Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyer

Norfolk Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are popular pets in the Norfolk area and throughout Virginia, and while most people have positive interactions with dogs regularly, it is possible for a dog to attack a person unexpectedly. If you or a family member has been bitten and/or otherwise harmed by someone else’s dog, you may have grounds for legal action. An experienced Norfolk dog bite lawyer can explain the recovery options available to you and help you recover compensation for your losses.

Representing Dog Bite Victims in Norfolk, VA

If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of another party’s actions, a Norfolk personal injury lawyer can explain how you can hold them accountable and assist you in recovering compensation for your damages. The team at Whitlock Law, LLC, provides compassionate legal counsel for a wide range of personal injury cases in the Norfolk area, including dog bite cases. There are special rules that apply to these cases you must understand.

Our firm will listen to your story and learn as much as we can about the dog attack you experienced and the effects it has had on your life. If you have grounds for legal recourse, you can rely on our team to build a comprehensive case aimed at securing maximum compensation for your damages. You have a limited time to gather the evidence you need and file your case, so it is vital to reach out to a Norfolk dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible.

Understanding State Dog Bite Laws

In many states, a dog owner is strictly liable for any damages their pet causes to another party, regardless of whether the dog has any known history of aggression or previous attacks. In the state, the one-bite rule applies, meaning the first time a dog bites someone, the owner will only face liability for the victim’s medical expenses. However, if a dog has a history of prior attacks or if the owner is negligent in the handling of their dog, the one-bite rule does not apply.

If you intend to claim compensation for damages suffered in a recent dog attack in Norfolk, you first need to determine which standard applies to the defendant. If the one-bite rule applies, you may not be able to hold the dog owner accountable for your damages. However, this rule does not completely protect the dog owner from liability. If the facts show that they were negligent in their handling or care of the dog, you can claim compensation for your damages.

If a dog has a proven record of a past attack, or if the owner failed to address indications that the dog was dangerous to others and the dog attacked, then the owner would be liable for resulting damages. Dog attacks may result in painful injuries from biting, lacerations and puncture wounds, and even broken bones or traumatic brain injuries if the victim is knocked to the ground.

Norfolk Dog Bite Law FAQs

Q: Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?

A: Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Norfolk, Virginia as long as you did not provoke the attack and you were legally present at the location where the attack occurred. However, the state’s one-bite rule will limit recovery if this is the first time the dog has ever attacked and injured someone. If the dog was known to be dangerous or the owner did not take appropriate steps to prevent it from harming others, the owner faces strict liability for the resulting damages.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Dog Bite in Norfolk?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a dog bite in Norfolk will depend on whether the one-bite rule applies or if the owner faces strict liability. Under the one-bite rule, the owner is not liable for damages unless they were negligent in the handling of their dog. If strict liability applies, you would be able to seek full repayment of medical expenses and lost income as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Your attorney can estimate the value of your case.

Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in a Dog Bite Case?

A: In a dog bite case, pain and suffering compensation can be calculated based on the overall severity of the victim’s damages and whether they have sustained any permanent injury. Generally, the more serious the victim’s injury, the more compensation they can secure for their pain and suffering. State law does not apply a cap or limit on pain and suffering compensation in most personal injury cases.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Norfolk dog bite lawyer because this type of case is likely to be far more challenging to resolve than you may initially expect. The right attorney can help you determine which dog bite laws apply to your case and what damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant. They can guide you through the process of ensuring accountability for the defendant as efficiently as possible. You’re more likely to succeed with your case with an attorney’s help.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyer?

A: The cost of hiring a Norfolk dog bite lawyer may not be as much as you may expect when you choose Whitlock Law, LLC, to represent you. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only charge our client a fee if and when we win their case. Additionally, this contingency fee will be a percentage of the total compensation we recover for them. If there is no recovery, the client does not pay a fee.

The team at Whitlock Law, LLC, can help you navigate the complexities of your impending dog bite case with confidence and peace of mind. We have successfully resolved many personal injury cases in the Norfolk area and are prepared to address the unique legal challenges dog bite cases often present. Contact our team today and schedule a free consultation with a Norfolk dog bite lawyer to learn how we can assist with your case.