Dog Bite Lawyer in Virginia

Advocating for Dog Bite Victims in Northern VA

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you have legal rights. The dog owner is responsible for the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that result from a dog bite or other attack. In some cases, you may also be entitled to additional compensation for your pain and suffering.

The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC has been helping dog bite victims and their families across Northern Virginia for more than 35 years. We have a proven record of success and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients.

Our dog bite attorneys in Virginia are available to take your call 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations to all potential clients. If you can't come to us, we will come to you. We also accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay unless we win your case.

Why Do Dogs Attack?

Dogs can attack or bite for a variety of reasons, often rooted in their instincts, emotions, or experiences. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Fear or Anxiety: A dog may bite if it feels threatened or scared. This is often referred to as a "defensive bite." Fear can arise from unfamiliar people, loud noises, or environments where the dog feels cornered. Even gentle dogs can react aggressively if they're frightened.
• Protection of Territory or Possessions: Dogs are territorial animals, and they may bite to protect what they consider their territory, including their home, family members, toys, food, or even their space. Some dogs are particularly protective of their owners or certain family members and may react aggressively if they perceive a threat.
• Pain or Injury: A dog in pain, whether from an injury, illness, or chronic condition, might bite as a reaction to the discomfort. If a dog is touched in a sore area or feels like it's about to be hurt, it may bite out of self-protection.
• Maternal Instinct: Female dogs, especially those with puppies, may bite or become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their young. This maternal instinct can cause even the most well-behaved dogs to become defensive when others approach their puppies.
• Lack of Socialization: Dogs that haven't been properly socialized may not know how to interact with humans or other animals. If they're not accustomed to new people, places, or situations, they may respond to unfamiliar stimuli with aggression, including biting.
• Provocation: Sometimes, dogs bite because they're provoked. This could include behaviors like pulling their tail, stepping on their paws, or rough play. Young children, in particular, may unintentionally provoke dogs, leading to bites.
• Dominance: In some cases, dogs may bite to assert dominance, especially if they perceive someone as challenging their authority or role in the household. This is more common in dogs that haven’t been trained or those with behavioral issues related to dominance.
• Frustration or Overstimulation: Dogs can become frustrated or overstimulated, which may lead to biting. For example, a dog on a leash may become frustrated when it cannot reach something of interest, leading to redirected aggression, where the dog bites whatever is closest, including its owner.
• Prey Drive: Certain dogs have a strong prey drive, especially breeds bred for hunting or herding. Fast movements, such as children running or other animals moving quickly, can trigger a dog’s instinct to chase and bite.
• Fear of Strangers (Stranger Anxiety): Some dogs are wary of strangers and may react aggressively if they feel uneasy or threatened by an unfamiliar person. This behavior is particularly common in dogs that haven’t been exposed to different people from a young age.
• Rough Play: Playful behavior can sometimes escalate into biting, especially with puppies or young dogs. Dogs often explore the world with their mouths, and during play, they might bite too hard if they're not trained to control their bite strength.
• Medical or Cognitive Issues: Older dogs may develop cognitive issues, like dementia, which can lead to confusion and aggressive behavior, including biting. Additionally, medical conditions like seizures or brain injuries can cause sudden aggression in dogs that were previously calm.
• Startling a Dog: Dogs can react with aggression if they're startled, especially if they're sleeping or distracted. For example, if someone wakes a dog suddenly by touching them, the dog may instinctively bite in response.

Understanding Virginia's Dog Bite Laws

Under Virginia's “one-bite” law, a dog owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous or has aggressive tendencies (e.g., the dog has previously attacked, bitten, or injured someone else).

Strict liability means that you do not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent; you only have to prove that the dog bite caused your injuries and that you were not trespassing or provoking the dog when the bite occurred.

When the one-bite rule does not apply, a dog owner may also be held “negligent per se” if they violate any laws or ordinances related to dogs, and their dog bites someone. For example, if the owner was in violation of the local leash law when the dog bit you, they may be liable under negligence per se.

Our dog bite lawyers in Alexandria, VA can help you understand your rights and legal options. We can conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine who is liable for your damages, and we can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. We are skilled negotiators and litigators, and we are not afraid to take on large insurance companies and corporations on behalf of our clients.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it is important to act quickly to protect your health and your rights.

Here's what you need to do:

• Get to a safe place and remove yourself from the dog's environment.
• Ask the owner if the dog is up to date on vaccinations and, if so, ask for the dog's vaccination records.
• Take pictures of your injuries as well as the scene of the attack.
• Seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries are not severe, it is important to have a doctor document the dog bite.
• Follow your doctor's orders and take all medications as prescribed.
• Keep all receipts, medical bills, and other documents related to your injury and your treatment.
• Do not post about the incident on social media, and do not accept a settlement from the dog owner or their insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer.
• Call The Barrera Law Firm for a free consultation* with our Virginia dog bite lawyers.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, from minor to severe. In some cases, a dog bite can even cause fatal injuries. Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, and they are more likely to sustain serious injuries when they are bitten by a dog.

Common dog bite injuries include:

• Lacerations: Dogs have sharp teeth that can easily tear through skin and muscle. Lacerations can cause extensive bleeding and may require stitches or even surgery to repair.
• Crush injuries: When a dog bites down with a lot of force, it can cause crush injuries. These injuries can cause severe tissue damage and may require amputation.
• Broken bones: If a dog knocks you down or bites you with a lot of force, you may suffer broken bones.
• Head and neck injuries: When a dog bites your face, you can suffer serious injuries, such as facial fractures, eye injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Infections: Dog bites can easily become infected, especially if they are not treated properly. Infections can spread to other parts of the body and can be life-threatening.
• Emotional trauma: Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and it can cause emotional trauma that may last long after the physical wounds have healed.

If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries are not severe, it is important to have a doctor evaluate your condition and determine if you need a tetanus shot or if you are at risk of developing an infection.

Call for a Free Consultation*

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, it is important to contact a lawyer right away. At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we are available to take your call 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations. We can meet with you in our office or in your home or hospital room, and we can help you understand your rights and your legal options.