Getting bitten by a dog can be a physically and emotionally traumatic experience. You may suffer painful injuries that require emergency medical care, as well as psychological trauma from the attack itself. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our Charleston dog bite attorneys help victims and their families navigate West Virginia’s dog bite injury laws. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights as our client throughout the legal process. Find out how we can help during a free case consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- We use personalized legal strategies to achieve the best possible results for each case.
- Our personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience.
- We have collected more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- We communicate often; you will be in touch with your attorney throughout your case.
- Our dog bite injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we win.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Injury in West Virginia?
If you get attacked by a dog in West Virginia, the law allows you to collect financial compensation under the legal doctrines of negligence, negligence per se, scienter, and intentional tort. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, while negligence per se means that negligence is presumed due to a broken law, such as violating a local leash law.
Scienter in a dog bite injury case is also known as a “one-bite” rule. It means a dog owner can be held responsible for an attack if he or she knew or had reason to know the dog could be dangerous or vicious; such as if the dog had bitten someone previously. Intentional tort means the pet owner knowingly did something to cause or provoke the attack with the intent to harm the victim.
West Virginia also has a specific statute (West Virginia Code Section 19-20-13) that applies to cases where a dog was permitted to run at large, or illegally roam off leash and unrestrained. In this scenario, the owner or keeper of the dog can be held liable (legally and financially responsible) for damages inflicted upon a victim or the victim’s property by the dog while it was running at large.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
You may wish to bring a claim against the owner or controller of a dog who bit you if the incident resulted in moderate to severe injuries. Even a minor dog bite injury, however, could come with complications such as the risk of infections, diseases, and scarring.
You may be eligible for financial compensation if you suffered any injury in a dog attack, including:
- Broken bones
- Diseases, such as rabies
- Disfiguring scars
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Head and skull injuries
- Infections
- Muscle and ligament damage
- Nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Scratches and serious lacerations
- Soft-tissue injuries
Note that you may also qualify for compensation for injuries that were caused by something other than a dog bite, such as a broken bone from a dog jumping on you and knocking you down. With a successful dog-related injury claim, you may receive compensation from the pet owner for your medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, property repairs, and more.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Charleston Today
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Charleston, consult with a dog bite injury attorney at Bailey & Glasser, LLP as soon as possible. We will listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options as a dog attack victim. We understand local and regional dog bite laws and can help you establish the pet owner’s liability for your losses. Call (304) 345-6555 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. Our local law office is located at 209 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301.
In addition to dog bite cases, at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we also provide legal services for victims of medical malpractice and those involved in truck accidents. Our experienced attorneys understand the complexities these cases can present, and we’re committed to achieving justice for our clients. Whether it’s navigating the challenging landscape of medical negligence or tackling the intricate laws surrounding commercial trucking accidents, our team is equipped to offer you the comprehensive legal support you need.