In today’s Roanoke Times, you’ll find a column by Dan Casey, “Dog-on-dog bite hits mutt’s owner with $654 bill” . In the article, Casey tells the story of 75 year old Audrey Bower and her 13 year old Cocker Spaniel mix out on a walk in Garst Mill Park one mild February day. Garst Mill Park is located near my office and I have taken my children there several times for play at the playground.
Unfortunately, on this February day, Mrs. Bower did not have the pleasant walk she was hoping for. As she and her dog were walking, they met a few other dogs and their owner. One of the dogs bit the 13 year old Cocker Mix on the neck. The dog had to be seen by a veterinarian and after weeks of healing and a surgery, the bill was $654.
I’m sure as you read the article, you’re thinking things like, “glad her dog is okay or that could’ve been a child”. If you think about it long enough, you may even get angry. I’ve handled dozens of dog bite cases and I can tell that no one I’ve represented in a dog bite case, “saw it coming”.
In the animal attack cases I’ve handled the victim was just going about their usual business, walking through a parking lot, playing in their own backyard, going for a run, or visiting a neighbor, when they suddenly felt the incredible pain of teeth clamping down on their bodies.
Most dog bites do require immediate medical attention. Dog bites can transfer bacteria deep into the skin and muscle tissue causing infection. Most dogs have very strong jaws that can tear tendons, cause nerve damage, severe lacerations and can even break bones. These injuries can cause permanent disability and disfigurement. Some dog bites even cause wrongful death. Dogs can also transmit diseases such as rabies to humans through bites.
Medical treatments for animal attacks are often complicated, painful, and expensive. Treatment can include and is not limited to:
- surgery to repair damaged tissue
- cosmetic surgery to minimize scarring
- rabies shots
- oral or IV antibiotics
- stitches to help wounds heal
All of these treatments are painful and require time to recover.
In most states, the owner of a dog that has bitten someone can be held liable for damages and the victim would be entitled to compensation even for the first bite. Unfortunately, Virginia is not one of those states. In Virginia, we have a law that gives dogs and their owners “a free pass” for the first time a dog bites. If the dog has a history of aggression and it can be proven, than the owner can be held liable for any medical costs incurred, lost wages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
If you have been injured by an animal, seek medical treatment, report the bite to proper authorities, and call The Thomson Law Firm. When you call, you will speak with an intake specialist who will listen compassionately to your story. You will also speak to Paul Thomson, a leading dog bite lawyer in VA. Paul Thomson has represented numerous children and adults who have been harmed by aggressive animals. Call today for your free consultation. (540) 777-4900
