Serving Victims Attacked in Virginia Beach and the Surrounding Communities
During the summer in Virginia Beach, tourists and residents often enjoy walking their dogs along the boardwalk or the water’s edge. Unfortunately, while rare, dog bites do occur and can lead to serious injuries. These incidents often result in significant harm, including permanent scarring, severe infections, and even psychological trauma. Young children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, with some cases tragically resulting in severe injuries or death.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, our Virginia Beach dog bite lawyers are here to help. Call 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. Because homeowner’s insurance often covers dog bite injuries, in many cases we are able to obtain compensation for clients without having to file a lawsuit.
We provide contingency fee representation, which means that we are only paid a fee if we succeed in recovering compensation for our clients. We also advance all costs and expenses associated with litigation, such as court costs, deposition expenses, and expert fees (these costs and expenses are normally recovered through a settlement or jury verdict). As a full-service Virginia Beach dog bite law firm, you can retain our firm with no monetary costs or fees while your case is proceeding.
Obtaining Compensation from Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance
Many dog bites occur at the home or apartments of friends, relatives, and neighbors. Frequently the dog bite victims (and their families) may have had long-standing positive relationships with the dog owner. As a result, victims are often caught in a dilemma – they are injured (sometimes severely) but they may be reluctant to bring a lawsuit.
Fortunately, in many cases the person renting the apartment or the homeowner will have insurance that will cover dog bite injuries. As dog bite injury lawyers, one of our first tasks is to determine whether such insurance exists, and if it does, to contact the insurance company as part of making a demand for damages. As a result, it sometimes is possible to secure a full and fair settlement from an insurance company without the need to file lawsuit against a friend, neighbor, or relative.
How Many Dog Bites Occur in the US Each Year?
Dog bites and animal attacks result in numerous deaths and disfiguring injuries each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States, and about 800,000 of these victims require medical treatment. According to the CDC, between 2011 and 2021, 468 people died as the result of a dog attack.[1]
Common Dog Bite Victims and Injuries
Many dog bite victims are children. Not only are children smaller and easier to attack than adults, but children often are not able to appreciate when a dog is acting dangerously.
Tragically, children tend to suffer more face and head injuries than adults when attacked by dogs. As a result, they often sustain disfiguring scaring from attacks, as well as significant pain and suffering that accompany both the initial attacks and future surgeries. The scaring itself can be life-long, leading to ongoing emotional trauma.
We understand.
In a dog bite lawsuit, there is only one opportunity to recover full compensation for all past and future damages, including pain and suffering. We are adept at building the cases of our clients and seeking for them the full measure of damages to which they are entitled.
What Are My Rights After Being Bitten By A Dog In Virginia Beach?
Dog bite victims in Virginia have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries, especially if the attack was caused by the dog owner’s negligence. Whether the incident occurred in a public space or on private property, you should not have to bear the physical, emotional, and financial burden of someone else’s aggressive pet.
Under Virginia’s laws, pet owners are responsible for ensuring their animals do not pose a danger to others. If the dog’s owner failed to take reasonable precautions or was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, you may be entitled to hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries. This compensation can cover expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand how frightening and overwhelming a dog bite can be. As Virginia Beach dog bite injury lawyers with decades of injury experience, we are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive representation. We’ll review your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation and learn how we can help.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Virginia Beach Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?
One of the most common concerns for dog bite victims is the cost of hiring a lawyer. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent you from seeking justice. That’s why we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t pay anything out of pocket to hire us.
- You Only Pay If Compensation is Obtained: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time and effort.
- Litigation Costs Advanced: We advance all necessary litigation expenses, such as court filing fees and expert witness costs. These expenses are typically fully covered by a settlement or jury award.
This arrangement ensures that our interests are aligned with yours. We are fully committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses.
What Steps Should I Take If I Am Bitten By A Dog In Virginia Beach?
If you are bitten by a dog in Virginia Beach, the first thing you should do is remove yourself from the situation and get to a secure place, such as in another room, in a nearby shop, or even your car. Next, seek immediate medical attention. Even comparatively minor dog bites should be attended to by a healthcare professional, especially if the skin was broken.
Provided that you are not in imminent danger, you could also try to:
- Determine if the dog was stray. If not, try to locate or identify the owner.
- Get contact details from any bystanders who witnessed the attack.
- Contact Virginia Beach Animal Control at (757) 385-4444 and/or call 911, especially if the owner is refusing to cooperate.
