Were you or your child attacked by a dog in Fairfax, Virginia? If the attack happened because of a negligent owner, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Call The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm today at (571) 200-5424 for a free consultation with an experienced Fairfax dog bite lawyer.
With more than 27 years of combined legal experience, our team knows how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We’ve recovered over $60 million for injured clients. We represent victims of dog attacks across Fairfax and throughout Northern Virginia.
No matter the breed or severity of injuries, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Fairfax, VA?
Dog bite cases in Virginia require a detailed understanding of negligence laws and careful investigation into the circumstances of the attack. Not every law firm has the experience or resources to take on these complex claims.
At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we’ve built a reputation for aggressively protecting victims’ rights and securing justice against insurers and negligent dog owners.
Here’s what makes us the right choice for your Fairfax, VA dog bite claim:
- Tens of millions recovered for injury victims across Virginia
- 27+ years of combined experience in personal injury litigation
- Recognized legal excellence, including honors from The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100
- Local knowledge of Fairfax courts and ordinances
- Personalized representation from a Fairfax dog bite attorney who takes the time to know your story
Our attorneys will handle all aspects of your claim. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a Fairfax personal injury lawyer.
Overview of Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws
Unlike some states, Virginia does not follow a strict liability rule for dog bites. Instead, Virginia applies a modified version of the “one-bite” rule.
A dog owner may be held liable if:
- They knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies (for example, if the dog had shown aggression before), or
- They violated local leash or containment laws, which is considered negligence per se.
It’s not enough to show that a bite occurred; you must prove negligence on the part of the owner. At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we’ll investigate your attack and examine whether the dog had a history of aggression, whether the owner ignored leash laws, and whether the attack could have been prevented through proper care and supervision.
What Is My Virginia Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique. There is no flat rate or set formula for calculating damages. Instead, your case’s value depends on the specific impact the attack has had on your health, finances, and daily life.
Some factors that influence case value include:
- The severity of your injuries and whether you require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term medical care
- The emotional and psychological toll of the attack
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly in visible areas such as the face or hands
- Lost income from time missed at work
- The degree of pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Available insurance coverage
The best way to determine the value of your claim is to consult an experienced dog bite lawyer in Fairfax. At Parrish, we carefully evaluate all damages to make sure nothing is overlooked. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation available in your case.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Fairfax?
Victims of dog attacks may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These fall into three broad categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover financial losses such as:
- Emergency medical care and hospital bills
- Follow-up appointments, medication, and wound care
- Surgical procedures, including reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time off work
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
- Transportation and other expenses related to medical treatment
By carefully documenting these financial losses, we can present a clear picture of the economic impact the accident has had on your life and fight for full reimbursement of those costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for personal, non-financial harm, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, nightmares, or depression
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life or inability to engage in activities you once loved
- Loss of companionship in cases of fatal dog attacks
In certain extreme cases, punitive damages may also apply. These are designed to punish the dog’s owner for reckless or malicious behavior, such as intentionally training or encouraging a dog to attack.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
After a dog attack, many victims worry they can’t afford legal help on top of mounting medical bills. At Parrish, we handle dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis.
Under this arrangement, you don’t pay anything up front to hire a lawyer. Instead,
Your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
Payment comes from a percentage of your settlement or court award, usually between 33% and 40% depending on the case.
If your case does not result in compensation, you owe no attorney’s fees. This system makes it possible for injured individuals and families to access high-quality legal representation without taking on additional financial risk. We offer contingency fees in all personal injury cases.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?
Virginia follows one of the strictest contributory fault rules in the country. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for your injuries, you cannot recover compensation.
This harsh standard means the insurance company may try to argue that you provoked the dog, ignored warnings, or trespassed on private property. If they succeed, your claim could be denied entirely.
Our attorneys know how to fight these tactics. We’ll gather witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony to prove that the dog’s owner was solely responsible for the attack.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-changing trauma.
Some of the most common injuries we see in Fairfax dog bite cases include:
- Deep puncture wounds that damage muscle and soft tissue
- Facial injuries, often requiring reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Broken bones or fractures from being bitten or knocked down
- Nerve damage leading to long-term loss of sensation or mobility
- Severe scarring or disfigurement, particularly in children
- Infections such as rabies, MRSA, or Pasteurella
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, phobias, or PTSD
- Fatal injuries, especially in attacks involving children or elderly victims
Statistics show that more than 4.7 million people suffer dog bites each year in the U.S., with nearly 20% requiring medical care. Children between the ages 5 and 9 often sustain the most serious injuries.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries in Virginia?
In most dog bite cases, compensation comes from insurance rather than directly from the dog owner.
Options include:
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance – These policies typically cover liability for injuries caused by pets, including dog bites, whether the attack happens on or off the property.
- Landlord liability – In some cases, if a landlord knew about a dangerous dog on their property and failed to act, they may share responsibility.
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, your lawyer will look at other legal avenues to recover compensation, including personal judgments against the individual.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Virginia
Virginia law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit in civil court. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
There are a few exceptions:
- Children – If a child is injured, the statute of limitations may be extended until after they reach the age of 18.
- Wrongful death – In fatal dog attack cases, families have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
If you miss the deadline, your case may be dismissed, with no possibility of recovering compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Fairfax dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack to preserve your rights.
Contact a Fairfax Dog Bite Lawyer Today for Help
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Fairfax, you have rights. Medical bills, missed work, and lasting trauma can overwhelm families—but you can seek justice for these losses from the dog owner or their insurance company.
At The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, we bring 27 years of combined experience and a proven record of results, with over $60 million recovered for Virginia clients. We know how to take on negligent dog owners and the insurance companies that protect them.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Fairfax dog bite attorney. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Fairfax, VA
The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm Fairfax
4000 Legato Rd #1100, Fairfax, VA 22033
(571) 200-5424
