If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog, the injuries and psychological trauma may be overwhelming. You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries, “pain and suffering,” and inconvenience both now and in the future. Expenses can add up quickly. Contact an attorney with experience in dog bite cases so you can get started on your case sooner. A dog bite lawyer in Fauquier County, VA from the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC can handle any type of dog bite case and understands how insurance companies handle dog bite claims. Contact us at 571-229-1800 for a free consultation.
Available Compensation in a Dog Bite Claim
Depending on your specific situation and the severity of the dog bite, you may be experiencing physical and emotional trauma. Treating both the psychological and physical after effects of a dog bite can be costly. You may receive compensation for:
- The cost of current and future medical bills and treatment expenses for injuries and psychological trauma sustained from the dog bite
- Lost wages if you had to miss work due to your injuries, including future lost wages
- Compensation for “pain and suffering” and inconvenience after the incident
Determining Who Is Likely Liable for Your Dog Bite Claim
Personal injury lawyer Jim Parrish will help you determine who is responsible for your injuries. Depending on your specific circumstances, the responsible person may be:
- A dog owner
- A dog walker
- A landlord if they allowed dogs to be unleashed when outside
- A dog sitter or anyone responsible for supervising the dog’s activities
- The owner of the dog kennel if the dog was a guest
- If the owner or caretaker of a dog is a minor, the custodial parent may be responsible
The One Bite Rule
The “one bite” rule in Virginia states that an owner or caretaker of a dog assumes civil liability only if you are bitten by a dog that they knew to be aggressive in the past. If you are bitten by an animal that has never demonstrated any aggressive behavior before, it could be challenging to prove the owner is at fault. There are exceptions to this rule and a dog bite lawyer in Fauquier County, VA will know how to handle this type of claim.
Fauquier County Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Proving Fault in a Virginia Dog Bite Accident Case
In Virginia, if history demonstrates that the dog was aggressive or vicious toward other animals or humans, the owner may be found to be at fault because they knew the dog was dangerous and did not take precautions to keep anyone coming in contact with, or in the vicinity of the dog, safe.
If the dog has no history of biting another person or animal, the owner may still be responsible. To prove fault, we will attempt to demonstrate one of the following:
- The owners did not comply with local leash laws and allowed the dog to roam free
- The owner failed to restrain the dog
- You were injured due to the owner’s negligence
The Statute of Limitations in Virginia
The statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in Virginia is two years from the date the injuries occurred. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time, you will likely be unable to recover the compensation you need to move on with your life. Call today to avoid overstepping this time limit.
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Common Dog Bite Injury Cases We Handle
We handle all types of injuries from dog bites and attacks, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Scratches and scrapes
- Emotional injuries, such as anxiety, depression, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with physical trauma to the body part that was bitten, the most serious complication from a dog bite is an infection or a disease. Infections to keep an eye out for after a dog bite include:
- Rabies – This is a virus that spreads to the brain and is usually fatal. It is transferred from an infected dog’s saliva to the bitten person.
- Capnocytophaga spp. – This is a type of bacteria in a dog’s mouth that can be spread to humans. This is especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems.
- Pasteurella – This is found in the majority of infected dog bites and will cause pain and swelling around the puncture site.
- MRSA – This is bacteria that can be deadly to humans and is resistant to several strains of antibiotics. MRSA can show no signs in animals that are infected.
- Tetanus – This is a toxin caused by specific bacteria that can cause paralysis in people who have not been vaccinated.
Many of the complications arising from conditions such as MRSA, tetanus, and rabies can cause serious medical conditions and can be fatal. They can also cause tissue death on or near the bite mark, which may require amputation to make sure the disease does not spread to important organs.
Get Help from the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC
If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog, and suffered injuries and trauma, you have a right to obtain compensation. A dog bite lawyer in Fauquier County, VA can be your advocate and help you obtain the payout you need. The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, has received the Client’s Choice Award by AVVO and the Client Satisfaction Award from the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (AIOPIA). We also serve other personal injury cases, such as car accidents.
Call us today to see why: 571-229-1800. The initial consultation is free, and we recover no attorney’s fees unless you win your case. You have nothing to lose by calling us.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form