Bitten by a Dog in Virginia?

Here’s the Guide Every Dog Bite Victim Needs to Read Before Talking to the Insurance Company

A dog bite can change everything in an instant. One minute you’re walking through your neighborhood or visiting a friend’s home—and the next, you’re in pain, bleeding, or rushing a child to the emergency room.

If this happened to you or someone you love, you’re probably dealing with more than just physical wounds. There’s the fear. The medical bills. The uncertainty about what to do next.

You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own either.

At Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, we created The Comprehensive Guide to Dog Bite Claims in Virginia to help people like you understand their legal rights, avoid the insurance traps, and make informed decisions after a traumatic dog bite incident.

Dog Bites Are Common and Costly

– More than 4 Million People are Bitten by Dogs Each Year in the US
– Dog Bites May Require Aggressive Medical Attention to Avoid Infection
– In 2017, dog bite victims paid $600 million in medical bills related to their bite

Why We Made This Free Guide

In Virginia, dog bite cases are more complicated than most people realize. Unlike other states, Virginia doesn’t automatically hold a dog owner responsible for every bite. And under Virginia’s contributory negligence rule, if the insurance company can argue that you were even 1% at fault, they could deny your entire claim.

That’s why it’s so important to know your rights and take the right steps early on.

This free guide—written by Jim Parrish, a former insurance company lawyer turned Virginia personal injury attorney—gives you the inside story on how dog bite claims really work in Virginia.

You’ll get practical, honest advice from someone who’s helped recover over $60 million for Virginia injury victims—advice the insurance company hopes you never read.

What You’ll Learn

Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, injured on someone else’s property, or attacked while walking your own pet—this guide is built to help you navigate the road ahead with clarity and confidence.

Inside, you’ll learn:

– What to do immediately after a dog bite (including medical and legal steps)
– Who’s legally responsible for your injuries in Virginia
– How the “one bite rule” works—and when it doesn’t apply
– What compensation you may be entitled to (it’s more than just medical bills)
– How to deal with the dog’s owner and their insurance company
– When to handle things yourself—and when to bring in a Virginia dog bite lawyer

Real Advice, Not Legal Jargon

We know what it feels like to be overwhelmed after an injury. That’s why this guide is written in plain English—not legal speak. You won’t need a law degree to understand it, and you won’t find vague, copy-paste answers from the internet.

This guide is specific to Virginia dog bite claims—and it’s based on real cases we’ve handled for people right here in Manassas, Fairfax, Woodbridge, and communities across Northern Virginia.

Who Is This Guide For?

You should download this guide if:

• You (or your child) were recently bitten by a dog in Virginia

• You’re unsure who’s responsible—or what your next step should be

• You’ve been contacted by an insurance adjuster and don’t know what to say

• The dog’s owner is denying what happened

• You’re trying to figure out if your case is even “worth” pursuing

• You just want to know your options before making any decisions

Even if the injury seems minor right now, dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, emotional trauma, and scarring—especially in children. This guide shows you how to protect your future, not just react to the present.

How Virginia Dog Bite Laws Work

Here’s the part most people don’t know: Virginia doesn’t make it easy for dog bite victims. There’s no blanket “strict liability” law here. Instead, dog owners are often only liable if they knew their dog had a history of aggression—or if you can prove negligence.

And under Virginia’s harsh contributory negligence rule, if the insurance company can even suggest that you were partly to blame, they may try to deny your claim altogether.

That’s why your words, actions, and documentation matter—a lot. We cover all of this in the guide so you don’t unknowingly hurt your case.

Get the Knowledge the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Have

Insurance adjusters have one job: protect their company’s bottom line. They may sound polite on the phone, but their goal is to get you to settle quickly—and for as little as possible.

Jim Parrish used to work for them. He knows their strategies, scripts, and settlement tactics—and now he uses that experience to protect people like you.

“After years of watching insurance companies take advantage of good people, I knew I had to do something different. That’s why I wrote this guide—to give victims the tools to fight back.”
— Jim Parrish, Virginia Dog Bite Attorney

What Damages Can You Recover?

Many dog bite victims don’t realize just how much their claim may be worth. This guide explains the full range of damages you may be eligible for, including:

• Emergency room and hospital bills

• Ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy

• Psychological counseling (especially for children)

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Lost wages or lost earning potential

• Out-of-pocket expenses

Why Timing Is Everything

Virginia has strict legal deadlines (called statutes of limitations). If you wait too long to take action—or if you sign the wrong paperwork—you could lose your right to compensation, even if your case is strong.

This guide explains when to act, what to gather, and how to protect your claim—starting right now.

Real Stories. Real Results.

“My daughter was bitten by a family friend’s dog. At first, I didn’t want to make it a legal issue… but the medical bills kept coming, and my daughter was traumatized. The guide helped me understand my options without feeling pressured. I’m so grateful we found it.”
— Marisol A., Manassas, VA

“I wish I’d read this guide sooner. The insurance company was trying to lowball me, and I almost signed the release. This guide made me pause—and I’m glad I did.”
— David P., Fairfax, VA

Download Your Free Guide Now

Whether you decide to handle the claim on your own or hire a lawyer, you need to be informed. Don’t leave your future in the hands of an insurance company.

Download “The Comprehensive Guide to Dog Bite Claims in Virginia” today and get real, trustworthy answers—before you make a decision you might regret.

– Free.
– Instant Download.
– No Risk. No Pressure.
– Written by a trusted Virginia personal injury lawyer with insider insurance experience.

About the Author

Jim Parrish is a leading Virginia dog bite attorney and founder of Parrish Law Firm, PLLC in Manassas. After spending years representing insurance companies, he now uses that knowledge to fight for injury victims—recovering more than $60 million in compensation across Northern Virginia.

From car accidents to animal attacks, Jim and his team are known for honest advice, tough negotiation, and a compassionate approach to helping clients move forward.

No Recovery. No Fee. That’s Our Promise.

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