Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney in Richmond, Virginia

Dogs are called “man’s best friend.” However, the fact remains that dogs bite and attack 4.7 million men, women, and children each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Daily Beast news website published a list of the most dangerous breeds of dogs. The list was based on the total number of attacks by dogs kept as pets in the U.S. and Canada during an 18-year period.

According to the list, the five most dangerous dog breeds are:

If you have suffered a dog bite due to the negligence of the pet’s owner or the owner’s violation of a leash law in Richmond, you may be entitled to compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.

The experienced dog bite injury lawyers of Marks & Harrison want to help you. We have extensive experience with representing dog bite victims and their families in Richmond and throughout Virginia, including many dog bite cases involving child victims.

Our past dog bite injury cases include:

• $300,000 awarded after a woman was mauled by two bull mastiffs
• $160,000 awarded after a child was attacked by a playmate’s dog
• $125,000 awarded to a 12-year-old bitten in the face by a neighbor’s dog

Each animal bite case is different. Our past results do guarantee that the same or a similar result can be reached in your case. It will be important to meet with us and allow us to review the unique facts in your case and discuss your legal options.

Call or connect with our Richmond dog bite attorneys online today. We can provide a free consultation and answer any questions you may have about your case and how we can assist you.

What is Virginia’s ‘One-Bite’ Rule?

Some states have a “strict liability” dog bite law. This means that a dog owner can be held legally responsible for a dog bite, or liable, without the need to prove fault. Unfortunately, Virginia is not among those states.

Instead, Virginia is one of a handful of states that follows what is called the “one-bite” rule.

In other words, to recover compensation for a dog bite or other animal attack, you must show:

• The owner (or keeper) knew or should have reasonably known that the animal was dangerous or aggressive, and
• The owner of the dog acted negligently in light of that knowledge,
• Causing you or a loved one to suffer injuries.

This does not mean that you must show that the dog previously attacked a person or another dog. Instead, it means that you must show that the dog had a propensity to be dangerous and aggressive, putting a duty on the owner (or keeper) to use ordinary care to prevent foreseeable harm to others.

The Richmond dog bite lawyers at Marks & Harrison, understand Virginia’s dog bite laws, and we will thoroughly investigate your case. In particular, we can look into whether hospital, police, or animal control records show that the dog had a history of attacks and/or dangerous behavior. We can also interview witnesses who can shed light on the past behavior of the animal.

What are Virginia’s Leash Laws?

In Virginia, you can also establish a dog owner’s liability for a dog bite or attack by showing that the owner violated a statute or ordinance – commonly called “leash laws” – and due to this violation, you or a loved one suffered injuries. This is called “negligence per se.”

For example, let’s say that local law prohibits a dog owner from allowing a pet to roam at large in public areas without a leash. If a dog owner fails to follow this law, and you are attacked by the owner’s unleashed pet, you may have the right to bring a dog bite claim against the owner that seeks just compensation. Contact one of our Richmond dog bite attorneys today.

What Can You Recover in a Virginia Dog Bite Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dog owner’s negligence or violation of a leash law, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation for your:

• Past and future medical expenses and other costs
• Lost past and future income
• Physical and mental pain and suffering.

If you are hesitant about bringing a claim against a neighbor, you should keep in mind that, in most cases, recovery for a dog bite or attack is sought through homeowner’s insurance and not the dog owner’s personal assets.

Unfortunately, insurance companies often contend that a dog attack victim’s own negligence contributed to his or her injuries. For instance, an insurer may argue that the victim brought on the attack by provoking the dog or ignored posted “beware of dog” warnings.

It is important to work with a Richmond attorney who will vigorously challenge any claims that the negligence of you or your loved one caused you to suffer dog bite injuries. If you were bitten by a dog or an animal, contact a Richmond dog bite lawyer today.

How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer in Richmond, Virginia Help You?

At Marks & Harrison, we work with a team of highly experienced investigators who can establish how and why your dog bite occurred.

In particular, we can compile evidence from a dog or animal attack that includes:

We can also consult with experts who will allow us to determine the extent to which a dog bite has impacted your life, including calculating your past and future medical expenses and the effect on your ability to earn income.

Our goal will be to build the strongest case possible, giving us leverage in negotiations with the insurance company and allowing us to be prepared to take your case to court (if needed).

The bottom line: We can take care of every legal aspect of your case and fight for a full and fair financial recovery for you, while you can focus on healing from a painful and traumatic experience.

Contact a Top-Rated Richmond Dog Bite Attorney Today

The experienced dog bite lawyers of Marks & Harrison are ready to go to work for you right away. We serve dog bite victims and their families in Richmond, VA, and from offices throughout Virginia. Our Virginia dog bite injury lawyers have helped our clients with dog bite settlements for years. Simply call or contact us online today and let an expert Richmond dog attack lawyer get started on pursuing a personal injury claim, so you can seek the compensation you deserve.

Here are some resources for victims of dog or animal bites in Richmond, Virginia, and nationally:

Richmond, Virginia Animal and dog bite Resources:

1. Virginia Department of Health – Animal Bites: The Virginia Department of Health provides information on reporting and handling animal bites, including rabies prevention and treatment. Visit their website for guidance on what to do after a bite at Virginia Department of Health – Animal Bites.
2. Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC): RACC is responsible for animal control and welfare in Richmond. They can provide information on reporting animal bites, rabies prevention, and local ordinances related to animals. Find more information on their website at Richmond Animal Care and Control.
3. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS): VDACS oversees animal control and regulations in Virginia. You can contact them for information on animal bites, animal welfare, and relevant laws at VDACS.

National Animal and dog attack Resources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers comprehensive information on preventing and treating animal bites, including those from dogs. Their website provides guidance on wound care, rabies prevention, and statistics on animal bites. Visit the CDC’s page on animal bites at CDC – Animal Bites.
2. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): AVMA provides resources on responsible pet ownership and safety around animals. Their website includes information on preventing dog bites and understanding animal behavior. Explore their resources at AVMA – Dog Bite Prevention.
3. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): HSUS offers guidance on understanding animal behavior and preventing dog bites. They also provide information on how to report animal cruelty. Visit their website for resources at HSUS – Dog Bites.
4. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: This division of the CDC provides statistics and research on injuries, including those related to animal bites. Their website offers insights into injury prevention and safety tips. Explore their resources at CDC – Injury Prevention.
5. Local Animal Control and Public Health Agencies: In addition to state and national resources, it’s essential to contact your local animal control and public health agencies for guidance on reporting animal bites and accessing local support services.

These resources should help victims of dog or animal bites in Richmond, Virginia, and across the United States to understand the necessary steps to take after a bite and access information on prevention and treatment.