Practice AreasRichmond Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Claims

Dog attacks are terrifying experiences, and if you’ve been bitten, you may be able to file an injury claim to recover your medical expenses and other losses. Assistance with your case is available when you contact an experienced Richmond dog bite attorney with our firm.

“He’s never bitten anyone before, I swear!” Does that sound familiar? Many people don’t take the time to properly train their pets, and this careless and negligent behavior often leads to another person’s injury. In Virginia and most other states, there are laws that hold dog owners accountable if their pets attack someone under certain circumstances.

You shouldn’t have to be injured in order to teach dog owners to be more responsible with their animals. If you’ve been bitten or otherwise harmed by a canine, you can seek damages for the financial losses you’ve faced and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

Call a Richmond dog bite lawyer at the Halperin Law Center to get started on your personal injury case today.

Virginia Follows the One-Bite Rule

When it comes to dog owner liability, Virginia utilizes an approach commonly referred to as the “one-bite” rule. This rule basically asserts that a dog owner can only be held liable for another person’s injuries if he or she knew or should have known that the dog was aggressive and might hurt someone.

Often, the evidence that would prove a dog has a history of aggression is anything that demonstrates that someone else was chased, menaced, attacked or bitten by the dog in the past. However, you can supply other evidence that proves a dog has aggressive tendencies.

If you can’t prove that the dog owner should have known of the dog’s dangerousness, then the owner may get a pass with regard to liability for your injuries. Fortunately, a dog bite lawyer in Richmond can help you prove your case.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites and Dog-Related Injuries

Virginia gives those injured in dog attacks a time frame in which to file their personal injury claims. It’s called the statute of limitations. For dog bites, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the incident. If you attempt to file your claim after the two years have passed, your case will likely be thrown out.

It’s usually best to file a claim as quickly after an injury as possible for many reasons:

  • So you and other witnesses don’t forget the details of what occurred
  • So important evidence doesn’t get lost or disappear over time
  • Because you have expenses that need to be paid, and the sooner you file your case, the faster you can receive compensation for your damages

Virginia’s ‘Negligence Per Se’ Law

Another way to prove the liability of a dog owner—whether or not the dog had a history of aggressive behavior—is to show that the dog owner was not using reasonable care in restraining and handling his or her pet.

Because there are laws about dogs being on a leash, you could easily prove that a dog owner was being negligent if the dog attacked you in an area where all dogs are required to be on a leash. A violation of leash laws equals negligence per se.

Obtaining a Settlement for Your Canine Attack in Richmond

Once you’ve determined that you want to move forward with your dog attack case, we will file the claim on your behalf. If a settlement isn’t reached, we can also file a lawsuit in court. If you can prove your case, you will be awarded a settlement to pay for your losses.

Below is a list of damages your Richmond dog attack lawyer may seek on your behalf:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Bite-related medical treatment
  • Emotional and mental trauma from the canine attack
  • Missed work wages
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Permanent injury or disability
  • Loss of life enjoyment

Speak with a Richmond Dog Bite Attorney About Your Case

Being seriously injured in a canine attack is bad enough; you shouldn’t also have to deal with the struggles of filing a personal injury claim on your own.

You need to win your case because you likely have damages from this incident, including lost time at work, pain and suffering, and the medical costs of treating your wounds.

That’s why it’s imperative that you work with an attorney who is experienced with the dog bite laws in Virginia.

Your Richmond dog bite lawyer with the Halperin Law Center will fight to see that you are compensated for all of the hardships you’ve endured from being attacked by a canine. Contact our firm today to get your free case evaluation. Utilize the case review form below, or call us at 804-527-0100.

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Whether you’ve been involved in an auto accident, a civil rights violation, or a personal injury, you can rest assured knowing a top-rate Richmond lawyer at Halperin Law Center will give you personalized attention, guidance, and support you deserve. We work tirelessly to help win the compensation and justice you deserve in your case.

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