Dog Bite Claims in Virginia and Maryland at a Glance
- Virginia has no strict liability dog bite statute. A Virginia dog owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or if they were negligent, for example by violating a local leash law.
- Maryland presumes the owner knew. In Maryland, evidence that a dog caused an injury creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1901).
- Homeowners and renters insurance often pays. Dog bite claims are commonly covered by the owner’s homeowners or renters liability policy.
- Two-year deadline in Virginia. Most Virginia dog bite injury claims must be filed within two years (Va. Code § 8.01-243). Maryland and DC generally allow three years.
Have you been attacked or injured by a dog? Injuries caused by dog attacks are often serious and cause traumatic personal injuries like permanent scarring and disfigurement. In Virginia, dogs are required to be on a leash. If you have been attacked in a public place by an off-leash dog, the dog owner can be held liable for your injuries.
Bitten by a dog? Contact Hilton & Somer, LLC today to see if you have a case against the animal’s owner. Call our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer at 703-560-0700. Se habla Español.
Dog Attacks and Children
Unfortunately, the victims of dog attacks are often children. Children don’t see a vicious pit bull or Rottweiler as dangerous, but rather as a dog they want to pet. A child’s innocence can lead to serious injuries. Injuries to children can affect their entire life and cause permanent scarring, disfigurement or other permanent damage. A child’s small size means that a bite can cover a greater percentage of their bodies. Children are more likely than adults to be bit on the face, neck or head.Dangerous Dogs and Animals
Under Virginia’s law, every dog gets “one bite” before they are labeled as dangerous. A dangerous dog is a dog that has bitten, attacked, or injured a person. Once the dog has attacked the dog’s owner is put on notice that their animal has dangerous propensities. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, it is important to notify the police of the attack.Virginia Dog Attack Lawyer
To learn more about how our experienced Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer can help you, contact Hilton & Somer, LLC at 703-560-0700. All cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you.
Areas We Serve
Hilton & Somer is based in Fairfax, Virginia and represents injured clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland, including:
- Northern Virginia: Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Springfield, Manassas, Annandale, McLean, Falls Church, Centreville, Leesburg, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, plus Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier and Culpeper Counties
- District of Columbia: Washington, DC
- Maryland: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Oxon Hill and College Park, plus Montgomery, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and Washington Counties
Dog Bite FAQ
Is a dog owner automatically liable for a bite in Virginia?
Not automatically. Virginia generally requires proof that the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous tendencies, or that the owner was negligent, such as letting the dog run loose in violation of a leash ordinance.
What is the dog bite rule in Maryland?
Maryland law creates a rebuttable presumption that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous once you show the dog caused your injury. Owners are also liable for injuries caused while a dog is running at large, with limited exceptions.
What should I do after a dog bite?
Get medical care, since bites can become infected, report the bite to animal control, get the owner’s name and insurance information, photograph your injuries, and find out the dog’s vaccination history.
Who pays for a dog bite injury?
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance covers the claim. A landlord or other party may also be responsible in some situations.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?
Hilton & Somer handles dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, and the first consultation is free.
