After being bitten by a dog in Virginia Beach, you’re entitled by law to hold negligent pet owners accountable for the damages caused by their dog. With over 50 years of experience in Virginia, the attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett have been trusted advocates for personal injury victims since 1972. We’ll handle all aspects of the legal process on your behalf and help you get financially restituted, so you don’t have to shoulder the costs of another’s negligence.
How Our Virginia Beach Dog Bite Lawyers Can Assist You in Holding Negligent Pet Owners Liable
When pursuing legal action for a dog bite, our expert team can provide a deep understanding of Virginia’s laws, statutes, regulations, and legal precedents, helping you navigate the complex legal system effectively. The goal is to assist you in seeking justice after being harmed by pet owners’s negligence. Our personal injury lawyers in Virginia Beach are equipped to handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Providing a thorough assessment of your situation and craft a solid legal strategy accordingly to pursue compensation.
- Investigating the incident, gathering all necessary evidence to build a strong case.
- Determining liability and identifying the responsible parties.
- Calculating damages to ensure you receive full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related short and long-term costs.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court, if necessary, to fight for your rights.
As shown in our case results, we’ve helped victims all over Virginia recover millions in settlements for their personal injury cases. We can do the same for you. By choosing Tronfeld West & Durrett, you can rest assured you have an experienced and efficient legal team on your side.
For answers to your questions about a dog bite in Virginia Beach, call:
800-321-6741
Can the Owner Face Liability for a Dog Attack?
Yes, a dog owner can face liability for a dog attack under Virginia law. The state follows a mixed approach that includes elements of the “one-bite rule” and negligence. This means an owner can be held liable if they knew or should’ve known their dog had aggressive tendencies or a propensity to bite.
Additionally, Virginia Code § 3.2-6540 allows for the possibility of holding an owner liable if their negligence led to the attack. This could include situations where the owner failed to properly secure the dog or violated local leash laws, leading to an injury.
However, determining liability isn’t always straightforward. For instance, if someone is bitten while trespassing or was provoking the dog, the injured person may share some degree of fault. Additionally, if the bite occurs on property owned or controlled by someone other than the dog owner, and the property owner’s negligence contributed to the incident, this leads to a premises liability case, further complicating fault determination.
Compensation You Can Receive from a Dog Bite Case in Virginia Beach
Victims of dog bites in Virginia Beach are entitled to various forms of compensation, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. This includes:
Medical Expenses
When dog bites result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, this type of compensation allows you to secure coverage for all medical treatment related to the dog bite. This includes everything from emergency care to medications and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Income
If a dog bite forces you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Additionally, it’s possible to also recover future income loss, if the injury prevents you from working long-term.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages encompass all physical pain and emotional distress from the dog bite, including long-term psychological trauma (like depression, anxiety, and PTSD) and immediate discomfort.
Disfigurement
Lastly, you can also recover compensation for any lasting physical scars or disfigurement caused by the dog bite, compensating you for the injury’s lasting effects on your quality of life.
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FAQs About Dog Bite Cases in Virginia Beach
What Does the One Time Bite Rule Mean in Virginia?
The “one-bite” rule in Virginia holds dog owners liable if they knew or should’ve known their dog was dangerous or had a propensity to bite. This rule applies if the dog has previously bitten someone or exhibited other dangerous behaviors, and the owner was aware of this history.
What Happens to Dogs That Bite People?
The fate of a dog post-bite depends on the circumstances and severity of the incident, as well as local regulations. In Virginia, dogs that bite people may be subject to quarantine or other measures to ensure public safety.
How Much Can You Get Paid for a Dog Bite?
Compensation varies widely based on the specifics of each case, including the severity of injuries and the impact on the victim’s life. Our lawyers can assess all relevant factors to determine an appropriate compensation amount for your specific case.
What Is the Requirement in Virginia if Your Dog Bites a Person?
In Virginia, if your dog bites a person, you’re required to report the incident and provide information about your dog’s vaccination status, and may also be subject to quarantine requirements.
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Contact Our Virginia Beach Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation – No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
After a dog bite, you don’t have to navigate Virginia’s legal system alone. Our experienced team of lawyers can help you secure the compensation you deserve and hold the owner accountable for the damages caused by their dog.
Don’t hesitate to ask for a free consultation with the attorneys at Tronfeld West & Durrett. We’ll listen to your story, outline your legal options, and start strategizing the best path moving forward. Plus, we won’t charge you any fees unless we win your case, so contact us today and start pursuing justice with no upfront costs.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form