Chesapeake Dog Bite Lawyer

After you’ve been attacked by a dog, you may be left with injuries or disabilities that affect your quality of life and finances. It can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Whether the dog belongs to a friend, family member, or someone you don’t know, speaking with an attorney is an important step. An attorney can guide you through the process, helping you address your damages and navigate potential challenges without adding unnecessary stress to your relationships.

At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, we can review your case and help you determine who is liable for your damages. From start to finish, we’ll handle your claim so you can focus on recovering, making it easier for you to secure the compensation you need for your injuries.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Chesapeake

In Virginia, both local and state laws govern how people must protect the public from their animals. In Chesapeake, all dogs that are not within a person’s property must be on a leash. If a dog bites or scratches someone, the dog must be quarantined for 10 days to ensure they do not have rabies.

The Commonwealth of Virginia operates on a one-bite rule. This rule means that an owner of a dog that injures another person is strictly liable for all damages if they knew the dog was dangerous, regardless of whether they took appropriate precautions to protect the person from their animal.

A dog is generally considered dangerous if it has injured someone before. However, even if the dog has not attacked someone previously, indications of aggressiveness like snarling or growling at a person may also be enough for the animal to be considered dangerous.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs typically bite as a reaction to something in their environment. The primary reason why a dog bites is out of fear. If a dog feels threatened, it may bite. Dogs may also bite if they are startled, making it very important to be mindful of how a dog is approached.

Dogs may also bite if a person or animal attempts to take something that belongs to them, like food or a toy. In some cases, dogs may be protective of their owners and bite another person or animal that they see as a threat.

If a dog is in pain, it may bite even if a person is attempting to help it. Dogs that are in extreme pain may bite if they are moved or touched in an area that hurts.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

To prevent dog bites, it’s important to remember that animals react differently than humans. Here are some tips to help you avoid being bitten.

• Learn how and when to approach a dog. Dogs that are in a defensive or scared position (teeth bared, tail between legs, or backing away) should not be approached.
• Never approach an unfamiliar dog without asking its owner for permission.
• Allow dogs to sniff the back of your hand first, before attempting to pet or touch them.
• Be calm and quiet when approaching dogs to avoid startling them.
• Never run towards or away from a dog.

If you find yourself face to face with a dog that is baring its teeth and growling, try to stay calm. Use a calm voice, avoid eye contact, and attempt to back away slowly.

What to Do If a Dog Bites You In Chesapeake

After you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are several key steps to take to get help and protect others from being harmed by the animal.

1. Identify the dog and its owner. You’ll need to collect their contact information and ask for copies of the dog’s vaccinations.
2. Get immediate medical attention for your wounds.
3. File a dog bite report. Contact the Chesapeake Animal Services Unit to report the bite. Even if you know the dog, the bite must be reported to protect others from experiencing a bite from the same animal.
4. Contact a dog bite attorney in Chesapeake.

You may find you have injuries and accompanying medical bills after your dog bite. An attorney can help you file a claim for damages.

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Chesapeake Dog Bite?

Dog bite cases can be complex, especially if the dog that bit you is a first-time offender, as it can be difficult to prove the owner knew about the dog’s dangerous tendencies. A qualified attorney can:

• Collect evidence
• Consult with your medical team
• Establish liability
• File a dog bite claim on your behalf
• Fight for your right to receive compensation
• Go to trial for you, if a settlement cannot be reached

No one wants to think they’ll have to go to court to fight for compensation for their dog bite injury, but if necessary, an experienced attorney can help you build a case that supports your need for fair compensation.

What Damages Can I Recover for a Dog Bite?

A person who suffers a dog bite may be able to receive both economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages include the quantifiable expenses incurred as a result of the incident. Some examples of economic damages are medical bills, treatments, and missed pay if you are unable to work.
• Non-economic damages account for the more complex effects the incident has had on your life, which are generally harder to measure. These include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress.

Assigning an amount to non-economic damages can be difficult. An attorney with experience in dog bite cases can review your unique circumstances to help you determine a fair amount for your claim.

Chesapeake Dog Bite Lawyer: FAQs

At Huffman & Huffman, we often receive questions bout dog bite cases. Here are answers to some of the most common.

How Much is a Dog Bite Case Worth?

It’s hard to determine how much your dog bite claim will be worth. Factors that affect the compensation you may receive include:

• The severity of your injuries
• Insurance policy limits, if the dog owner has insurance
• Whether or not the owner is found to be strictly liable
• The damages you sustain

Insurance carriers may suggest that you avoid legal counsel or offer you a settlement that is far too low to cover your expenses. For these reasons, it’s important to have an attorney protecting your rights.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case?

It can take a few weeks to a few months to settle a dog bite case. The complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the current court caseload are all factors that affect the timeline of your settlement.

How Do I Find the Best Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Near Me?

Hiring an attorney is a big decision. Reading reviews, speaking to family members and friends, and meeting with a potential attorney to discuss your case are essential steps. It is especially important to choose a local dog bite lawyer, as they will have intimate knowledge of the dog bite laws specific to your area. With offices in Newport News and Virginia Beach, Huffman & Huffman has served the residents of Norfolk and its surrounding areas for over fifty years.

Get a Free Consultation from a Chesapeake Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been injured by a dog, contact Huffman & Huffman today for a free consultation to review your case. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury and prevent others from falling victim to dangerous animals.