Fredericksburg Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites in Fredericksburg often cause long-lasting physical and emotional scars. Dog bite injuries are also expensive to treat and may keep you from working for weeks or months afterward.

You could have the right to seek compensation under Virginia law if someone else’s dog attacked you in Fredericksburg. The dog bite attorneys at Marks & Harrison are prepared to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.

Our Fredericksburg dog bite lawyers have represented injured individuals in Virginia for over 100 years and have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients in personal injury claims. Let us handle all the legal work while you heal. We help dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you will not owe us any fees unless you win your case.

Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer at our firm.

What Should You Do if You Are the Victim of a Dog Bite?

Follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights after suffering dog bite injuries in Fredericksburg:

• Seek immediate medical care and tell your doctor about all your symptoms.
• Report the incident to the police or local animal control officials, then request a copy of the incident report.
• Get the dog owner’s contact information.
• Take pictures of your injuries.
• Retain potential evidence, including the clothing you were wearing, copies of your medical records, proof of lost income, and other documents related to the case.
• Contact our Fredericksburg dog bite lawyers right away to explore your legal options.

How Can a Fredericksburg Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me with My Case?

At Marks & Harrison, our Fredericksburg dog bite lawyers are ready to guide you through each step of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. With more than 30 attorneys and over 130 support personnel, we have the resources to build strong dog bite claims and take on insurance companies. Let us gather medical evidence, interview witnesses, review available surveillance footage, negotiate with insurers, and prepare your case for trial.

Our results speak for themselves, as we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients across Virginia. Furthermore, our client testimonials highlight the care and dedication we bring to every case. For example, one past client wrote:

“They were there every step of my case and I always knew what was going on. I truly appreciate what they’ve done for me. I would definitely recommend Marks & Harrison to others. Thank you so much!!!” – Ashley R.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you pursue the resources you need to put this traumatic incident behind you.

What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Fredericksburg?

Some of the key dog bite laws and pet control regulations in Fredericksburg include:

• Leash and running at large rules – Dogs may not run at large in the city. A violation can result in misdemeanor charges, with harsher penalties for owners of dogs already classified as dangerous or vicious. Virginia has no statewide leash law, but Fredericksburg’s local ordinance applies to everyone within the city limits.
• Definitions of dangerous and vicious dogs – Fredericksburg city regulations define a dog as vicious if it kills a person, causes a severe injury, or continues dangerous behavior after a prior court finding. Severe injuries include permanent disfigurement, any injury causing a major impairment, or injuries that require significant medical care.
• Subsequent attacks by dangerous dogs – If a dog has already been declared dangerous and attacks again, the owner faces a Class 2 misdemeanor if the attack injures or kills another companion animal. The offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor if the dog bites or injures someone. Violating this rule also means courts may bar the owner from keeping dogs in the future.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

A dog’s owner is usually responsible for the injuries their dog causes. However, if someone else had custody or control of the dog during the attack, that person could be liable or share responsibility with the owner.

One key rule in these cases is that Virginia follows a version of what is known as the one-bite rule. Under the one-bite rule, a dog owner is not automatically liable for injuries their dog inflicts if the dog has not previously bitten anyone or shown signs of aggression.

However, the dog owner could still be liable if they acted negligently or broke a local law, such as letting the dog run at large in violation of Fredericksburg’s leash rules. Negligence may also include failing to warn others about a dog’s behavior or allowing the animal to be around people without proper restraints.

Finally, dog owners are generally not liable if the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog. Each case depends on the specific facts and evidence, so talk to our dog bite lawyers for more information about how the law applies to your unique situation.

What Are Some Common Situations Where the Dog’s Owner Can Be Held Liable?

Dog owners are often held liable for bites if the dog has a history of aggression and the owner failed to take steps to prevent another attack. An owner may also be responsible if they let the dog roam freely in violation of Fredericksburg’s leash laws or other regulations.

If an owner fails to properly secure a dog on private property, they may be liable for resulting injuries. Finally, owners who ignore warnings about their dog’s behavior or place the animal in unsafe situations may be liable if their pet bites someone as a result.

What Are Some Injuries That Result from a Dog Bite?

Dog bites often cause severe, long-lasting injuries, such as:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations – Deep bites can damage skin, tissue, and muscle, often requiring stitches or surgical repair.
• Infections – Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to serious infections like cellulitis, abscesses, or sepsis. Rabies is also a risk if the dog has not received its vaccinations.
• Nerve damage – Severe bites can cause impairment of movement or sensation in the affected area.
• Scarring and disfigurement – Visible scars may remain even after treatment, especially on the face, arms, or legs.
• Fractures and crush injuries – Strong bites can break bones or cause lasting joint damage.
• Emotional trauma – Victims, particularly children, may experience anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress.

What Compensation Could Be Recovered for a Fredericksburg Dog Bite Injury?

Your Fredericksburg dog bite case could provide compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Virginia?

The standard deadline for a Fredericksburg dog bite injury claim is two years from when the dog attacked you. Evidence can fade quickly, though, and contacting our lawyers as soon as possible can give you a stronger chance of recovering full compensation.

Get Help from an Experienced Fredericksburg Dog Bite Attorney

Marks & Harrison has the resources, experience, and proven results to help you pursue fair compensation for your dog bite injuries. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Virginia dog bite lawyer at our law firm.