Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the circumstances. Virginia, along with 19 other states, adheres to the “one bite rule,” which generally prevents civil claims for monetary damages from being successful against an animal owner the first time one of their animals bites another person if the attack was unintentional. However, the dog owner may be held liable if a personal injury lawyer can prove the dog has a history of attacking and biting people or that the owner violated a local or state ordinance such a leash law and that failure to comply with rules and regulations regarding pet ownership led to the attack.

Absolutely not. Our Virginia injury lawyers practice all over the Commonwealth.  We frequently handle cases in the Northern Virginia region in cities such as Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax. We’ve also handled cases in Richmond.  Sometimes it is better to have an attorney who is not from the area where the injury occurred.  Specifically, in a medical malpractice context, there are often conflicts of interest for lawyers who practice in the area where the doctor does.  As long as your attorney is licensed in Virginia and has extensive experience in the personal injury arena, you will be well taken care of. 
 

I have been injured in an accident caused by another party and now need to hire someone to clean my home because I am unable to. What recourse do I have?

The answer is usually no. The law in Virginia does not transfer liability to the owner of a rental property for a tenant’s animal. However, it might be a good idea to require your renters to have get renters’ insurance, which is like home owners’ insurance, but for tenants. Then, the insurer will take care of paying and defending any claims for injury or death caused by pets at the apartment building or house.
Furthermore, Virginia follows the law commonly referred to as the “one bite rule.” This means the dog owner is shielded from civil liability the first time each of his or her animals attacks another individual, if the attack was not intentional or due to negligence. For example, if the owner caused the dog bite by breaking a leash law, then that person could be held legally liable. If the animal was known to have dangerous propensities, the owner can sometimes be held responsible for even the first time it breaks skin.

I have a personal injury claim pending, but I’m having financial difficulties waiting for the case to settle. I see all of these fast cash ads. Are these companies legit?