Help for Dog Bite Victims
Dogs have long been considered our best friends, providing years of loyal companionship. Although dogs occasionally get into trouble at home chewing shoes or stealing food off of plates, for the most part, dog owners believe their pups are good dogs. Unfortunately, dog owners can’t always predict how their dogs will begin all of the time.
This is backed up by statistics collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association, which found that 4.5 million people are bitten each year. Of that number, 334,000 had to report to an emergency room, and another 466,000 got care from other medical settings like urgent care or their doctors. That is a lot of injuries, and most of them could have been prevented if the owner had more control over their pets.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, an Alexandria dog bite lawyer could help you secure compensation for any losses you have. The attorneys at Curcio Law have decades of experience handling premises liability claims like these. We can provide the guidance and information you need to make the right decision for your next step, so if you’re seriously hurt and need help, be sure to reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation to understand what to do next.
What To Know About the Virginia One Bite Rule
Our state has a one bite rule in place when it comes to dogs attacking and injuring people. That means that an owner can only be held liable for their dog biting another person if the owner knows their dog might have aggressive tendencies. That is a challenge for your attorney, but not an insurmountable one.
How Attorneys Prove Liability for Canine Attacks in Alexandria
The responsibility rests on your shoulders (or that of your Alexandria dog bite lawyer) to have a successful claim. Proving your case may require you or your attorney to show:
The Dog Owner Knew of Aggressive or Vicious Tendencies
Certain dog breeds are known for their aggressive behavior. They present such a risk that many insurance companies will not extend coverage to a dog owner in their homeowner’s insurance policy. The following are some of those designated breeds:
- Pitbull
- Rottweiler
- Chow Chow
- Akita
- Husky
- Mastiff
- Boxer
However, just because an owner has one of those breeds does not automatically mean the dog is aggressive. Having evidence directly related to the dog in question is more relevant. That evidence can be in the form of an official report of a “dangerous dog,” as described in Virginia code § 3.2-6540. Authorities generate that report when a biting injury is reported.
Typically, local animal control or law enforcement agencies will conduct an investigation into what happened. They will get testimony from the bite victim, the dog owner, and any witnesses. There might also be a recommendation for quarantining the dog to assess further health risks. Those authorities can issue citations against the dog owner for negligent actions. All of that documentation can be used to support your case.
You might also discover that the dog involved in your attack is listed on the Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry. If a dog has been reported and found to be aggressive or has a history of previous attacks, it will be put into the registry. That entry will include the dog’s name, photo, breed, color, weight, and owner’s contact information.
If there isn’t an official report or dangerous dog registration, your attorney might find witnesses from the neighborhood who could corroborate the dog’s aggressive behavior, such as snarling, chasing, or growling.
There Was Negligent Control
A dog owner can be held liable for their dog biting someone else if it can be proven that they were negligent in their control over the dog. For instance, if there is no fence in the yard and the dog is allowed to roam free, that could be considered negligence. The same can be said for walking a dog off-leash.
You Suffered Injuries and Losses
Finally, you need to demonstrate that a dog bite or attack caused you direct harm. One of the most effective pieces of evidence will be photos of your injury and the healing process. You will have to provide documentation and testimony to establish the following:
- Past and future medical expenses, including doctor visits, medical supplies, and prescribed medications.
- Lost wages from any time you missed from work
- Damaged property such as torn clothing, a dropped cell phone, etc.
The dog attack could also have triggered mental anxiety. It is not uncommon for dog attack victims to develop a fear of canines. That can impact your quality of life, and you might be entitled to compensation as part of noneconomic damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Injured in a dog attack? Find the help you need with the experienced legal team at Curcio Law. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
Defenses Your Alexandria Dog Bite Lawyer Will Likely Have To Challenge
A dog owner is entitled to present a defense against the claims that their dog attacked or injured someone else. Aside from claiming that their dog is not dangerous, they could attempt to shift blame to the victim for what happened. For instance, they might say that the victim antagonized the dog in some way while the dog was behind a fence on the property.
Antagonizing can include actions that occur after the dog shows signs of agitation. For example, someone could walk by a home where a dog barks. In an attempt to calm the dog, the victim might try to engage with the animal, which leads to an attack.
There could also be an issue with trespassing that the defendant can put into play. If you are a trespasser on a property and are bitten by the dog, the owner might not be liable. This could be as innocent as going after a ball flying over the fence. In that scenario, you would be considered a trespasser. If there are warning signs posted, that could further complicate your assertions.
These types of defenses are not unexpected. Our Alexandria dog bite lawyers will be fully prepared to respond to them with effective counterarguments.
Get Support From Curcio Law if a Dog Bit You in Northern Virginia
A dog attack is traumatizing whether the dog left a bite mark or not. It is also the type of incident that could be prevented if the dog’s owner exerted control over the animal. If you or someone in your family has been the victim of a dog attack, you can find support at Curcio Law.
If we take on your case, we will pursue all the options to ensure you get fair compensation for your physical and emotional damages. A dog bite injury requires a skilled investigator and an understanding of the law. Each Alexandria dog bite lawyer on our team meets both of those criteria.
Call to schedule a consultation to discuss what happened with one of our dog bite attorneys in Alexandria. We’re ready to answer your questions and help you seek justice for what happened.
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