Hampton Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog attacks are more common than many realize, with millions of Americans suffering bites each year, leading to painful injuries and costly medical care. Here in Hampton, these incidents can leave victims struggling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens.

At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, we understand the toll a dog attack can take and believe that negligent pet owners should be held accountable. Our experienced Hampton dog bite lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process, from determining liability to pursuing the compensation you deserve.

What Is the “One-Bite” Rule in Virginia?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Virginia, you may have heard of something called the “one-bite” rule. But what does this rule mean, and how does it affect your ability to file a dog bite claim?

Virginia’s one-bite rule states that an owner is liable for a bite if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. According to state law, a dog is typically considered “dangerous” after it has bitten, attacked, or injured a person, or killed another pet. Does this mean the dog’s first bite counts as a “free pass?” Not exactly.

While a case involving a dog’s first bite can be more difficult to pursue, it is still possible to hold the dog owner liable for the injury if the dog displayed aggressive tendencies in the past. This may include instances in which it lunged at people, bared its teeth, or otherwise acted in a way that indicated it posed a danger.

Are There Exceptions to the One-Bite Rule?

While the law generally sides with victims of dangerous animals, there are certain situations in which a dog owner may not be held liable. You may not be able to file a dog bite claim if you:

• Were Trespassing Or Otherwise Committing a Crime: In most cases, you must have been lawfully present on the property where the bite occurred in order to file a claim for compensation.
• Provoked Or Harassed the Dog or Owner: The law acknowledges that dogs frequently bite in response to acts of aggression. If you taunted, attacked, or threatened the animal or its owner, pursuing a claim may be challenging.
• Were Bitten By a Police, Military, or Hunting Dog: Police and military dogs on active duty, as well as those participating in lawful hunting, are generally exempt from the one-bite rule.
• Suffered Only Minor Injuries: Virginia law clearly distinguishes between serious bites and minor incidents. A nip or bite with no broken skin might not provide grounds for a valid claim.

Who Else Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Hampton?

Liability isn’t limited to the dog’s owner in Hampton dog bite cases. Any number of parties may be legally responsible, including the following:

• Property owners who knowingly allow a dangerous dog to remain on their premises
• Landlords who are aware of a tenant’s dangerous dog but fail to take reasonable precautions
• Dog sitters or kennels with temporary custody of the dog
• Anyone who had control of the animal at the time of the attack
• Parents of minors who own dogs (the law states that parents are responsible for complying with dangerous dog requirements if the owner is a minor)

If you’re caring for a dog, even temporarily, you’re considered to have the same responsibilities as an owner.

What Hampton Dog Laws Might Affect a Dog Bite Case?

Dog owners in Hampton must abide by specific laws. For instance, owners may not allow their dogs to run off the leash outside of official dog parks, nor are they allowed to tether them. In addition, they may not allow their dogs to ride in a vehicle in such a way that would allow them to jump out. If it is found that the owner violated these laws, and their dog bit someone as a result, it can strengthen the victim’s case.

How Can a Hampton Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?

Although Virginia’s one-bite rule makes it easier for dog bite victims to pursue compensation for their injuries, these cases are not necessarily straightforward, even if the dog is known to be dangerous.

Insurance companies are known for downplaying the severity of victims’ injuries or even attempting to blame them for the incident to reduce or deny payment. When this happens, a dog bite lawyer can help you file a lawsuit and fight for the settlement you deserve.

In cases where the dog has no prior history of a bite, hiring a lawyer is especially crucial, as they can assist you in uncovering evidence that demonstrates the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.

The dog bite attorneys at Huffman & Huffman know how to gather and present the evidence that matters most in Virginia courts, including:

• Previous complaints about the dog’s behavior
• Violations of local laws
• Animal Control reports and dangerous dog declarations
• Documentation of required safety measures like warning signs and enclosures
• Medical documentation defining “serious injury” under state law

Most importantly, our attorneys understand how to value dog bite claims accurately. Many dog bite victims underestimate how much their cases are worth, especially when faced with long-term effects like scarring, disfigurement, or emotional trauma.

What Should I Do If a Dog Bites Me In Hampton?

First and most importantly, seek medical help right away. If not treated in a timely manner, dog bites can easily become infected, leading to severe health implications. After being examined by a medical professional, take the following steps to lay the groundwork for a potential legal claim:

• Report the bite to the Hampton Animal Response Team to initiate an investigation.
• Inform the Hampton Health Department of the circumstances of the bite.
• Gather evidence to support your case, including photos of the dog attack wounds before treatment, copies of medical bills, and the owner’s information.
• Contact a dog bite attorney with knowledge of state and local dog bite laws.
• Comply with any subsequent investigation procedures.
• Avoid making private agreements with the dog owner.

Following these guidelines and working with an experienced Hampton dog bite lawyer will help you build a strong case and improve your chances of receiving a fair dog bite settlement.

Suffering From a Dog Bite Injury? Don’t Go It Alone—Contact Huffman & Huffman

A dog bite can turn your life upside down, leaving you with painful injuries, mounting expenses, and countless questions about what to do next. At Huffman & Huffman, our Hampton dog bite lawyers understand how overwhelming this experience can be and are here to help.

With decades of experience handling dog bite cases in Hampton and throughout Virginia, you can trust us to hold dog owners accountable and tirelessly advocate for the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.