Dog Bite Attorneys in Fairfax
Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Fairfax, Woodbridge & Prince William Counties
As dog ownership increases across America, the risk of dog bites rises. While most dogs remain friendly and non-aggressive, any breed can become stressed or fearful enough to attack, especially if the animal feels threatened or provoked.
Dog bite incidents often result in injuries for both children and adults, with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Law Office Of Andrew S. Kasmer, our experienced dog bite lawyer in Fairfax can help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under Virginia law. Our firm dedicates a significant part of its practice to personal injury matters and has achieved strong results for clients in Fairfax and the surrounding communities.
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. These parties may be held liable if their dog bites another person.
If the dog has previously shown vicious behavior and the owner knew or should have known this, the owner may be held liable for the resulting injuries. This principle is often called the “one-bite” rule.
Virginia also allows dog bite claims based on negligence. For example, an unleashed dog that bites could violate leash laws. Dog owners are expected to comply with local regulations and exercise reasonable care in controlling their dogs with leashes or within their property.
Courts in Virginia have issued various rulings on dog bite liability, making it important to seek counsel from one of our personal injury lawyers.
Damages Available for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in Fairfax may recover a range of damages depending on the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the injuries.
Compensable damages may include reimbursement for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
In cases where dog owners acted with gross negligence, punitive damages may be available to deter similar conduct in the future. Fairfax courts and insurance carriers may evaluate each category using documentation such as receipts, physician statements, and corroboration from family or employers. Having a clearly documented case strengthens your ability to recover compensation that matches your losses.
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Types of 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, may require plastic surgery, and may also lead to emotional trauma.
- Dental injuries: Dogs may knock victims to the ground, especially small adults and children, causing broken or 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, impacting one’s self-image and possibly requiring surgery.
- Psychological impact: Victims may suffer PTSD, anxiety, or fear of dogs, affecting their quality of life.
Severe injuries from dog bites can create additional burdens for victims in Fairfax, particularly when injuries require ongoing care at regional medical centers or specialist facilities. Children injured in a dog attack often need extra support, both medically and emotionally, to help them overcome trauma and recover fully. When scarring or disfigurement occurs, reconstructive surgery might be necessary. These realities highlight the importance of pursuing compensation that truly reflects all medical and personal consequences of a dog bite.
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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"Truly a 5-star Experience!"Exceptional Service – Especially Thanks to Berta! I had an outstanding experience with this law firm after my car accident. From start to finish, they handled everything with professionalism, care, and attention to detail.- Oscar A.
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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 in Virginia
To successfully prove a claim in a dog bite case, you must show that the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog's aggressive tendencies, failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack, and that this failure directly caused your injuries. Building a strong case requires a detailed understanding of both state and local laws.
Pursuing compensation often means dealing with complex interactions with homeowner's insurance companies, which can be challenging for victims. Many dog owners have insurance that covers incidents involving their pets, but insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts.
Insurance companies use adjusters and legal teams whose main goal is to dispute liability and reduce compensation. This adversarial approach requires experienced legal and negotiation skills by your personal injury attorney.
Throughout the claims process, insurers may question the extent of your injuries, how the incident occurred, and your actions during the event. Effective representation from our capable Fairfax dog bite lawyers is crucial in seeking fair compensation that reflects the full extent of your damages.
You can reach us online or at (571) 350-8562 to reserve a consultation appointment and further discuss your Fairfax dog bite claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a dog bite should I start my claim in Fairfax?
In Virginia, you typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim for personal injury. Starting promptly helps preserve evidence and allows for more complete documentation, which improves your chances for a fair result.
What should I do if the dog owner will not provide their insurance details?
If the dog owner refuses to share their information or becomes uncooperative, report the incident to animal control and document your efforts. You can still consult with a dog bite attorney in Fairfax to discuss available pathways for compensation even if you do not have the owner's insurance details.