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Dog bites and animal attacks can be painful and traumatic experiences, resulting in both physical injuries and emotional scars. According to the Virginia Department of Health, over 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with nearly one in five individuals needing medical attention for their injuries or infection. The VDH points out that children are at a higher risk of being bitten by dogs than adults and are also likely to sustain more severe injuries. Younger children, especially those between the ages of five and nine, are the most likely victims of these tragic incidents.
When it comes to recovering compensation for a dog bite from the animal’s owner or their insurance company, Virginia applies a complex mix of strict liability and negligence laws. If you don’t have a lawyer representing you, insurance companies won’t go out of their way to explain the law to you, and they might even take advantage of the situation by claiming they don’t owe you any compensation when they really do.
Having skilled and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys on your side is critical to making sure you are treated fairly and get the compensation you need. A Richmond dog bite lawyer at the Latham & Martin law firm could give you the personal attention you deserve while handling every aspect of your dog bite claim.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, liability for dog bites and animal attacks falls under the “one-bite rule.” This rule stipulates that the owner of the animal may be held responsible if they were aware of their pet’s dangerous propensities prior to the attack. This can be proven if the dog has bitten or attacked before, as well as if it has acted aggressively in a way that puts the owner on notice that the dog could be vicious.
On the other hand, there are times when a dog is not considered “dangerous” under state law even if it attacked or bit someone. For instance, if the dog was provoked, if it was defending itself, its owner, or the owner’s property, or if the animal was injured or in pain, a resulting bite might not lead to liability for the owner.
In yet another wrinkle of the law, a dog owner could be held liable even if the animal was not considered dangerous if the owner was negligent in controlling the animal. This negligence could be something as simple as violating a local leash law, which is a common ordinance in many Virginia communities.
Dog bite laws in Richmond can be challenging to navigate, but the experienced attorneys at Latham & Martin are well-equipped to hold responsible parties accountable and get you the care and compensation you need.
The law firm of Latham & Martin was founded for the express purpose of delivering individualized attention to clients. Our lawyers have worked in the big-volume law firms but left that environment to create a more personal space where injury victims can have direct access to their attorneys and know they are getting the help they need. At Latham & Martin, our lawyers will work with you directly and be personally involved every step of the way, including:
Dog bites and animal attacks can be painful and traumatizing, and they can inflict lasting, severe injuries. Latham & Martin is dedicated to supporting victims through these trying times. With extensive experience in the legal landscape of personal injury law, our firm is perfectly positioned to assist you in pursuing justice and compensation. Contact Latham & Martin today for a free consultation with a skilled Richmond dog bite lawyer well-equipped to handle your claim. Trust in our commitment to protecting your rights and putting your needs first.