Each state in the U.S. has its own set of rules to govern what actions should be taken in the event a domesticated pet attacks a person. In Virginia, we have what’s known as the “One Bite Rule.”
One Bite Rule
This particular law states that an animal must have a history of violent or aggressive behavior before the owner can be held responsible for damages the animal inflicts in an attack. There is a loophole in the law that allows for an owner to be held accountable for a first incident of the animal inflicting a dog bite injury if negligence can be established.
What Happens to Dangerous Dogs and Their Owners?
If a dog is shown to have a history of violence, local animal control officials can take it into custody where it can be monitored for signs of disease. Owners of dangerous dogs may also face criminal or civil charges.
A Virginia Beach man has been charged with crimes in relationship to an attack committed by his dog. Reports from WAVY 10 News say the man faces two counts of failure to control a dangerous dog.
Getting Help After a Dog Bite Injury
Knowing the subtleties of the laws surrounding dog bite injuries is an area the Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are familiar with and we can certainly help you if you’ve been hurt in an attack by canines. Not only can we answer the questions you have regarding your case, we can also help you collect and submit the necessary paperwork for filing a claim.
Call us today at (757) 459-CASH to learn more about what we can do for you.
