Dog bites are traumatic—both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Virginia, you may be wondering: Can I sue? Who’s at fault? And how much could I recover in damages? At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we help injured victims understand their rights and pursue fair compensation when someone else’s negligence leads to harm.
Who’s Actually Responsible for a Dog Bite? (Hint: It’s Not Always the Dog Owner)
Most people assume that the dog’s owner is always legally responsible—but in Virginia, that’s not always the case. While owners can absolutely be held liable if they were careless or knew the dog had a history of aggression, Virginia follows a modified version of the “one-bite rule”. This means that owners may only be automatically liable if they knew or had reason to know the dog might be dangerous.
However, other parties could share legal responsibility:
- Landlords who fail to remove dangerous animals from their properties
- Caretakers or dog walkers who allowed the bite to happen under their watch
- Businesses or homeowners who failed to warn guests of a known risk
That’s why it’s important to speak with a qualified Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer who can investigate your situation and identify all potentially liable parties.
For answers to your questions, call:
800-321-6741
Do You Actually Have a Case? These Key Factors Decide Your Claim
Whether you can sue for a dog bite in Virginia depends on several key elements:
- Negligence — Was the dog unrestrained or improperly supervised?
- Violation of Leash Laws or Ordinances — Did the owner break local rules?
- History of Aggression — Has the dog bitten or acted aggressively before?
- Location of the Incident — Was the bite on public property, private premises, or rental housing?
In some situations, your claim might also fall under premises liability. For instance, if a landlord allowed a known aggressive dog to remain on the property without proper warnings or fencing, a skilled premises liability attorney can argue that the property owner was negligent in protecting guests or tenants.
Working with a personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach early in the process ensures you don’t miss key evidence or legal deadlines.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Claim Worth? You Might Be Surprised
The value of a dog bite injury claim can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency care and medical bills
- Plastic surgery or long-term treatment
- Lost wages or reduced ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Scarring, disfigurement, or PTSD
If a child was attacked or if the bite caused facial damage, compensation amounts are often higher. These are not minor incidents—dog attacks can result in lifelong trauma and permanent damage.
A knowledgeable Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer can calculate the full value of your losses and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.
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What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical care immediately — even if the bite looks minor.
- Report the incident to animal control or the local police.
- Identify the dog and its owner or caretaker.
- Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and the dog if possible.
- Document medical visits, lost work time, and pain symptoms.
- Contact a trusted legal team, like the attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett.
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of a successful claim—especially when navigating Virginia’s complex liability rules. Whether your case involves a negligent property owner or an off-leash dog in a public park, our team can help.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to a Virginia Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’ve helped countless victims of animal attacks recover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering. If you’ve been bitten due to someone else’s carelessness—whether that’s a dog owner, landlord, or business—you don’t have to face it alone.
Reach out today for a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Virginia Beach or an experienced premises liability attorney from our team. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and guide you through the process of seeking justice.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
