Were you or your child attacked by a dog in Manassas, VA? If the attack occurred due to a dog owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. Call (571) 229-1800 for a free consultation with the Manassas dog bite lawyers at The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm.
We have over 27 years of combined legal experience, with more than $60 million recovered for injury victims. Our team knows what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable. We handle all types of dog bite cases involving all breeds.
Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm to Help With My Dog Bite Injury Claim in Virginia?
Virginia dog bite laws are complex. If you experienced an attack when a dog was off-leash, unprovoked, or had a history of aggression, you may have a valid personal injury case in Manassas, Virginia. When you work with our team, you get experienced advocates who know how to build strong, evidence-backed claims in even the most challenging cases.
Here’s what sets The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm apart:
- Tens of millions of dollars recovered for injury victims across Virginia
- Decades of combined legal experience in personal injury litigation
- Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 and other prestigious legal organizations
- Local knowledge in Manassas, VA, and surrounding communities across Northern Virginia
Our Manassas personal injury lawyers will take the pressure off your shoulders. While you focus on healing, we’ll fight to recover the full value of your claim. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Manassas dog bite attorney.
Overview of Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws
Virginia law does not automatically impose strict liability on dog owners for bites. Instead, Virginia uses a version of the “one-bite” rule, meaning that a dog owner may only be held liable if:
- They knew or should have known their dog had dangerous tendencies, OR
- They violated local leash or containment ordinances (negligence per se).
That’s why legal representation is so important. Our firm knows how to uncover evidence of prior aggressive behavior, leash law violations, and negligence that can help support your dog bite claim.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique, and no standard amount of compensation is available.
However, several key factors can influence the value of your claim, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether long-term treatment, therapy, or surgery is needed
- The psychological effects of the attack
- Any permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Available homeowner’s or renter’s insurance coverage
Our attorneys will assess your losses and determine the full value of your damages. We’ll present your claim to the insurance company with a clear demand for maximum compensation.
What Compensation Is Available to Dog Bite Victims?
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in Manassas or anywhere in Prince William County, you may be eligible to recover a variety of damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses, such as:
- Emergency room bills and hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and medical devices
- Lost wages from missed work
- Future lost earning capacity
- Travel expenses for medical treatment
Non-economic damages provide money for personal suffering, including:
- Physical pain and chronic discomfort
- Emotional distress or trauma
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety, PTSD, or sleep disturbances
- Loss of companionship in fatal attack cases
Punitive damages may also be available to punish the dog owner in cases involving extreme negligence or malicious behavior (e.g., encouraging a dog to attack).
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe no upfront fees, hourly billing, or legal costs unless your attorney wins compensation for you.
If your legal team secures a settlement or verdict in your favor, their fee comes from an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation — typically between 33% and 40%.
This fee structure ensures that injury victims have access to high-quality legal help, even during difficult financial times. We offer contingency fees in all dog bite cases.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault for a Dog Bite Incident?
In Virginia, you usually can’t get compensation for a dog bite if you were even slightly to blame. The state uses a strict rule called contributory negligence, which means you could lose the right to recover anything if you’re found even 1% at fault — like teasing the dog, ignoring warning signs, or going onto private property.
Unlike other states that allow shared blame, Virginia doesn’t. These cases can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to speak with one of our lawyers to find out if you still have a chance to hold the dog’s owner fully responsible.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog attacks vary in severity but can leave victims with devastating and disabling injuries. Larger breeds may even cause crushing injuries, while bites from smaller dogs can cause infection or scarring.
Some of the most common injuries in dog bite claims include:
- Puncture wounds that damage soft tissue and muscle
- Facial injuries requiring cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, particularly in children
- Fractures or broken bones, often from being knocked to the ground
- Nerve damage that causes long-term loss of mobility or sensation
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Rabies and bacterial infections, such as Pasteurella or MRSA
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, or PTSD following an attack
- Wrongful death, in rare cases involving vulnerable victims
Any dog can bite regardless of breed, size, or age. Every year in the U.S., over 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, with nearly 20% requiring medical care for injuries or infections. Children, especially those aged 5–9, are at the highest risk of dog attacks and often suffer more severe injuries. Most bites (61%) occur in the dog’s home or a familiar setting, and 77% involve dogs owned by family or friends. Unneutered dogs are three times more likely to bite.
No matter the severity, every dog bite case deserves to be taken seriously. We will evaluate the full impact of your injuries and fight to recover all available compensation.
What Are Common Causes of Dog Bites?
Dog bites often happen when a dog feels scared, surprised, or defensive. Many bites occur because someone gets too close while the dog eats, sleeps, or cares for puppies. Others happen when a person moves too fast, touches the dog incorrectly, or enters its space without warning.
Poor training, lack of supervision, or chaining a dog can also increase the risk. Even usually calm dogs might bite if they’re in pain or feel cornered, especially around unfamiliar people or young kids.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries in Virginia?
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not out of pocket. These policies typically cover liability for injuries caused by pets, including dog bites that occur on or off the property. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with insurers and will work directly with them to pursue a fair settlement.
If the dog owner is uninsured or underinsured, we’ll explore all available legal options to ensure you receive the compensation you need.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Virginia?
In Virginia, dog bite victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and missing it can result in your case being dismissed.
There are limited exceptions, such as in cases involving injured children. In those situations, the statute of limitations may be extended.
To preserve your right to compensation, it’s critical to speak with a Manassas dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack. An experienced legal team can help you comply with all deadlines in your case.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Manassas, VA
The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can affect both your recovery and your legal claim.
If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor.
- Report the attack to your local animal control office or police.
- Get the dog owner’s contact and insurance information.
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack.
- Preserve medical records, receipts, and incident reports.
- Avoid speaking to the dog owner’s insurance company without legal advice.
You should also contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Manassas to begin building your case. Your attorney can help you navigate your claim and handle all aspects of getting you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Manassas Dog Bite Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Manassas, The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help.
With 27 years of combined experience, we have the skill, knowledge, and resources to take on powerful insurers and negligent dog owners. We’ve proved it with over $60 million recovered for our clients.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-risk consultation with a Manassas dog bite attorney.
