the incident.

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