Fairfax Dog Bite Lawyers
Seeking Compensation for Clients in Fairfax, Woodbridge & Prince William Counties
With dog ownership growing in popularity across America, the risk of dog bites has grown. While most dogs are friendly and non-aggressive, certain breeds are known for their propensity to harm humans. However, any dog can become stressed or fearful enough to attack, especially if it feels threatened or provoked.
Dog bite incidents can lead to injuries for children and adults, leading to a range of physical, emotional, and financial impacts. At Law Office Of Andrew S. Kasmer, our team of competent personal injury lawyers can help you seek the compensation you are entitled to under Virginia law in such cases. Our firm focuses a significant portion of its practice on personal injury and has achieved an impressive track record of results for clients in and around Fairfax.
Book a free case assessment with a Fairfax dog bite attorney by calling a team member at (571) 350-8562 or contacting us online. Hablamos español.
Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Virginia
Dog owners in Virginia are individuals who have a right to an animal, keep an animal, care for an animal, or act as custodians of an animal. These parties may be held liable if their dog bites another.
If the dog has previously shown vicious behavior and the owner was aware or should have been aware of this, the owner can be held liable for the injuries they caused. This is often called the “one-bite” rule.
Our state also allows dog bite claims to be filed based on negligence. An example of this would be an unleashed dog that bites. This can be a violation of leash laws. Owners are expected to follow local regulations and exercise reasonable care in controlling their dogs with leashes or within their properties.
Courts in Virginia have ruled in various ways regarding dog bite liability, which is why it is necessary to seek the counsel of one of our personal injury lawyers.
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Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can inflict various injuries including but not limited to:
- Puncture wounds: These injuries are common in dog bite incidents, often deep and susceptible to infection.
- Tetanus infection: Dog bites can introduce bacteria, leading to tetanus if the victim's vaccinations are not up-to-date.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites may damage nerves, potentially leading to loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
- Muscle and tendon injuries: Aggressive attacks can result in torn muscles and tendons, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Facial injuries: Bites to the face can cause significant scarring, requiring plastic surgery, and may also lead to emotional trauma.
- Dental injuries: Dogs can jump on and knock victims to the ground, especially small adults and children, leading to broken and lost teeth.
- Fractures: Powerful or large-breed dogs can exert enough force to break bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Deep wounds may lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement, affecting one’s self-image and requiring surgery.
- Psychological impact. Victims may suffer PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs, impacting their quality of life.
Compensation for such injuries may cover medical or dental expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, therapy or rehabilitation costs. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of gross negligence or if the dog was known to be dangerous.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Law Office Of Andrew S. Kasmer, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Satisfaction Guaranteed"Mr. Andrew Kasmer is the best lawyer of all time. I will refer anyone involved in a car accident, or at work to contact the Law Offices of Andrew Kasmer.- Milan F.
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"Lawyers That Truly Care"I highly recommend this law firm. Mr. Holston helped navigate my worker's comp case to a more than satisfactory settlement that would not have been reached on my own.- Melanie C.
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"Work Hard to Get What You Deserve"A wonderful group of attorneys. They worked very hard in my case and set proper expectations to start. I was advised along the way and while my meetings were short and direct to the point, I didn't feel like any of my questions didn't go unanswered.- Frank S.
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"Worth Every Penny"I hired Mr. Kasmer two years ago for a DUI-related incident. He went above and beyond to make sure that I was well-informed and involved in what was going on. I have never had a better experience with a lawyer. I was very confident in his ability.- Jessica T.
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"This Lawyer Is a Winner"Andrew Kasmer is the best lawyer! I do not say that lightly. Mr. Kasmer worked so diligently on my workers' compensation case. He never gave up, counseling me and guiding me through.- Nicole M.
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"Fights for His Clients"
Andrew Kasmer's team is professional, thorough, and your best advocate. I was in a car accident where my car was. Mr. Kasmer was able to get me at least 4 times what I would have gotten if I had dealt with the insurance companies myself.
- Kim R.
Proving a Dog Bite Claim
To successfully prove a claim in a dog bite case, you must demonstrate that the dog owner knew or should have known of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, and that this failure directly resulted in your injuries. Establishing liability requires a thorough understanding of both state and local laws.
Pursuing compensation often entails navigating complex interactions with homeowner's insurance companies, representing a significant challenge for victims. Many dog owners have insurance policies that cover incidents involving their pets, but insurance companies are motivated to minimize payouts.
They use skilled adjusters and legal teams whose primary objective is to dispute liability and reduce compensation. This adversarial stance calls for proven legal and negotiation skills by your personal injury attorney.
The claims process can be daunting, with insurers often questioning the extent of your injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and your contribution to the event. Thus, effective representation from our capable Fairfax dog bite lawyers becomes crucial to fighting for fair compensation that reflects the full scope of your damages.
You can reach us online or at (571) 350-8562 to reserve a consultation appointment today.