Virginia Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers

Not sure you have a case? We’re here to help make that determination.

Helping Virginians Recover After an Animal Attack

A dog bite or animal attack in Virginia can cause serious physical and emotional harm. At Burnett & Williams, our experienced Virginia personal injury attorneys help victims recover compensation and hold negligent pet owners accountable. At Burnett & Williams, our Virginia dog bite lawyers serve clients across Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley, with offices in Leesburg, Midlothian, Orange, Winchester, Culpeper, Hopewell, and Richmond.

“Dog bite cases are often complicated by insurance coverage disputes. Our job is to make sure victims get the care and compensation they deserve.”

Charles James “Jim” Williams III Partner, Burnett & Williams

Common Injuries from Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Deep puncture wounds and lacerations

Infections such as rabies or tetanus

Nerve damage

Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Broken bones (especially in children)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lasting anxiety around animals

Virginia Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know

Virginia does not follow a strict “one-bite rule.” Instead, liability can be proven through:

Negligence – failing to leash or control the dog
Knowledge of dangerous behavior – prior aggression or attacks
Violation of local leash laws or ordinances

Virginia’s contributory negligence rule means even 1% fault (e.g., provoking the dog) can bar recovery — making legal representation essential.

Compensation Available in
Virginia Dog Bite Cases

Victims of dog bites or animal attacks may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up medical treatment
Reconstructive surgery and scar revision procedures
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and trauma
Wrongful death damages, if the attack is fatal

“We work with medical experts and plastic surgeons to show the full impact of scarring and trauma.”

Jonathan Slater Attorney, Burnett & Williams

Dog Bite Law
in Virginia

Watch our attorneys explain dog bite law in Virginia.

In this engaging episode of Coffee with Jim and Kim, attorneys Jim Williams and Kimberly J. Raab of Burnett & Williams dig into the complexities of dog bite law in Virginia, with a special focus on Chesterfield County’s updated leash laws.