Dogs are a common sight on the streets of our state’s capital. Yet, just like everywhere else, owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs leashed and under control. When they don’t, they’re financially liable for any injuries that their pets inflict.
Did you suffer serious injuries from a dog bite? If so, you have legal rights and financial recovery options—and the dog bite lawyers in Richmond intends to help you uphold them. With more than 20 years of legal experience, Attorney Jim Parrish and his team of Richmond personal injury lawyers can pursue the compensation you need to access medical care and acknowledge your personal hardships.
It costs nothing upfront to partner with our team, and we offer FREE claim reviews. Contact us today to meet with us and learn more.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Seek Nothing Less than Full Compensation for Your Injury
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC isn’t like the dozens of settlement mills advertising along I-95. We take the time to assess your losses and account for each way the injury has affected your quality of life, both now and in the future. We don’t accept low settlements just to get legal matters over with. We aim to secure an amount that puts your future first.
Financial recovery, whether achieved through negotiations or litigation, could offer coverage for:
- Medical bills, including skin grafts, antibiotics, and inpatient care
- Lost income, both now and in the future
- Out-of-pocket expenses during your recovery period
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
This is by no means an exhaustive list of what you can recover. The specifics of your case, along with your compensable damages, are unique to your situation.
How Our Team Recovered a $300k Settlement for a Dog Bite Claimant
To date, we have recovered more than $30 million in settlements and verdicts for injured claimants. One of our most notable settlements was for a retired U.S. marine who suffered life-threatening injuries after being mauled by a pit bull, then dragged 20 yards. The unprovoked attack resulted in nerve damage, along with permanent scarring.
Under the state’s one-bite rule, some dog owners can dodge liability by alleging that they had no idea their dog was dangerous. But that wasn’t an option for the at-fault party. Law enforcement found that they acted with such egregious negligence that the state filed criminal charges.
Still, that didn’t stop the insurer from blaming our client. Relying on his experience defending corporate insurance giants, Jim countered the insurer’s allegations with irrefutable evidence, and not long after, he secured the maximum allowable limit under the liable homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Much Can I Recover for My Dog Bite Injury Claim?
While the example above resulted in a significant settlement for our client, it’s not intended to reflect how much you can recover. Many factors play a role in the value of your economic and non-economic damages, including:
- The severity of your condition
- Your estimated recovery time
- The details of the dog bite
- The cost of your economic damages
- The liable insurance policy
Your Richmond dog bite lawyer will assess your claim from many angles to determine what constitutes a fair settlement value. Trust our team to seek compensation that prioritizes your needs, so you can leave this challenging time in the past.
How Our Richmond Dog Bite Lawyers Plan to Secure Compensation
Dog bite injury claims can quickly turn into heated, emotionally charged legal ordeals. Nobody wants to admit that their dog is dangerous. However, the fact remains that you suffered a serious injury and need compensation. Our team stands between you and anybody who wants to contest, derail, or deny your claim.
To that end, we:
- Listen to your story during your FREE claim review. Connecting with our team is an opportunity to share the details of the incident, along with your legal expectations. Everything you share remains confidential, and there’s never any obligation to partner with us when you call.
- Launch an independent investigation. Law enforcement may have already investigated the dog bite—but we haven’t. We interview witnesses, review any security camera footage, and evaluate your medical records to build a compelling case.
- Identify the at-fault and liable parties. Who is ultimately responsible for your losses depends on the circumstances of the dog bite. If you were bitten at a friend’s house, you could seek damages under their homeowner’s insurance policy. If you were bitten at an animal shelter, you could file a claim with the organization’s liability insurance.
- File your personal injury claim. Our Richmond injury lawyers resolve most claims through negotiated settlements, preserving clients’ peace of mind. We approach the insurer with an evidence-backed case that illustrates your right to fair compensation. If a fair offer isn’t forthcoming, we can negotiate for what you deserve.
- Sue the at-fault party. Don’t worry—you don’t have to understand anything about filing a civil lawsuit to secure compensation. Attorney Jim Parrish and his law firm understand the process inside and out, fighting for your rights each step of the way.
We provide client-centered care to seriously injured dog bite claimants. Call today and learn how we fight for you.
Richmond Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Are Well-Versed in Richmond Dog Laws and Ordinances
The core of many dog bite claims involves showing how the dog’s owner did not act reasonably to prevent their pet from injuring others. In accordance with guidelines set by the City of Richmond, we may allege that:
- The dog’s owner did not ensure their dog had the proper vaccinations (e.g., rabies), contributing to the severity of the incident and the intensity of the medical care you required.
- The dog’s owner did not purchase a license to legally own the dog.
- The dog’s owner did not have their animal on a leash—and therefore, not under their control. Dogs must be leashed in most public parks (dog parks are the exception, but do not free the owner from liability).
While Virginia does not ban certain breeds, many subsidized housing complexes do. If you were bitten by a prohibited breed in one of these communities, that could serve as the basis of your case. Some breeds prohibited in these complexes include pit bulls, assorted mastiff dogs, rottweilers, Akitas, Dobermans, and German shepherds.
Get Financial Justice for Your Richmond Dog Bite Today
Recovering from your dog bite doesn’t come with a time limit, but your right to file a personal injury lawsuit does. You have just two years to initiate litigation under Va. Code § 8.01-243. Don’t let the statute of limitations pass and invalidate your right to compensation. Instead, connect with the Richmond dog bite lawyers at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC. We’re ready when you are.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form