facebook
Text Us Icon Text Us Call Us Icon Call Us

Norfolk, VA Dog Bite Lawyer

a dog sitting on a grassy field with a leash lying by their side

Norfolk, VA Dog Bite Lawyer

At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, we love dogs as much as the next Virginian, but we also realize that some dogs have the capacity to cause serious injury, traumatize, or even kill members of our community if not properly restrained. By law, pet owners have a duty to shield others from their aggressive animals, and if their failure to do so results in someone getting hurt or traumatized, the affected individuals have a right to seek compensation.

That being said, navigating the laws surrounding dog attacks can be complicated, especially without the help of a lawyer. Below are some helpful tips if you’re considering filing a dog bite claim or lawsuit. If you’d like additional information or you need immediate legal representation, our Norfolk dog bite lawyers are available to discuss your options.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Near Me

Huffman & Huffman has represented Virginians in dog bite lawsuits and other types of personal injury cases for over 50 years. Our offices are located at:

Newport News:

Tel: 757-767-4685

12284 Warwick Boulevard

Newport News, VA 23606

Virginia Beach:

Tel: 757-354-4858

4780 Euclid Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

How Common Are Dog Bites?

Approximately 4.7 million people in the U.S. suffer from dog bites each year, with about 20% needing medical attention for their injuries. Dog bites can happen anywhere, such as at one of Norfolk’s many dog parks; however, statistics suggest that about 61% of bites happen at a home or a familiar setting. In many cases, the dog responsible for the bite is owned by the victim’s family or friend.

An Overview of Virginia Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite laws in Virginia are complicated compared to other states, and filing a successful dog attack lawsuit hinges on familiarity with these laws. Below are a few examples of how dog bites are handled in Virginia’s courts.

Dog Owner Liability

Under Virginia law, dog owners have a legal obligation to protect the public from their dog’s aggressive behavior. This means that restraints (such as a lead or muzzle) may be considered necessary for some dogs. It’s also worth knowing that Norfolk has a local ordinance that requires dog owners to leash their dogs in all public spaces. If a dog owner fails to leash their dog in public and a person is hurt as a result, the owner may be found liable for any injuries or pain and suffering to the bystander.

One Bite Rule

Another unique dog bite law in Virginia is referred to as the “one-bite rule.” This means that if a dog bites a person for the first time, the owner is generally not considered to be liable. In these cases, it is still possible for victims to pursue compensation for their injuries, but doing so can be much more challenging. The victim must prove that the dog owner knew about the dog’s aggression and allowed the attack to happen anyway.

Common Dog Attack Injuries

Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries. Most commonly, these include puncture wounds, tissue damage, and lacerations from scratching or biting. Attacks can also result in broken bones as well as head and spinal injuries if the victim falls. It is important to note that even seemingly minor dog attack wounds can turn serious if they become infected. If this happens, the victim may experience an array of symptoms including sepsis, permanent nerve damage, and loss of limbs.

Lastly, individuals who have experienced a dog attack may suffer from emotional trauma—such as PTSD, anxiety, and, depression—that lasts for years or even a lifetime.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Norfolk

Knowing what to do after you’ve been bitten by a dog is essential to protecting your health and the health of others as well as preserving your ability to file a claim or lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention

Once you are able to get away from the dog that attacked you, immediately seek medical attention. This is not only important for your well-being but also for building a potential legal case. Medical records are often one of the most important pieces of evidence when it’s time to negotiate your settlement.

Report the Attack

Another important part of documenting the incident is notifying the proper authorities. Call Norfolk Animal Control at (757) 441-5610 and file an official report as soon as you’re able to do so.

Consult a Local Dog Bite Lawyer

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, consider contacting a Norfolk dog bite lawyer who can help you initiate your case by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and filing paperwork. They will also be able to communicate with the dog owner and local authorities on your behalf.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite in Norfolk?

In most cases, yes. If your injuries are very minor, you may decide not to file a claim. However, remember that dog bites can lead to serious health problems if they become infected, and that it may be days or even weeks before the symptoms become apparent. If your injuries become significant, it’s always good to at least have the option of filing a suit, and usually, the best chance you’ll have at recovering compensation for your injuries and trauma is by hiring a lawyer who is experienced in these types of scenarios.

Norfolk, VA Dog Bite Lawyer: FAQs

What Damages Are Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases?

In a dog bite case, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Hiring a lawyer is key to understanding the full range of damages you may be eligible to recover.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Dog Bite?

In Virginia, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim. If you wait longer than two years, you may not be able to recover compensation for your damages.

Can I File a Claim if the Dog Owner is a Friend or Family Member?

If a friend or family member’s dog bit you, you may be hesitant to pursue legal action. In the majority of cases, however, your friend or family member will not be the one responsible for compensating you. Dog bite claims are typically filed against the dog owner’s insurance company.

Learn How Our Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You

The healing process after a dog attack in Norfolk can be long, arduous, and expensive. In situations like these, we at Huffman & Huffman pride ourselves on our ability to advocate for dog attack victims and help them get compensation for their injuries. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients over the past five decades. If you’d like to know how we can help you with your case, contact us for a free consultation.

 

   

Put Our Family to Work for Your Family

  • We are a family-owned law firm.
  • You won’t pay until we win.
  • Our dedicated legal team has more than 150 years of combined experience helping injured clients.
  • We have proudly served tens of thousands of families in our community since 1973.
  • We’re free to talk, 24 hours a day.
Two Men who are partners at Huffman Huffman
image description

HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS

  •    

    HUFFMAN & HUFFMAN ARE THE BEST LAWYERS IN THE WORLD.

    - Esthela A
  •    

    I CANNOT THANK THEM ENOUGH AND DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THEM.

    - Charles J
  •    

    BEST RESULT FOR MY CASES.

    - Donte A
   

Fighting For The Injured For Over 50 Years

Call (757) 599-6050 to learn about your legal options.

image description