Richmond Dog Bite Lawyer Protecting Victims of Animal Attacks

Virginia Dog Bite Laws & Your Rights

Virginia follows a “one bite rule,” but that doesn’t mean dog owners get a free pass. If a dog owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous, or if they were negligent—such as letting a dog run off-leash—they can be held liable. Richmond and surrounding counties also enforce leash laws, and violations can strengthen your claim. Blank & Marcus knows how to apply these laws to hold negligent owners accountable.

Dog bites can happen anywhere—while walking through Church Hill, at a friend’s backyard barbecue in Henrico, or even at a neighborhood dog park. Children are especially vulnerable to serious attacks, and injuries may include deep punctures, facial scars, or lasting emotional trauma. Whether the attack came from a loose dog on the street or a neighbor’s pet, the law provides avenues for recovery.

Beyond the initial wound, dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Rabies prevention may require painful shots, and children often face long-term fear or PTSD. Compensation should cover not just today’s medical bills but also future needs like scar revision or counseling.

Proving Owner Negligence

Blank & Marcus investigates every angle: Did the dog have a history of aggression? Was it roaming off-leash in violation of Richmond’s animal control rules? Did the owner fail to secure their yard? We pursue evidence through animal control records and eyewitness accounts, and we often file claims against the owner’s homeowners insurance, which frequently covers dog bites.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims may recover medical costs, lost income, and damages for pain, disfigurement, and emotional harm. In extreme cases, where the owner deliberately encouraged an attack, punitive damages may apply.

Why Choose Blank & Marcus

Our firm has handled dog bite cases across Virginia, including serious attacks that resulted in six-figure settlements. With local knowledge of Richmond’s leash ordinances and direct experience with insurance negotiations, Blank & Marcus is prepared to fight for every dollar you deserve.

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A dog bite can leave permanent scars, physically and emotionally. Contact our Richmond dog bite lawyer today for a free consultation.

Dog Bite Injury FAQs

  • Can I sue for a dog bite in Virginia?

    Yes, if the owner knew of the dog’s aggression or was negligent in restraining it.

  • What if it was my neighbor’s dog?

    You can still pursue a claim, often through their homeowner’s insurance.

  • Does Virginia have a leash law?

    Yes, Richmond and most nearby counties require dogs to be leashed in public. Violations can prove negligence.

  • What damages can I recover?

    Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, and sometimes punitive damages.