King William County dog bite lawyers

Was someone you love attacked by a dog in King William?

A dog bite happens in an instant, but you may have to live with the consequences for a long time to come. Beyond the physical injures, the victim is likely to suffer trauma, especially for a child.

Children are more likely to be attacked than any other age group. In fact, nearly half the people bitten by dogs every year are under the age of nine.

Unfortunately, King William County, and Virginia’s Middle Peninsula, are the location of numerous dog bite attacks each year.

Nobody wants to see their loved ones harmed, and the ferocious nature of a dog attack can devastate everyone who sees it. You want to stay strong and supportive, but it’s not always easy.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we know what it’s like to suffer a serious accident because we’ve been there ourselves. As dedicated family men and former U.S. Marines, both Ken Gibson and John Singleton understand the importance of protecting your children.

Call (804) 413-6777 to schedule your free consultation with us today. And if we take our case, we offer a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning we only get paid when you do.

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What to do after a dog bite

Being attacked by a dog is a horrific experience. It’s natural for the victim and her family to feel disoriented. However, try to remain as calm as possible. Follow these steps to help ensure a healthy recovery:

1. See a doctor right away

Get medical attention for any dog bite that breaks the skin. The wound needs to be properly treated to prevent infection, and your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. You may have tissue damage, nerve damage, or broken bones. Be sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

Make sure the medical provider reports the attack to the local animal control agency so the dog is checked for rabies vaccination or quarantined. You should follow up with animal control to make sure the attack is documented and the animal does not have rabies.

2. Collect information

Collect names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the scene of the accident. Maintain records for all your medical treatments. This information will be helpful to your dog bite attorney’s investigation.

3. Avoid discussing the incident

Anything you say about the incident to insurance adjusters, the dog’s owner, or anyone else, including on social media, may be used to hurt your claim. To be clear: DO NOT discuss the incident on social media until your case is resolved.

4. Find an experienced dog bite attorney

Although you may already have a family attorney, you’ll want to find a personal injury lawyer with experience in dog bite cases, which require special expertise in Virginia. Insurance companies make their money by paying out as little in clams as possible, and they will probably offer you a small settlement that won’t even cover the cost of your medical expenses. Instead of taking on the insurance companies by yourself, let your attorney do the work.

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What are dog bite laws in Virginia?

Many states have strict liability laws that make it easier to receive compensation in dog bite cases. Virginia has more complicated dog bite rules that are partially a remnant of English common law, dating back to a time when people and animals mixed more freely.

You may hear people say Virginia has a “one-bite” rule, but that doesn’t mean you can’t collect a settlement if you are the first person a dog has ever bitten. You just need to find the right lawyer.

A complicated mix of state and local laws apply to dog bites in Virginia. But dog owners still have the responsibility to follow all laws and prevent their dog from harming people.

When a dog owner fails to protect others from an animal, they should be held accountable. That’s why it’s essential to find an experienced dog bite attorney to handle your case.

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Getting compensation for your injuries

Your dog bite attorney will review the incident report, interview witnesses, and review all evidence about the attack, including photographs and any available surveillance video. We will also consult with expert witnesses if necessary.

When your attorney has completed an investigation, he will file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Dog bites often require extensive treatment and plastic surgery to remove all scars from the attack. Your attorney’s claim may include the following types of expenses:

• Emergency room care
• Ambulance service
• Doctor’s office visits
• Surgery
• Skin grafting treatment

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Making things right again

It’s going to take time and a lot of support for the victim to heal from the pain and trauma of a dog attack. We will file a claim to help you get the money you need for a full recovery.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we consider it a calling to help accident victims in their time of need. We bring you outstanding representation and compassion. We recently secured a settlement of $75,000 for a woman whose leg was injured by a dog. Call (804) 413-6777 to learn more today and ask about our Zero Fee Guarantee. We only get paid when we win for you.

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