Burnett & Williams logo

Virginia Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers

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

Name

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

attorneys meeting with client

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 B. Slater
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.

Full Episode

Why Choose Burnett & Williams?

  • Decades of experience in personal injury law
  • Proven results in complex dog bite cases
  • Compassionate, client-focused representation

For help when suffering from a dog bite or animal attack, please call us for assistance.

call
chat
e-mail
Best Lawyers badge
Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame badge
Million Dollar Advocates Forum badge
American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys badge
Burnett & Williams logo

One of the oldest and most experienced personal injury law firms in Virginia.

Get in Touch

Facebook Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon Youtube Icon Instagram Icon

Locations

LEESBURG – (703) 777-1650
105 Loudoun St., SE Leesburg, VA 20175

MIDLOTHIAN – (804) 794-0080
1527 Huguenot Rd., Suite 201, Midlothian, VA 23113

ORANGE – (540) 308-4080
104 West Main St., Orange, VA 22960

WINCHESTER – (540) 667-3500
14 South Kent St., Winchester, VA 22601

CULPEPER – (540) 308-4080
609 S. Main Street, Suite 203, Culpeper, VA 22701

HOPEWELL – (804) 458-7070
224 North Main St., Suite 360, Hopewell, VA 23860

RICHMOND – (804) 415-4531
6 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220

© Copyright 2025 Burnett & Williams, P.C.