Dog Bite Injury Cases in Virginia: What You Need to Know

Rocco Turzi
Jun 1
3 min read

By Turzi Law Group – Call Us Today at (540) 900-6824

Dog bites can be painful, traumatic, and in some cases, permanently life-altering. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation under Virginia personal injury law. At Turzi Law Group, we help victims of dog attacks hold negligent dog owners accountable and fight for the compensation they deserve.

In this article, we explain how dog bite injury cases in Virginia work, what your legal rights are, and why working with an experienced Virginia dog bite lawyer can make all the difference.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Virginia

Virginia uses what's known as the "one bite rule." This means that a dog owner may not be automatically liable for the first bite unless they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. However, once a dog shows aggression or has previously bitten someone, the owner becomes responsible for preventing further harm.

At Turzi Law Group, we thoroughly investigate each case to uncover evidence of the dog’s prior behavior, past complaints, or any failure to follow local leash laws.

Who’s Liable in a Dog Bite Case?

To win a dog bite injury claim in Virginia, the injured person (the plaintiff) must prove that:

The dog had a known history of aggression, or the owner failed to follow local laws.
The owner failed to reasonably control or restrain the dog.
The victim suffered real injuries as a result of the bite.

If you’ve been bitten while lawfully on public or private property and didn’t provoke the dog, you likely have a valid claim.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause serious physical and psychological injuries, including:

Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
Infections (including rabies or sepsis)
Scarring and disfigurement
Nerve or tissue damage
Fractures from being knocked down
Anxiety, PTSD, and emotional trauma

Our team at Turzi Law Group works closely with medical experts to fully assess your injuries and future care needs.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, we can help you seek compensation for:

Medical bills (including ER visits, surgeries, and therapy)
Lost wages from time off work
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disfigurement or disability
Future medical expenses (especially in cases involving children)

Insurance companies will often try to downplay your injuries. That’s why having an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney by your side is so important.

Dog Bite Lawsuits Involving Friends or Neighbors

It’s common to feel uneasy about filing a claim if the dog belongs to someone you know. But keep in mind—most dog bite claims are paid by homeowners' insurance, not directly by the dog owner. Our attorneys handle these delicate situations professionally to minimize conflict while protecting your rights.

Virginia’s Harsh Contributory Negligence Rule

Virginia applies a contributory negligence standard, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything. If the insurance company tries to blame you for the attack, it’s critical to have legal representation. At Turzi Law Group, we build strong cases to protect you from these tactics.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Virginia

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Virginia, take the following steps:

Seek medical attention immediately.
Report the bite to local animal control or police.
Document the injuries with photos and written notes.
Obtain the dog owner’s contact information and any insurance details.
Call Turzi Law Group at (540) 900-6824 for a free case evaluation.

We can help you understand your options and take fast legal action if necessary.

Why Choose Turzi Law Group for Your Dog Bite Case?

At Turzi Law Group, we have the experience, resources, and commitment to handle even the most complex dog bite injury cases. We offer:

Free consultations
No fee unless we win
Personal attention from start to finish
Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
Proven results in Virginia personal injury law

Our goal is to make sure you’re treated fairly and compensated fully for your pain, trauma, and financial losses.

Get Legal Help Now – Contact Turzi Law Group

Dog bites can change your life in an instant. Don’t let the insurance company decide what your case is worth. Let our team fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call Turzi Law Group today at (540) 900-6824 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted Virginia dog bite lawyer. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.