A dog attack can happen to anyone, anywhere. One minute you’re enjoying a walk and the next you’re facing a frightening and potentially life-altering situation.
Dog attacks can result in puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures caused by falls while escaping, permanent scarring or disfigurement, the need for painful rabies treatment, or worse.
At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, we’ve represented dog bite victims in Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and across the state for decades. We know Virginia’s dog bite laws, and we know what it takes to build a strong case for our clients. If you were attacked by someone else’s dog, we handle the complicated legal issues so you can focus on healing.
Contact us for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Our attorneys represent clients injured in all types of dog attacks, including:
- Unprovoked dog bites and attacks on adults and children
- Dog attacks resulting in severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Injuries from dogs knocking you down or falls while running away
- Injuries caused by dogs that have bitten before (known dangerous animals)
- Leash law violations and negligent supervision of animals
- Attacks by dogs that escaped from homes or fenced yards
- Children attacked by a neighbor’s or family friend’s dog
- Postal workers, delivery drivers, and other professionals attacked on the job
- Serious disfigurement, scarring, and reconstructive surgery cases
- Wrongful death resulting from a dog attack
Experience You Can Count On
When you’ve been seriously injured in a dog attack, the attorney you choose matters. Our personal injury law firm combines decades of experience with direct, client-centered advocacy to help you recover compensation for your injuries and anguish.
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has been represented injured for nearly 40 years. He is recognized year after year by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for the results he achieves for his clients.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord brings a focused, thorough approach to every case she handles. Known for her attention to detail and direct communication, Ashley delivers a thoughtful and thorough approach to every claim.
Our firm limits the number of cases we take so every client benefits from dedicated attention, meaningful resources, and personalized advocacy.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you receive:
- Decades of first-hand experience handling dog bite cases
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation designed to maximize your recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
What Should I Do After A Dog Attack?
Taking the right steps after a dog attack protects both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we suggest.
- See A Doctor: Your health should always come first and even wounds that look minor can become infected. If you decide to pursue a claim, your medical records and bills will become crucial evidence in your case.
- Report the Dog Attack: Contact the Norfolk Animal Protection Services at 757-664-7387. Animal control open an investigation, find out about the dog’s shot records, quarantine the dog if needed, and create an official report which will also become important evidence.
- Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer: Before speaking with the dog owner or any insurance companies, discuss your situation with an attorney during a free consultation. Call/text 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us at any time of day.
Understanding Dog Bite Settlements
No two dog bite cases are exactly the same, but compensation in these cases typically falls into several categories. A settlement may include,
- Medical expenses: Emergency room treatment, wound care, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, and any follow-up appointments related to your injuries. If you required rabies treatment or tetanus shots in the immediate aftermath of the attack, those costs are part of your claim as well.
- Future medical treatment: Serious dog bites often require care that extends well beyond the initial injury. Reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery to address scarring, skin grafts, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment for nerve damage can add up significantly over time.
- Lost wages: If your injuries kept you out of work, you may be entitled to recover the income you lost during your recovery. For victims who suffer permanent injuries that affect their ability to work, lost earning capacity can become a part of your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Physical injuries and emotional distress caused by the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars, particularly on the face, hands, and arms. Visible, permanent scarring is compensable on its own and is often one of the most significant elements of a dog bite settlement.
- Wrongful Death: Compensation for families facing the loss of a loved one due to a fatal dog attack
Insurance companies routinely try to settle dog bite claims quickly and for far less than victims deserve. Having an attorney who will fight for you makes a significant difference in your outcome.
Virginia Dog Bite Settlements
Examples of our Virginia dog attack settlements.
- $100 THOUSAND: Mail carrier suffers knee injury from Norfolk dog attack
- $175 THOUSAND: Client bitten on face by friend’s dog in Newport News
- $149 THOUSAND: Pedestrian attacked while on a walk in Virginia Beach
- $425 THOUSAND: Child severely bitten on face in Richmond
- $100 THOUSAND: Adult attacked while on a walk in Chesapeake
Because every case is different, prior results cannot guarantee a similar outcome.
“One of the best attorneys in Norfolk, Virginia”
“One of the best attorneys in Norfolk, Virginia. It was a pleasure to hire Richard as our attorney to help with my mom’s case. Richard was incredibly kind and patient throughout the whole process. He and his team kept us updated every step of the way to ensure we understood everything and were well-prepared. The result is very satisfied and more than we expected. My family highly recommends Richard’s firm if you need any assistance.” – Google Review
“When I passed a woman walking her dogs, I had no idea the dogs would lunge at me. The attack left me with serious injuries on my face and arm. I still have the scars today. Thankfully, I reached out to Richard Serpe, who handled everything for me. The whole process was much easier than I ever expected, and his entire team was so easy to work with. If you’re considering hiring a lawyer for a dog attack, or any other type of personal injury, don’t hesitate to give Richard Serpe a call.” – Yelp Review
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent legal Services I received from Attorney Richard J Serpe’ Law Firm. Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate , dedicated and attentive to my situation. Thank you for going great lengths in assisting me and my family with a favorable outcome. Your success and hard work are values that are needed in our society.” – Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my dog bite case worth? That depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, any permanent scarring or disfigurement, lost income, and insurance coverage. We evaluate every case individually. There’s no honest one-size-fits-all number, and we won’t give you one before we understand your specific situation.
How long will it take to resolve my case? Cases involving clear liability and defined medical treatment may settle in a matter of months. More serious cases, like those involving significant scarring, reconstructive surgery, or disputed liability, can take longer. Our focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for you, not the fastest one.
Can you help me even if the attack happened outside of Norfolk? Yes. While our firm is based in Norfolk, we handle dog bite and personal injury cases throughout the state of Virginia. Distance should not be a barrier to justice, and in many cases we can handle your claim without requiring an office visit. If needed, we can come to you.
What is the statute of limitations for a Virginia dog attack case? In Virginia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the attack. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to recover compensation.
Talk to Our Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has helped adults, children, mail carriers, delivery drivers, and many others injured in a Virginia dog attack. Contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
