No one expects that they will be bitten and injured by a dog. However, dog bite injuries are not uncommon, and they can lead to long-lasting consequences for victims. At Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C., we are here to help if you need a Virginia dog bite lawyer. We regularly help clients in and around the Suffolk, Emporia, and Courtland areas secure the compensation they need when they have been harmed by a dog. Let our injury attorneys investigate your case so we can get this matter resolved as soon as possible.
Data shows that approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the country. However, not all of these to bite incidents result in significant injuries. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that around 800,000 to 900,000 people seek treatment in the hospital each year due to dog bite injuries. Victims in these cases often sustain:
Many states operate under a strict liability dog bite law that holds a dog owner responsible for any damage is caused by their dog regardless of whether or not the dog has bitten anybody before. However, Virginia operates under a “one bite” rule concerning dog bites. This means that a dog owner is only liable for injuries if they knew that their dog was dangerous or aggressive. The term “one bite” comes from the fact that one of the only ways to know whether a dog is dangerous is if they have already bitten at least one other person in the past.
Dog owners can also be held liable for injuries caused by their pet if it can be shown that the owner failed to use “reasonable care” in restraining or controlling their pet, even if the dog is not known to be dangerous. Those injured by a dog bite can recover compensation by bringing and proving a claim of negligence against the dog owner. This could include showing that a dog owner failed to obey an applicable municipal leash law and allowed their pet to roam freely.
If you or somebody you care about has been bitten injured by a dog in the Suffolk, Emporia, or Courland areas, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C., we are going to investigate every aspect of your case and work to secure the compensation you need. This can include:
If you need a dog bite attorney in Virginia, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 757-742-6115.
