Dog Bite Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia law considers dogs to be property and, therefore, the responsibility of the owner. If the dog attacks another person, pet, or livestock, the owner is responsible for any damage the animal causes and can be held liable in a dog bite lawsuit.

Dog bite liability in Virginia is governed by two common law principles:

• Dog owners who know, or should have known, that their dog is dangerous are strictly liable for injuries caused by the animal
• Owners who were not aware of their dog’s dangerous behavior and tendencies can still be held liable if they were negligent (failing to leash their dog or failing to properly contain the animal on their property, for example)

Owners of dangerous dogs are held to a higher standard, but Virginia law holds all dog owners legally responsible if the owner was careless or negligent and the dog injures someone or another animal. The attorneys at Barney Injury Law are well-versed in Virginia premises liability and dog bite law and can help you pursue your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Virginia Beach, VA, dog bite lawyer.

Dog Bites Cases Can Be Surprisingly Complicated

Dog bite injury cases can quickly become contentious and complex, more so than many victims realize. There is a substantial amount of victim-blaming in dog bite cases, more so than in almost any other type of personal injury claim. Dog owners may not believe that their animal could attack someone and may go to great lengths to assert that the victim must have done something to provoke the attack.

This is one reason why hiring a skilled Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer is so critical. Your lawyer can be the primary point of contact for the claim, shielding you from the other party (and any friends or family members who may attempt to bully or dissuade you from asserting your legal right to have the negligent dog owner fairly pay compensation). Our team defends your interests and protects you from the other party.

Compensation Available In Dog Bite Claims

If you’ve been bitten or mauled by a dog, you’re eligible to collect both economic and non-economic compensation, covering your out-of-pocket expenses and intangible losses.

Economic damages comprise the material losses stemming from a dog bite injury, such as:

• All necessary medical care
• Prescription medications and durable medical devices
• Unearned wages, if you missed work because of your injuries
• Property damage

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses from a dog attack, and while they’re not material, they still have value. You can demand fair compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish – many dog bite victims suffer PTSD or develop anxiety or a phobia of dogs. Your settlement can cover the therapy and counseling you need to recover and move forward with your life.

If you or someone you love (or your pet!) have been bitten or mauled by a dog, you have the right to file a suit for negligence against the dog’s owner. At Barney Injury Law, we know how complex these cases can get and the turmoil that victims like you have suffered. We’re on your side and can handle all the legal motions necessary to advance your claim. We can also communicate with the other party on your behalf, shielding you from any vitriol that may be cast your way. Contact us today for a free Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer consultation.

Common Misconceptions About Dog Bite Claims

Your Virginia Beach, VA dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. At Barney Injury Law, we have over a decade of legal experience with cases just like yours – and we’ve helped our clients secure millions of dollars in compensation. Read on to debunk some common myths about dog bites, and contact us today to get started.

1. Misconception: If The Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before, You Can’t File A Claim

Many people believe that a claim can only be made if a dog has a history of aggression. However, in many jurisdictions, an owner can be held liable for a dog bite regardless of the animal’s previous behavior. The focus is often on whether the owner acted responsibly in preventing the bite.

2. Misconception: You Can Only Claim If You Were Bitten On Public Property

This is not true. A victim of a dog bite can pursue a claim regardless of whether the bite occurred on public or private property. What matters more is establishing that the bite was unprovoked and that the victim was legally allowed to be in the location where the incident occurred.

3. Misconception: Minor Bites Don’t Warrant A Claim

Even seemingly minor dog bites can lead to serious health complications, such as infections or long-term psychological effects. It’s important to assess the full impact of any bite, no matter how small it may seem. All dog bite incidents deserve proper evaluation for potential claims.

4. Misconception: Dog Bites Are Always Covered By Homeowners Insurance

While many homeowners’ policies do include liability coverage for dog bites, this is not universal. Coverage can vary significantly by policy and insurer, and some may exclude certain breeds or require additional riders. It’s crucial to verify the specifics of any applicable insurance coverage.

5. Misconception: You Don’t Need A Lawyer To Handle A Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite claims can involve nuanced state laws and various potential sources of compensation. Managing a claim on your own could result in a lower settlement than what might be achieved with professional legal representation. Furthermore, an attorney can help navigate the deadlines and documentation required to build a strong case. Contact a Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer to get started.

6. Misconception: The Dog Owner Is Always At Fault

Liability in dog bite cases can be complex. While dog owners are often responsible, there are instances where they may not be liable, such as when a person provokes the dog or is trespassing. Each case must be evaluated on its specific facts to determine liability accurately.

7. Misconception: Settlements For Dog Bites Are Always Substantial

Compensation for dog bites varies widely based on the severity of injuries, the circumstances of the bite, and the applicable insurance coverage. While some cases may result in significant settlements, others might yield lower amounts depending on medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact Us Today

At Barney Injury Law, we’re committed to providing you with clear advice and robust representation. Contact us today to discuss your case, and see how a Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer can make all the difference.