Mathews County dog bite attorneys

Our lawyers can effectively handle your Mathews County dog bite case

Being attacked by a dog is terrifying, especially when it happens to a child. Most victims of dog attacks are children, and this distressing event can have a lasting impact on their physical and emotional health.

As a rural county, Mathews County residents own many dogs that are able to enjoy the wide open spaces and many coastal areas of the county. While dogs can be wonderful companions, they can hurt people in certain situations.

In fact, more than 4.5 million Americans are attacked by dogs every year, and more than 800,000 of these victims require medical care, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A dog bite can lead to infection, scarring, and serious emotional trauma.

Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent their pets from harming others. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack, you can seek compensation to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses caused by the incident.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we help our neighbors in Mathews when you need it most, with compassion and excellence. Call (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a FREE meeting with us today. We will sit down with you and go over your best options to help you make the best decisions going forward. We are based in Gloucester, but we gladly come to you when you need help.

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What steps should you take after being attacked by a dog?

Try to stay calm after a dog attack, although that isn’t easy. However, you can take immediate steps to make sure the victim gets the right care.

If the bite breaks the skin, apply first aid and get the victim to a doctor right away. Dog bites can cause serious medical consequences, including scarring and infections. In addition to dressing the wound, your doctor may want to treat it with a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

After you are certain the victim is getting needed medical attention, you can begin taking steps to document the attack. Start by reporting the incident to the Virginia Department of Health.

Collect contact information from the dog’s owner and anyone who witnessed the attack. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the injuries to share with your attorney. Keep records of all medical care the victim receives.

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What dog bite laws exist in Mathews County?

No matter what you might have heard, dog bite victims in Virginia have specific rights and legal recourse to pursue compensation for their injuries. If the dog has bitten someone before, the owner is on notice that the dog might bite again. If the dog has displayed aggressive tendencies in the past, the owner is on notice the dog might bite or hurt someone. If the dog is of a breed that is known for ferocious or aggressive tendencies, the owner is on notice that the dog might bite someone. Dog owners are subject to negligence laws in all dog bite cases.

Proving owner negligence involves demonstrating that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the bite. This could include failing to properly restrain the dog, ignoring local leash laws, or not taking necessary precautions despite knowing the dog’s aggressive behavior.

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How do our lawyers handle insurance adjusters in Mathews County?

Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize payouts in dog bite cases. One common tactic is downplaying the severity of the victim’s injuries. Adjusters might argue that the medical treatment was excessive or that the injuries are not as severe as claimed. They may also dispute liability, suggesting that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the incident.

Another strategy involves delaying the claims process, hoping that the victim will accept a lower settlement out of frustration or financial necessity.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we’re fully aware of how these tactics work. In fact, our partner Jonh Singleton learned his trial skills working for a large insurance defense firm, and he uses that knowledge to advocate for our clients.

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Is there compensation for dog bite victims in Mathews County?

Victims of dog bites in Virginia can seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Medical expenses cover a range of costs, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any necessary follow-up treatments.

Lost wages are another significant component of compensation. If the victim is unable to work due to his or her injuries, he or she can claim the income lost during the recovery period. This can also extend to future lost wages if the injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.

In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, victims of dog bites can seek compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. These non-economic damages account for the physical pain and discomfort experienced due to the injury, as well as the psychological impact. Dog bite incidents can be traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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How does a dog bite injury case proceed?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, our initial consultation and case evaluation are critical first steps in the legal process for your dog bite injury claim. During this meeting, you have the opportunity to discuss the details of the incident with a very experienced dog bite lawyer.

The next step is gathering evidence. GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys can provide key evidence, including your medical records, incident report, prior complaints about the dog, photographs, and witness interviews.

As soon as our investigation is complete, we’ll file a claim seeking damages and begin negotiations. If we don’t receive a satisfactory settlement offer, our Mathews County injury lawyers are always prepared to take your case to court.

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What are the true costs of a dog attack?

A dog attack is likely to have lasting consequences. The physical injuries may be significant, requiring several treatments over a long period of time. Even after the wounds have healed, plastic surgery may be required to eliminate scarring. These treatments can be costly.

Ask your doctor if he or she can recommend counseling for victims of an animal attack. This can be an important part of the healing process, especially when the victim is a child.

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Are some dog breeds more dangerous than others?

Certain dog breeds are statistically more prone to aggression and are often labeled as dangerous. Breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers are frequently cited in dog bite incidents. These breeds possess physical characteristics that can make their bites particularly severe. While any dog can bite, the strength and tenacity of these breeds can lead to more serious injuries.

Breed characteristics can influence a dog’s behavior significantly. For example, herding breeds like Border Collies have a strong instinct to herd, which can sometimes translate into nipping or biting. Guarding breeds like Rottweilers are naturally protective and may exhibit aggressive behavior if they perceive a threat to their territory or family.

It’s important to remember that labeling a breed as dangerous does not imply that every individual dog of that breed is aggressive. Many factors, including training, socialization, and the owner’s behavior, significantly influence a dog’s temperament. But awareness of a potential for aggression can help owners take preventative measures and understand the risks associated with their dog.

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Do you need a compassionate, experienced lawyer on your side in Mathews?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we consider it a calling to help accident victims get the compensation they need to cover the cost of their care and put their lives back together. We do everything we can to provide comfort and support for you and your family in Mathews.

Call (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Mathews County dog bite attorneys today. We’ll tell you about our Zero Fee Guarantee — which means we get paid when you get paid. We will always treat you like the neighbor that you are, never like a number.

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