Hillsville, VA Dog & Animal Bite Lawyer
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, many of which result in severe injuries, disfigurement, and even deaths.
If you or a family member has been bitten or injured by a dog or other pet, it will be critical to retain a Hillsville dog bite lawyer not only to get the compensation deserved, but also (to the extent possible) obtain such compensation from an insurance company if the pet belonged to a friend or family member. In many cases, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover liability for dog bites; if this is the case, we are often able to recover compensation directly from the insurance company without having to formally sue a friend or family member.
From our Hillsville, VA office, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt represents clients who have suffered dog bites and other injuries, and the families who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death. We represent those in Carroll County and the surrounding communities, including Sunnyside, Mabry Crossroads, Woodlawn, and Sulphur Springs. If you or a loved one was injured in an animal attack, firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt can tenaciously fight to protect your legal rights and seek maximum compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with experienced Hillsville dog bite lawyer Mark Hurt.
How Much Does an Experienced Hillsville Dog Bite Attorney Cost?
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we firmly believe that every individual should have access to the legal representation needed to seek full and fair compensation, regardless of how much it may cost. For this reason, we represent dog bite victims on contingency, meaning we are only entitled to a fee if compensation is recovered. We also advance litigation expenses while a case is ongoing – these costs are typically fully covered by a settlement or jury award. As a result, you will not need to come out of pocket for fees or expenses while your case is ongoing.
I Don’t Want to Sue a Family Member or Loved One for a Dog Bite. What Should I Do?
Many animal attacks occur at the home of a friend, relative, acquaintance, or the victim’s family. Consequently, those injured are often hesitant to pursue compensation for substantial and potentially life-altering injuries. However, it is critical to understand that, in many cases, a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy provides liability coverage for dog bites.
When we accept a dog or other animal attack case, the first step is to determine whether the responsible party has an insurance policy that would cover liability. If so, we can often obtain full compensation from an insurance company without the need to sue a friend or family member directly.
What Causes Dogs to Bite?
The probability that a dog will bite is not always determined by whether they are well-trained, as even the most well-behaved animals can be triggered if they sense danger.
Certain situations are more likely to incite aggression in animals. For example, dogs often attack if they are:
- Protecting Belongings or People;
- Guarding an Owner;
- Unwell;
- Caught Off Guard; or
- Provoked by an individual (e.g., by hugging a dog, stepping over the dog, trying to take something away, etc.);
Regardless of the reason a dog attacks, as an experienced Hillsville dog bite lawyer, Mark Hurt stands ready to seek accountability and the maximum compensation possible for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Future care costs
- Loss of quality or enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (for particularly egregious and intentional attacks)
What Types of Dog Bite Cases Does the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt Handle?
As a Hillsville, VA Dog & Animal Bite Lawyer who has been representing injury victims for over thirty years, Mark Hurt stands ready to represent those injured in all types of dog and animal bite matters, including those involving (but not limited to):
- Children
- Delivery drivers
- Mail carriers
- Joggers
- Neighbors
- Those suffering from a wrongful death
- Others who have been injured by an animal attack
What Types of Injuries Are Commonly Caused by Dog Bites?
Dog bites can be significant and result in severe physical and mental injuries, including:
- Lacerations and punctures
- Severed muscles or tendons
- Broken fingers or hands
- Infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Stress
Virginia Dog Bite Law
If you were bitten by a dog in Hillsville or the surrounding communities, you might be entitled to file a claim; however, Virginia has a “one bite” rule that applies to many animal attacks. This means if a dog or other animal has previously bit another person, an owner may be held liable if their canine companion bites again.
Despite Virginia’s one bite rule, it may be possible to pursue compensation, however, even if a dog has not exhibited prior aggression. Specifically, if an owner fails to keep an animal controlled (such as by failing to follow applicable lease laws), this could be considered actionable negligence.
Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Hillsville Dog Bite Attorney Mark Hurt.
If a dog bit you or a loved one in Hillsville or the surrounding communities, we invite you to call our office to schedule a free case evaluation. As an experienced dog bite lawyer, Mark Hurt can listen to the facts of your case and explain your legal options for seeking maximum compensation for your damages.
