If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Virginia, whether the bite occurred in a public place or on private property, reporting the dog bite should be the first step after seeking medical treatment. Contacting animal control or local law enforcement to document the incident is crucial for establishing a legal record and ensuring the dog does not pose a threat to others.
Reporting a dog bite incident in Virginia triggers a series of legal protocols that can vary depending on the circumstances. However, no matter how the authorities address the matter of the attacking dog, remember that you still might have important rights as a dog bite victim. In many cases, you can hold the dog owner accountable by seeking compensation for losses related to the attack in a dog bite claim against the dog owner’s liability insurance.
Are Doctors Required to Report Dog Bites in Virginia?
After a dog bite, you should always seek medical attention. Virginia law requires physicians and other healthcare providers to report any treated bite wounds to animal control or the local health department. Mandatory reporting aims to track cases of rabies and enhance public safety by informing authorities of potentially dangerous dogs.
How Many Times Can a Dog Bite Before Being Put Down in Virginia?
The requirement for euthanasia of dogs depends on the circumstances at hand, but it is based on a dog being deemed “vicious.”
A dog is vicious when it:
- Seriously injures or disfigures a person, often from multiple bites
- Kills a person
- Continues to exhibit the conduct that led to a dangerous dog designation
If a dog has shown aggressive behavior or has a history of biting, the local animal control authority may investigate the situation. Depending on the severity of the incidents and the circumstances surrounding the bites, a determination may be made to euthanize the dog for public safety. A dog is not put down simply because you report one bite.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Virginia?
Yes, if you have been bitten by a dog in Virginia, you might have the legal right to sue the dog owner for damages. Virginia dog bite laws are complicated and do not allow for strict liability of a dog owner.
Instead, a dog owner may be held liable for any injuries caused by their dog if:
- The owner knew or should have known the dog had bitten before or had a propensity to be aggressive.
- The owner was negligent in some way that allowed the dog attack to happen.
- The owner violated leash laws or other dog-related ordinances (negligence per se).
Generally, to establish a successful claim, it must be proven that the dog owner was negligent in preventing the bite or that the dog had a known history of aggressive behavior.
Consult Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Virginia, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from a skilled attorney. At D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, we have been representing injured people in Prince William County since 1999. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve for your dog bite injury.
Contact us or call (703) 762-2142 to set up your free consultation and learn about your potential dog bite case. Our office is conveniently located at 2500 Hunter Pl, Unit 102, Woodbridge, VA. We can help!
