June is National Dog Bite Awareness Month: Understanding the Risks and What You Can Do

Every year in the United States, millions of people are injured by dog bites, with some requiring medical attention and even surgical intervention. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million dog bites occur annually, and over 800,000 of those bites require medical care. The statistics are alarming, and yet many individuals remain unaware of the dangers posed by even the most seemingly friendly dogs.

This month has been designated as National Dog Bite Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the risks of dog bites, the legal implications of dog bite injuries, and how we can prevent these incidents from occurring. If a dog has injured you, call our office to speak with one of our Norfolk dog bite lawyers to find out what legal recourse you may have.

What Are the Common Causes of Dog Bites?

Dog bites can happen unexpectedly and for a variety of reasons. In many cases, the dog may not be intentionally aggressive but may bite out of fear, pain, or stress. Some of the common causes of dog bites include:

• Fear or anxiety: Dogs, like people, can experience anxiety. If a dog feels cornered, threatened, or frightened, it may bite as a form of self-defense. Sudden movements or loud noises can also trigger a fearful response.
• Protecting territory: Dogs are territorial animals. If they perceive a person or another animal as a threat to their territory or their owner, they may become protective and bite to defend their space.
• Pain or illness: If a dog is in pain due to an injury or illness, it may become more irritable and prone to biting. This is often a defensive response to protect itself.
• Lack of socialization: Dogs that have not been properly socialized may feel uncomfortable or threatened by new experiences or unfamiliar people, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Provocation: In some cases, a dog may bite as a response to provocation. This could include teasing, rough handling, or actions that make the dog feel threatened.

Recognizing these triggers is essential for both dog owners and the public in reducing the risk of dog bites.

How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?

While many dog bites result in only minor injuries, such as small puncture wounds or scratches, others can be much more serious. Depending on the breed of the dog, the force of the bite, and the location of the injury, dog bites can result in significant harm. Some of the serious consequences of dog bite injuries include:

• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the victim’s skin, potentially leading to infections. Infections, including cellulitis and other skin infections, can develop, sometimes requiring intravenous antibiotics and even hospitalization.
• Nerve damage: Depending on the location of the bite, it can cause nerve damage, which may lead to permanent numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Scarring: Dog bites to the face, hands, or other visible areas can result in lasting scars. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be needed to repair damage, particularly if the bite involves a significant tear or laceration.
• Psychological trauma: A dog bite can cause significant emotional distress. Victims, particularly children, may develop a fear of dogs, and in severe cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may result from the traumatic experience.

The severity of a dog bite injury depends on several factors, including the size and breed of the dog, the location of the bite, and the promptness of wound treatment.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury?

In Virginia, liability for a dog bite can typically fall on several parties depending on the circumstances:

• Dog owner: The owner of the dog is usually held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggression in the past or not. This means the owner is responsible for damages unless the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing a crime at the time of the bite.
• Property owner: If the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property and the property owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous behavior but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm (such as posting warning signs or securing the dog), they may also be held liable.
• Third parties: In some cases, a third party who was responsible for the care or custody of the dog at the time of the incident may share liability, such as a dog walker or temporary caretaker.

Virginia follows a “one-bite rule,” which means that after the first bite, the owner is on notice of the dog’s propensity to bite and can be held liable for subsequent bites. It’s crucial to gather evidence and consult with a legal professional to understand your options if you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident.

What Are the Legal Steps to Take After a Dog Bite?

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, there are several important steps to take immediately to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Seek medical attention: Even if the bite appears to be minor, it’s important to see a doctor. Dog bites can become infected quickly, and timely medical treatment can prevent serious complications. If the bite is severe, you may need stitches, tetanus shots, or rabies vaccinations.
2. Document the injury: Take photographs of the wound, as well as the surrounding area where the attack occurred. This documentation will be important for any future legal action.
3. Report the incident: File a report with your local animal control agency. This helps ensure that the dog is evaluated for rabies and that the owner is held accountable for the attack.
4. Identify the dog: If possible, obtain the dog’s medical records, including vaccination history. This is crucial for ensuring that the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations.
5. Consult with a lawyer: A personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Having a lawyer guide you through these steps can make a significant difference in your case, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Call Our Norfolk Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to take action. Consult with an experienced Norfolk personal injury attorney to explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Whether through negotiation or litigation, a skilled lawyer can help ensure that you receive the justice you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse you may have. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are committed to getting clients the compensation they deserve, like the $1.5 million insurance settlement we were able to obtain for one client, a three-year-old child who suffered significant facial scarring after a dog attack. Don’t let a dog bite derail your life—seek the legal help you need today.

For your convenience, we have offices in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton, and Portsmouth.

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