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Dogs are often called "man's best friend," but the fact is that these common household pets bite or attack more than 4.7 million men, women and children each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites -- and half of these victims are children.
Nearly half of all dog bite victims will require emergency room treatment, and about a dozen will die from their injuries. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 are the most common victims of dog bites, but younger children are also attacked, and two-thirds of those very youngest children will suffer injuries to the head or neck, resulting in permanent physical and emotional scars.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dog bite or attack, contact our Richmond personal injury lawyers today at 1-800-283-2202 for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation, or submit a Case Evaluation online. Marks & Harrison is one of the largest and most respected personal injury law firms in the state. At Marks & Harrison, we know how to develop the best legal strategy for your dog bite claim. We have offices throughout Virginia, including Richmond, Hopewell, Petersburg, Charlottesville, Tappahannock, Louisa and Staunton.
Statistics show that more than three-quarters of all dog bite victims are attacked by a dog belonging to someone they know. The face is the most frequent body part injured in an attack. Our firm has expertise in handling dog bite cases. Among the verdicts and settlements we've achieved on behalf of our clients:
- $125,000 awarded to a 12 year old bitten in the face by a neighbor's dog
- $100,000 awarded after a dog that was up for adoption bit a child in the face
- $89,000 awarded after a child was bitten on the face while playing with her uncle’s dog
- $25,000 awarded after a child was attacked and bitten by a neighbor’s dog
- $20,000 awarded to a woman bitten in both eyes by a friend’s dog
- $15,000 awarded after a child was bitten in the face by a neighbor’s dog
- $12,000 awarded to a guest who was at a friend’s home and was attacked by the homeowner’s five dogs
The law protects innocent victims of dog bites, allowing them to seek compensation from negligent owners and other responsible parties. However, Virginia is one of a handful of states that still follows an outdated "one-bite rule" that shields dog owners from liability for the first injury caused by the dog. That's why it's critical that you obtain experienced legal help from the experienced dog bite attorneys at Marks & Harrison.
If a dog or other animal has bitten you or a loved one, contact our dog bite lawyers for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation. Our animal attack lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether we feel you are entitled to compensation. If we don't think you need an attorney, we will tell you right away.
Contact us today by calling toll free at 1-800-283-2202. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also submit a Case Evaluation online or send us an email at lawyers@marksandharrison.com.
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