Legal Question in Personal Injury in Virginia
Dog bite
My son was bit by a dog in the face 2 years ago by a relatives dog on another relatives property and has been under the care of a plastic surgeon for 2 years now. He is getting reading to have surgery. What are his rights and what compensation is he entitled to. Should we get an atty? The Dog was put to sleep and the owners of the dogs, homeowners ins. is paying for the bills after our health ins. pays, can we also hold the owner of the property/home responsible for not providing a safe place for our child to be?
Please help!
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Dog bite
To answer this question first, yes, you should definitely get a lawyer, and fast. The statute of limitations for personal injuries is only 2 years in VA, although if this pertains to a minor child it would not begin to run until he reaches majority (although the parents' claim for medical expenses may run sooner). The basic rule for dog bites is that the owner or other person responsible has to be aware of the dangerous propensity - the "one bite" rule, although there may not necessarily have to have been a prior bite if the dangerousness was otherwise known. If this requirement is met, there is likely a viable claim for damages. The landowner could be liable as well under approprtiate circumstances, but I would have to know more details. Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer ASAP.
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