Renfro & Renfro, PLLC
The RVA Injury Lawyers™
Richmond Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog attack can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional effects often last much longer. Serious bites can mean disfiguring wounds, nerve damage, infection, and a lasting fear of dogs that follows victims for years.
Our Richmond dog bite lawyers at Renfro & Renfro help victims and their families hold negligent owners and keepers accountable. We investigate what happened, identify who is responsible, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Midlothian Office
Downtown Office
Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Richmond
Attacks on the Owner's Property
Attacks in Rental Properties and Apartment Complexes
Attacks in Public Spaces and Parks
Attacks on Postal, Delivery, and Utility Workers
Attacks on Children
How Dog Owner Liability Works in Virginia
Virginia does not have a single statute that automatically holds every dog owner liable for a bite. Instead, these claims are generally built on one of two legal theories.
Under Virginia’s “one bite” rule, an owner may be held strictly liable if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies. This knowledge does not always require a prior bite. Evidence that a dog previously snarled, lunged, or bared its teeth at people can be enough to put an owner on notice.
Where the one bite rule does not apply, a victim can still recover by proving ordinary negligence, showing the owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog. A violation of Richmond’s leash law, which requires dogs to be leashed whenever they are off the owner’s property, can support a claim of negligence per se, meaning the violation itself helps establish that the owner failed to meet their legal duty. Richmond’s animal control ordinances are outlined in Chapter 4 of the City Code, and the state leash law requirement is found at Va. Code § 3.2-6539.
Dogs previously found to have injured a person may also be classified as “dangerous dogs” under Va. Code § 3.2-6540, which imposes registration and confinement requirements on the owner. A prior dangerous dog finding can be important evidence in a subsequent bite case.
Our Richmond Dog Bite Claim Process
A clear process helps you understand what to expect at every stage.
- Initial Consultation: We review how the attack happened, your injuries, and your legal options.
- Investigation: Our team gathers animal control records, witness statements, and evidence of the dog’s history to establish notice and liability.
- Medical Documentation: We work with treating providers to fully document your injuries, treatment, and any lasting effects.
- Negotiation: We handle communication with insurers and opposing parties while pursuing a fair resolution.
- Litigation: If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for you in court.
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Client Testimonials
Who Can Be Held Responsible
Liability in a dog bite case is not always limited to the animal’s owner. Depending on the facts, a claim may also involve:
- Keepers or Custodians: A person who was caring for or in control of the dog at the time of the attack, even if they do not own it.
- Landlords and Property Managers: When they knew of a dangerous dog on the property and had the ability to address it but failed to do so.
- Employers: In limited situations where an employee’s dog was present at a place of business with the employer’s knowledge.
Identifying every potentially responsible party is an important part of building a strong claim.
What Compensation May Be Available
A dog bite claim should account for both the immediate injury and its longer term effects. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, wound care, reconstructive surgery, and follow up care.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring, especially in cases involving the face, hands, or other visible areas.
- Lost Wages: Income missed while recovering from surgery, treatment, or complications.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack, including any lasting fear of dogs.
- Psychological Treatment: Counseling or therapy for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD following a serious attack, particularly for child victims.
Virginia law allows injured individuals to pursue these damages from the responsible party, but building a complete claim requires thorough documentation of both current and future losses.
Why Choose Renfro & Renfro for a Richmond Dog Bite Case
Families trust our firm because we combine legal experience with a clear understanding of how dog bite claims are handled in Richmond.
We know how to build a case under Virginia’s one bite rule, how to use leash law violations to support a negligence claim, and how to pursue landlords or other responsible parties when appropriate. Our attorneys prepare you for each stage of the process, explain what to expect, and help you avoid missteps that could affect your case.
These claims often involve insurers who are quick to argue provocation or shared fault. We manage that communication directly, document the facts carefully, and keep you informed with straightforward updates throughout your case.
Dog Bite Lawyer Near You
Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:45 AM–5 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:45 AM–5 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Areas We Serve Around Richmond
- Bon Air, VA, USA
- Richmond, VA, USA
- Tuckahoe, VA, USA
- Glen Allen, VA, USA
- Midlothian, VA, USA
- Petersburg, VA, USA
- Chesterfield, VA, USA
- King William, VA, USA
- Louisa, VA 23093, USA
- Amelia County, VA, USA
- Hanover, VA 23069, USA
- Henrico, VA 23294, USA
- Prince George, VA, USA
- Mechanicsville, VA, USA
- New Kent, VA 23124, USA
- Powhatan, VA 23139, USA
- Dinwiddie, VA 23841, USA
- Goochland, VA 23063, USA
- Charles City, VA 23030, USA
- Colonial Heights, VA 23834, USA
We are honored to serve families throughout Central Virginia.
Contact Us For A Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Virginia?
Virginia law generally allows two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence such as animal control records and witness accounts.
What is the "one bite rule" and how does it affect my case?
It means an owner can be held strictly liable if they knew, or should have known, their dog had aggressive tendencies, even without a prior bite. If the owner had no such notice, a claim can still be based on ordinary negligence.
What if I was bitten by a neighbor's dog?
You may still have a claim against the owner, and in some cases the property owner or landlord, depending on who knew about the dog's behavior and had the ability to control it.
What if I was partially at fault, such as approaching or provoking the dog?
Virginia follows strict contributory negligence rules, meaning any fault on the victim's part can affect the outcome of a claim. We carefully evaluate the circumstances of the attack when assessing your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?
Dog bite cases often involve disputes over notice, leash law violations, and shared fault. An attorney helps ensure your claim is properly valued and that you are not pressured into accepting less than you deserve.
