Portsmouth Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack can lead to more than physical pain. In fact, victims often endure lasting emotional trauma. In addition, dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be even more challenging when facing medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

If you feel vulnerable and unsure where to turn, a Portsmouth dog bite lawyer can help. As an experienced Portsmouth personal injury lawyer, I will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek compensation. Call me, Ed Atkinson, to explore your legal options.

Why You Should Trust Me With Your Dog Bite Case

Animal attack cases require a unique approach and in-depth knowledge of Virginia’s dog bite laws. I have both. Furthermore, I also have a personal interest in protecting dogs. I own, train, and compete with Belgian Shepherd Malinois, the breed preferred for law enforcement and military work.

My experience in this field gives me a unique insight into dog bite cases that sets me apart from other legal professionals. The bond between a canine and its owner can be magical if it is cultivated with care and compassion. However, pet ownership also comes with responsibilities, which include the safety of others.

What Sets Dog Bites Apart from Other Personal Injury Claims

Dog bite cases require a thorough understanding of animal behavior, breed-specific traits, and relevant laws and regulations. Aggressive animal attacks can have severe physical and emotional consequences, especially for children and seniors, who are generally more vulnerable to physical injuries.

Other important factors to consider in Portsmouth, VA, dog bite cases include:

• The liability of the dog’s owner or keeper.
• The unique nature of animal behavior and breed-specific traits.
• The complexity of determining appropriate compensation for your injuries.
• Difficulty in predicting the long-term effects of a dog bite, particularly if your case involves scarring or disfigurement.
• The need for specialized medical attention, plastic surgery, and ongoing care.
• The impact on your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.

As a skilled Portsmouth personal injury lawyer, I do not believe in “a recipe for success” that applies to every case. I understand that every animal liability case is unique. Therefore, I create a custom legal strategy that takes into account the specific circumstances, jurisdiction, and applicable laws of each case.

At my personal injury law firm, the main focus is on providing exceptional legal services that prioritize client satisfaction above all else. As a personal injury lawyer, I strive to build trusting relationships with each client. I believe that success is not just about winning cases but also about helping clients through a difficult time in their lives.

Explore Your Financial Recovery Options in Your Portsmouth Dog Bite Case

It is important to remember that you have rights and may be entitled to damages after being injured in a dog attack. Whether you decide to pursue an insurance claim or file a lawsuit to recover compensation, I will help navigate the legal complexities associated with your case. 

Filing an Insurance Claim

The most common course of action is to file an insurance claim. This typically involves submitting a claim to the at-fault party’s homeowner’s insurance policy, which may cover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and other damages.

This option is often faster and less expensive than filing a lawsuit. However, insurance policies may have coverage limits and may not cover all damages. As your dog bite attorney, I can represent your interest during negotiations with the insurance company.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

A second option is to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party, usually the pet owner. This involves suing the defendant in civil court to recover damages and may result in a higher payout, but it is typically a longer process.

The final choice between filing an insurance claim and pursuing a lawsuit may depend on the extent of your damages and the insurance policy’s coverage limits. I will help you analyze your options to recover compensation and offer all the information you need to make the correct decision for your needs.

Understanding Dog Attack Injury Laws in Virginia

Because Virginia dog bite laws are complex, Portsmouth animal attack victims are often confused about their rights and the owner’s legal obligations. As your lawyer, I will clarify how state regulations apply to your situation.

Furthermore, since the strict liability doctrine generally does not apply to Virginia dog bite cases, you may find it challenging to seek financial recovery without legal support.

The Controversy Surrounding the One Bite Rule

In Virginia, pet owners may be responsible for damages if they knew or should have known that their dog is aggressive. A common sign that a pet is vicious is if it has prior attacks.

While some may believe that Virginia law allows each pet a “free” bite, that is not the case. Of course, previous injuries caused by the dog that attacked you will strengthen your claim; however, there are other ways to prove liability.

As an experienced Virginia dog bite injury lawyer, I have won cases where the pet had no prior attacks. For example, I won a $300,000 settlement for a Chesapeake, VA, client who lost an eye following a pit bull attack.

Animal Attack Victims Can Claim Damages

Another factor that sets dog bite cases apart is the complexity of determining the appropriate compensation for the victim’s losses. Dog bite injuries can result in a range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Lost quality of life

Additionally, the long-term effects of a dog bite can be difficult to predict, particularly for permanent injuries like scarring. In the case of small children, they frequently suffer bite injuries in the face, requiring plastic surgery to increase their quality of life.

As an experienced Portsmouth dog bite attorney, I can accurately assess the full extent of your losses and help you secure the financial compensation you need.

The Virginia Statute of Limitations for Personal Injuries

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, personal injury victims generally have two years to file a claim. While this may seem like a lot, it takes time to build a solid case. Therefore, the sooner you seek legal guidance, the more time I will have to strengthen your claim.

While the two-year deadline applies to most cases, there are special circumstances that impact the time limit. Call my personal injury law firm, and I will determine your case’s deadlines.

Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Portsmouth, VA

If you or someone you know was bitten by a dog in Portsmouth, seek legal representation from an experienced attorney. Dog attacks can result in severe injuries and even permanent scarring or disfigurement. As your dog bite attorney, I can help you pursue legal action to claim compensation for these and other damages.

Atkinson Law can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. I will hold the at-fault party or parties accountable for their actions and work to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Contact me today to schedule risk-free consultation, where we can discuss your options.