Arlington Dog Bite Attorney

Research has shown that dog bites can cause infection, damage to tissue, and potentially serious health conditions, including rabies and tetanus.  In some cases, dog attacks can also cause permanent disfigurement and can be fatal.

If a dog bites you, you may be able to hold its owner accountable. However, your ability to do so hinges upon whether the property owner knew their dog could be aggressive. Virginia’s “one-bite” rule makes dog owners liable for losses if they knew, or should have known, the animal presented a risk.

Monge & Associates has extensive experience helping bite victims to pursue justice under these laws. Our firm will work with you from day one to gather evidence, prove your claim, and fight for compensation if a dog harmed you or someone you love. 

If you were attacked or bitten by a dog in Arlington, speaking with an experienced Arlington personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and whether you can hold the dog’s owner financially accountable under Virginia law.

Why Choose Monge & Associates

Dog bite cases can be high-stakes claims. There’s often a lot of emotion involved as owners try to deny liability to protect their dogs and their finances.  You may also be suffering from serious and long-lasting physical and mental damage. 

It’s important to be represented by an attorney with experience in this type of claim who is prepared to deal with these challenges. Monge & Associates is the firm to turn to because:

• We have recovered millions in compensation after dog attacks. The specifics of your case determine your outcome, but the right advocate can put forth solid legal arguments to maximize your chances of the justice system working for you.
• We understand Virginia’s dog bite laws: Virginia laws differ from the laws in strict liability states where owners are liable if their dog attacks, even with no history of aggression. We understand how Virginia’s law applies and can help you make the right legal arguments to maximize your chance of recovering compensation. 
• We’re experienced at negotiation: Usually, the homeowner’s insurer of the dog owner will be responsible for covering your losses. Insurers want to pay as little as possible, but we’ll negotiate for a fair settlement to try to resolve your claim out of court. 
• We are ready to go to court:  You don’t want to settle your case for less than you deserve, so you need an attorney who has courtroom experience and who can fight for you.

Understanding Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws

Virginia’s dog bite laws center around whether the dog has been aggressive in the past or whether the owner knew the animal would likely bite. While the rule is commonly referred to as the “one-free bite” rule, this doesn’t mean the dog necessarily must have a bite history for you to recover compensation. You just have to show that the owner knew the dog was aggressive.

You can demonstrate this by proving:

• The dog bit in the past
• The dog has a history of growling or snapping
• The dog was not socialized properly despite signs of aggression

If you can prove the owner knew, or should have known, the dog was dangerous, the owner can be held responsible for your damages. Outside of these situations, you may also be able to pursue a claim if the dog owner acted carelessly in a way that led to the bite — even if the owner didn’t have a way of knowing the animal was aggressive.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Arlington Cases

Some of the most common types of injuries that dog bite victims suffer include:

• Puncture wounds 
• Infection
• Cuts (lacerations)
• Tissue damage
• Facial disfigurement
• Crush injuries
• Bone fractures 
• Nerve damage
• Damaged ligaments
• Psychological or emotional trauma

If you experience these or other bite-related injuries, you can pursue a claim for compensation from the dog’s owner to cover all of your losses. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Arlington

Usually, you’ll pursue your claim against the owner of the animal under Virginia’s one-bite rule or based on the negligence of the owner. 

In some cases, however, others are also to blame for the bite incident. This could include, for example, a careless landlord who knew a tenant had a dangerous dog on the property and yet chose not to act to protect others.

Monge & Associates can help you identify who can be held responsible so you can maximize your chances of getting compensated in full for your losses. 

Evidence Needed for Your Arlington Dog Bite Case

You’ll want to put together the strongest claim possible to maximize your chances of getting fair compensation for a dog bite. Some of the different kinds of evidence you may need include:

• Proof of past aggression from the dog. This could come from friends, neighbors, veterinarians or groomers, security camera footage, or other sources who saw the dog behave dangerously. 
• Proof of harm. You’ll need to show the dog’s actions were the direct cause of your injuries – and that the dog’s owner knew, or should have known, about the risk the dog presented and yet failed to act to protect you from harm.

Compensation Available to Arlington Dog Bite Victims

Compensation for Arlington dog bite victims should include payment for economic and non-financial losses. Examples of losses you may be compensated for include:

• Medical care costs
• Lost income and future lost wages if the dog attack impacts you in a way that will result in less income
• Pain and suffering damages, which can be extensive due to the severe damage a dog can cause. 
• Lost quality of life if you are unable to do activities you enjoyed or if you are left disfigured or permanently impaired
• Emotional distress damages due to the psychological effects of the attack and any injuries in the aftermath. 

Monge & Associates will help you understand what your case is worth so you don’t leave money on the table. 

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Arlington

After a dog bite in Arlington, you should take some key steps to protect your health and any potential future legal claims. Steps to take ASAP include:

• Seek immediate medical attention: You may need a rabies shot, medicine to fight infection, emergency surgery, or other intensive care.
• Report the attack to Arlington Animal Services: Reporting the attack allows animal control to take appropriate steps to deal with the dangerous dog. 
• Identify the dog and its owner: You’ll need the contact details of the dog’s owner to hold them accountable for harming you. It’s also important to be able to clearly identify the dog that attacked so you can prove who the animal belonged to. 
• Document the scene and injuries with photographs: Take as many pictures as possible of the dog, the scene where the incident occurred, and your injuries as this evidence can help you make a compelling case.
• Gather witness contact information: Witnesses can testify about the dog attack in case there are questions about what occurred. 
• Preserve clothing damaged in the attack: The clothing you wore in the attack can help you to demonstrate the extent of the damage. 
• Avoid discussing fault or giving statements to insurers: Insurers want to pay you as little as possible and look for reasons to deny your claim. Avoid talking with them until you have legal support.
• Contact an Arlington dog bite attorney promptly: Monge & Associates will begin working with you from day one to help you make your claim. 

Contact an Arlington dog bite attorney today

Monge & Associates has fought for decades for those who suffer harm, and we’ll put our legal history and knowledge to work for you. Give us a call today to schedule your free consultation with an Arlington dog bite attorney to find out how we can help.