- Contact an experienced dog bite attorney and schedule a free consultation. As Virginia Beach dog bite lawyers we can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Never be dismissive of a dog bite, even if it appears to be minor. If the skin is broken, you should have a healthcare professional look at it.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of physical injuries, some of which may require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. In severe cases, these injuries can cause permanent disability or life-altering emotional trauma. Common injuries include:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds caused by a dog’s teeth can lead to serious infections, such as sepsis or tetanus, if not properly treated.
- Broken Bones: A strong bite or being knocked down during an attack can result in fractures, especially in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Blood Loss and Shock: Severe bites may cause significant blood loss, leading to shock or other life-threatening complications.
- Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites to visible areas, such as the face or hands, often leave scars that may require reconstructive surgery.
- Nerve Damage: Deep punctures can damage nerves, resulting in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or loss of sensation.
In addition to these physical injuries, dog bites often cause long-term psychological effects, such as:
- Anxiety and Depression: Victims may develop a fear of dogs or public spaces, impacting their daily lives and mental health.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety are common in victims of severe or unprovoked attacks.
- Fear of Going Outdoors: The trauma of an attack can lead to social withdrawal and a reluctance to engage in outdoor activities.
Our dog bite injury attorneys understand the lasting impact these injuries can have on your physical and emotional well-being. We are committed to helping you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any necessary psychological treatment.
What is Virginia’s One Bite Rule?
In Virginia, all pet owners have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions to prevent their pets from harming others. If an owner fails to exercise this duty of care, and their dog bites or injures someone, they may be held liable for negligence.
Virginia follows the One Bite Rule, which means that a dog owner is generally not liable for a bite if the dog has never bitten a person before. However, a dog owner can be held financially responsible for a bite or attack if they knew or reasonably should have known that their dog had aggressive tendencies. This is typically established if:
- The dog has previously bitten someone.
- The dog has previously attacked, bitten, or otherwise caused injury to another animal.
- The dog has exhibited dangerous behaviors, such as growling, lunging, or snapping at people.
Most of us have encountered situations where a dog has been aggressively barking at someone, straining to get free from a fence, chain, or even a house door so that they can attack anyone getting near them. These are perfect examples in which an owner should be well aware of the dog’s vicious tendencies, even if the dog has never actually bitten someone.
Once an owner is aware (or should be aware) of their dog’s potential to bite, they have a responsibility to control the dog and prevent harm. Failing to do so can result in liability for injuries.
When Does the One Bite Rule Not Apply?
While Virginia generally follows the One Bite Rule, there are circumstances where an owner can still be held liable for a dog bite even if the dog has never bitten before. These cases often involve violations of leash laws or other local ordinances.
For example, a leash law violation may create liability for an owner even if their dog had never shown aggression before. Situations where the One Bite Rule may not protect the owner include:
- If the dog was off-leash in an area where leash laws require pets to be restrained.
- If the dog was roaming freely in a public place, such as a park or sidewalk, in violation of local regulations.
- If the owner failed to properly fence in or contain their dog, and it escaped and bit someone.
In these cases, the victim does not have to prove that the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies—simply that the owner violated the law by failing to properly restrain their pet.
As noted above, the Virginia One Bite Rule has many nuances. As a result, if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to consult with a dog injury lawyer to determine whether the owner can be held responsible under state and local laws.
Are There Specific Times Dogs Are Allowed on the Beach?
Dogs are welcome to join their human counterparts in enjoying the Virginia Beach oceanfront all year long. There are, however, a few specific rules and regulations outlined in Virginia Beach City Code 6-5 that owners will need to keep in mind:
- All dogs are allowed on the boardwalk and public beaches from Labor Day to Memorial Day (fall, winter, and spring).
- During the summer months, dogs are not allowed on the main oceanfront beach between 1st Street and 42nd Street and may only be on the boardwalk between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Dogs on the boardwalk must be on a leash. Dogs on the beach may be off-leash as long as they are not bothering other dogs or people and are under their human’s control.
- The dog’s custodian or owner must pick up and contain all waste in an airtight wrapper or container and dispose of it properly in a waste bin.
How Much Can I Get for a Dog Bite Injury in Virginia Beach?
The compensation you may receive after a dog bite in Virginia Beach depends on the severity of your injuries, the medical treatment required, the emotional impact of the attack, the financial resources of the dog owner, and whether the owner has insurance that will cover the damages from the dog bite or dog attack. Compensation typically includes:
- Medical Expenses: Covering emergency care, surgeries, medications, and follow-up treatments.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time away from work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and the emotional toll of the attack.
- Future Costs: Anticipated expenses, such as ongoing therapy or reconstructive surgeries.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Virginia Beach.
With so many provisions and exceptions in the law, it is crucial that you contact an experienced Virginia Beach dog bite attorney in the event of an unprovoked dog attack. Call the experienced personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774 and schedule your free consultation today.