CALL OR TEXT ANYTIME :

Dog Bite Wrongful Death Lawyer

If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to compensation. The law holds negligent dog owners responsible for the misbehavior of their pets. No matter how surprising the violent act might have been for the owner, they owe it to the dog bite victim to cover medical bills and other financial damages created by the incident. Keep reading to learn more about your options for filing a dog bite claim.

Fatal Dog Attacks

In some cases, dogs bite and don’t stop attacking until the victim has been killed. Though these incidents are rare, they happen more often than you might expect. Small children and the elderly are often the victims of fatal dog attacks. They lack the strength to overpower a vicious dog, and struggle to call for the help they need. 

Of course, dog attacks can happen to anyone for just about any reason. When they result in a death, the dog is often euthanized. This punishment is small comfort for the family the victim left behind. In many cases, fatal dog attacks mean expensive medical bills for the life-saving efforts attempted before the victim passed. The costs associated with the funeral, too, can leave a significant financial burden on a family who didn’t expect to lose their loved one in such a brutal way.

Seeking Compensation

When the victim of a dog bite succumbs to their injuries, however, the surviving family members may file a Virginia wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased. Dog bite lawsuits cannot undo the damage done in a fatal attack. Nothing can bring back your beloved family member. A lawsuit can, however, hold the owner of the dog responsible for their negligence and ensure that the financial impact of the incident doesn’t linger. Get compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and even the loss of your family’s main breadwinner. Even intangible losses, like pain and suffering, can be included in a settlement.

Virginia Dog Bite Wrongful Death Lawyers

Our Virginia dog bite wrongful death lawyers can help you seek justice for the family member taken from you. Statutes of limitations place deadlines on such cases, though, so if you want to pursue legal action, you’ll want to move quickly. Schedule your free consultation with our team now.

 

    FREE CONSULTATIONS







    top attorney rating badge
    martindale-hubbell top rating
    Richard Serpe - Best Lawyers 2026 Award
    Richard Serpe Super Lawyers
    Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC named Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Norfolk 2026 by Expertise.com
    Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC named Best Car Accident Lawyers in Norfolk 2026 by Expertise.com
    SETTLEMENTS AND VERDICTS
    $5
    MILLION
    Defective Vehicle Wrongful Death
    Roanoke, Virginia
    $3.5
    MILLION
    Barge Accident Brain Injury
    Richmond, Virginia
    $2.5
    MILLION
    Carbon Monoxide Wrongful Death
    Portsmouth, Virginia
    $2
    MILLION
    Birth Injury
    Hampton, Virginia
    $1.6
    MILLION
    Drunk Driving Accident
    Eastern Shore, Virginia
    NO LEGAL FEE
    UNLESS WE SETTLE OR WIN
    WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US
    Dave, Google Review
    Exceeded all of my expectations!
    “Great communication throughout the process. Exceeded all of my expectations!”
    - Dave, Google Review
    Veronica, Google Review
    OMG Top Notch!!!
    “About the business of his clients When I first contacted his office about my case they were soo empathetic and worked tirelessly to help me in every way possible I
    - Veronica, Google Review
    Carolyn, Google Review
    I am so grateful
    “I am so grateful to Richard and Dawn for their kindness and professionalism throughout my case. I highly recommend them.”
    - Carolyn, Google Review
    Anonymous, AVVO Review
    He is always the first person I call
    “Richard is without question the most competent attorney I’ve ever met, and his character is above reproach. When I need legal advice, he is always the first person I call.”
    - Anonymous, AVVO Review
    Janine, AVVO Review
    Best help ever!!
    “Mr. Serpe represented me in an auto accident claim. He was super form beginning to end. Totally understanding and knowledgeable. I am really happy he was recommended to me. He
    - Janine, AVVO Review
    Leandra, AVVO Review
    Top of the Line!
    “BEST by far. Helped me with my car accident case. I would definetely recommend to everyone 5 stars!!!”
    - Leandra, AVVO Review
    Anonymous, AVVO Review
    Always provided a listening ear and regular updates
    While walking one evening in my own neighborhood, I was attacked by a dog. The resulting physical injuries were traumatic enough, but the psychological trauma in some ways felt worse
    - Anonymous, AVVO Review
    Arshia, Yelp Review
    His entire team was so easy to work with
    “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.
    - Arshia, Yelp Review
    Audrey, Yelp Review
    They have really changed our lives!
    “We can’t say enough about Richard Serpe law offices. They helped us when no one else would. No case is too big. They have really changed our lives! They kept
    - Audrey, Yelp Review
    Shay, Yelp Review
    More then lawyers they are my family
    “Richard along with a great team recently settled a very difficult lawsuit in my favor, throughout the whole process Mr. Serpe and his colleagues have become more then lawyers they
    - Shay, Yelp Review
    TJ, Google Review
    The firm worked very hard on my case
    “Very prompt when I submitted my request about a year ago. Mr Serpe reached out to me the next day. The firm worked very hard on my case and we
    - TJ, Google Review
    Jack, Google Review
    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
    - Jack, Google Review
    Suzanne, Google Review
    Their heart is with you
    I was severely injured by medication produced by a top corporate entity. I was unable to continue working, the whole situation seemed hopeless. The team at Serpe law offices was
    - Suzanne, Google Review
    Norma, Manassas, VA
    I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe
    “I strongly and sincerely recommend Richard J. Serpe. Understanding, Compassionate and trustworthy. They are very knowledgeable and they WILL GET THE MOST compensation for your case. I was just looking
    - Norma, Manassas, VA
    Eddie, Norfolk, VA
    A settlement that changed my life
    “After a major maritime accident on the water, I was scared and didn’t know where to turn. The Law Offices of Richard Serpe and his great staff treated me with
    - Eddie, Norfolk, VA
    Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Compassionate, Dedicated and Attentive
    “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent legal Services I received fron Attorney Richard J Serpe’ Law Firm. Mr. Serpe and staff were compassionate , dedicated
    - Jackie, Chesapeake, VA
    Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Hard Work and Zealous Devotion
    “A tip-top law firm led by one of the finest lawyers I know. In addition to the usual qualities of hard work and zealous devotion to the cause, Richard Serpe
    - Attorney Patrick Malone, D.C.
    Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
    He listened carefully to our concerns and gave us honest legal advice
    “My husband and I worked with Richard for the past year and had a wonderful experience. At our first meeting, he did not push us to sign anything or make
    - Kelli, Portsmouth, VA
    Shaniqua, Winchester, VA
    Richard Serpe, and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner
    “My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence,
    - Shaniqua, Winchester, VA
    Don, Virginia Beach, VA
    Absolute trust
    “My experience with Richard Serpe can be summarized in two words, “absolute trust.” I came to Mr. Serpe on the advice of a friend after a car hit me while
    - Don, Virginia Beach, VA
    FREE CONSULTATIONS
    Four People Attacked by Dogs in Newport News
    Four People Attacked by Dogs in Newport News
    On the afternoon of Monday, September 1, 2025, Newport News police received alarming reports of two aggressive dogs attacking people. When officers arrived at the scene, they found four people
    Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Virginia?
    Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Virginia?
    The Neighbor's Dog Bit Me! What Should I Do?
    The Neighbor's Dog Bit Me! What Should I Do?
    Woman Fatally Mauled by Three Dogs in Portsmouth, Virginia
    Woman Fatally Mauled by Three Dogs in Portsmouth, Virginia