At the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, we’ve successfully represented children, seniors, delivery drivers, postal carriers, and other innocent victims of dog attacks throughout Virginia, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Richmond, Roanoke, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and more.
Dog attacks happen more often than most people realize, and the consequences can be devastating with physical injuries, permanent scars, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and in the worst cases, wrongful death.
If you were attacked by someone else’s dog in Virginia, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation. No legal fees unless we settle or win.
Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Virginia
Our attorneys represent victims of dog attacks in all kinds of situations, including:
- Attacks by a neighbor’s, friend’s, or family member’s dog
- Dog attacks on children
- Off-leash and “dog running at large” attacks
- Attacks on mail carriers and delivery drivers
- Attacks that occur while walking, jogging, or riding a bicycle
- Attacks in apartments and rental properties
- Repeat attacks involving dogs with a history of aggression
- Attacks resulting in facial injuries, scarring, or disfigurement
- Attacks resulting in lacerations, nerve damage, or permanent disability
- Wrongful death cases resulting from a fatal dog attack
And any other situation in which you were injured by a dog because of someone else’s negligence.
Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
Attorney Richard J. Serpe has dedicated his 39-year legal career to advocating for injured victims and their families, including a wide range of clients hurt by dog attacks including children, mail carriers, delivery drivers, neighbors, joggers, and pedestrians across Virginia.
He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America (2005–Present), Super Lawyers (2006–Present), an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating given, and 10/10 Superb rating from AVVO.
Attorney Ashley E. Strandjord brings a focused, thorough approach to every case she handles. Known for her attention to detail and direct communication with clients, Ashley makes sure no aspect of your dog bite claim is overlooked, from the initial investigation of the dog’s history to final settlement or trial.
When you work with the Serpe Firm, you’ll receive:
- Decades of first-hand experience with Virginia dog attacks
- Personalized attention and responsive communication
- Thorough case preparation to maximize recovery
- No legal fees unless we win your case
” A team that truly cared about us and our case…”
“My 7-year-old daughter was outside playing with friends in front of our home when she was viciously attacked by our neighbor’s Rottweiler. The Rottweiler dug a hole under the fence, escaped, and ran straight toward the children. Richard Serpe and his staff did a thorough investigation into the dog owner and were able to secure a settlement for my daughter. The settlement allowed us to pay her medical bills, as well as set aside funds for her future education.” – Google Review
“We cannot thank Serpe Firm enough for the support and representation they provided throughout our case. From the beginning, they demonstrated respect, compassion, and a high level of professionalism. They kept us informed, answered our questions clearly, and handled our case with integrity, commitment, and dedication. Thanks to their experience and hard work, we achieved a favorable outcome. At every step, we felt our family was in good hands and that we had a team that truly cared about us and our case. We are deeply grateful to the entire Serpe Firm team and highly recommend them to anyone looking for responsible, honest, and dedicated attorneys who not only provide excellent legal representation but also truly care about their clients.” – AVVO Review
Compensation Available in Dog Attack Cases
When someone is injured by a dog in Virginia due to negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, plastic/reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, and any anticipated future treatment
- Lost wages: income missed while recovering or attending medical appointments
- Loss of earning capacity: if the injury affects the victim’s ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering from the physical injury itself
- Disfigurement and scarring: particularly significant in dog attack cases involving the face
- Wrongful death: medical and funeral costs, lost income, and the family’s loss of companionship and emotional anguish
Virginia Dog Bite Settlement Examples
Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results, but they reflect the quality of work we bring to every case:
- $425,000: Child severely bitten on face with permanent scarring, Richmond
- $175,000: Adult bitten on face while visiting a friend, Newport News
- $160,000: Adult suffered leg injury during dog attack, Portsmouth
- $100,000: FedEx driver severely bitten on arm by customer’s dog, Wythe County
- $100,000: USPS mail carrier suffered a knee injury requiring surgery, Norfolk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim or sue a dog owner if they’re a friend, family member, or neighbor? Yes. Dog bite claims are almost always paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not out of their own pocket. Filing a claim doesn’t mean taking money directly from someone you know.
Can a delivery driver or mail carrier file a claim or sue for a dog bite? Yes. We’ve handled claims for Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and USPS employees hurt by customers’ dogs.
What is my case worth? That depends on the severity of the injury, the medical treatment and any surgery required, scarring and disfigurement, lost income, and the emotional impact of the attack. We evaluate every case individually because there’s no honest one-size-fits-all number.
What should I do right after a dog attack? See a doctor, infection and rabies risk can be a major concern. Report the attack to local animal control or police so the dog can be investigated and quarantined. Then consider speaking with an attorney before dealing with the owner’s insurance company.
How much does a Virginia dog bite lawyer cost? Nothing upfront. We work on a no-fee promise meaning you don’t owe us legal fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
Statute of Limitations (Legal Deadlines)
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for most dog bite injury claims is two years from the date of the attack. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
The sooner you have an attorney, the better your chances of building the strongest case possible.
Contact Our Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
You’ve already been through enough. Let us handle the legal fight.
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC represents dog attack victims throughout Virginia. Your consultation is free, and you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to discuss your situation.
