Compassionate Legal Help from a Chesapeake Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
A dog attack can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. Whether you were bitten by a stranger’s dog or one belonging to a friend or family member, you may be left dealing with painful injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected medical bills. You don’t have to face this alone.
A skilled Chesapeake dog bite injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate Virginia’s dog bite laws, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Bordegaray Injury Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take. We are here to help you every step of the way—from investigating the incident to holding the responsible party accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contact us today for a free consultation.
Virginia Dog Bite Laws: Your Rights in Chesapeake
Dog bite laws vary from state to state, and Virginia follows a "one-bite rule." This means that a dog owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had aggressive tendencies.
Key Virginia Dog Bite Laws You Should Know:
Leash Laws in Chesapeake: Dogs must be on a leash when outside their owner’s property. If a dog is off-leash and bites someone, the owner may be held liable.
Dangerous Dog Classification: A dog may be classified as "dangerous" if it has bitten someone before or has displayed aggressive behavior (such as snarling, lunging, or growling).
10-Day Quarantine Requirement: If a dog bites someone, Virginia law requires that the dog be quarantined for 10 days to ensure it does not have rabies.
Owner Negligence: If an owner violates local leash laws or fails to control a dangerous dog, they may be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Even if the dog has never bitten before, you may still have a case. Our legal team can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
Dog attacks can result in serious physical and emotional injuries, including:
- ✅ Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- ✅ Infections and rabies concerns
- ✅ Nerve damage and scarring
- ✅ Broken bones or disfigurement
- ✅ Emotional trauma, PTSD, and anxiety
Many dog bite victims require surgery, skin grafts, or long-term therapy to recover. As a Chesapeake dog bite injury lawyer, I work closely with medical professionals and expert witnesses to build a strong case for the compensation you need.
What To Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog in Chesapeake
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and even rabies. Even minor bites should be examined by a medical professional.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner:
Get the owner’s contact information and ask for proof of vaccinations. If the dog was off-leash or aggressive, note the location and any witnesses.
- Report the Bite to Chesapeake Animal Control:
Virginia law requires all dog bites to be reported. Contact the Chesapeake Animal Services Unit to ensure the incident is documented.
- Take Photos and Gather Evidence:
Photograph your injuries, the dog, and the location where the attack occurred. If possible, record any witness statements to support your case.
- Contact a Chesapeake Dog Bite Injury Lawyer:
Dog bite cases can be legally complex, especially if the owner denies responsibility. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in securing fair compensation.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Chesapeake?
Dog bite liability in Virginia depends on the circumstances of the attack. Potentially responsible parties include:
- The Dog’s Owner – If the owner knew their dog was dangerous and failed to take proper precautions.
- Property Owners – If a landlord or homeowner allowed a dangerous dog on their property without warning visitors.
- Businesses or Daycares – If an unsecured dog in a public space or business caused injuries.
Our legal team will investigate all angles to determine who is liable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How a Chesapeake Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Dog bite claims involve insurance companies, legal defenses, and complex evidence collection. Our attorneys can:
- ✔ Gather medical records and expert opinions
- ✔ Investigate the dog's history and prior incidents
- ✔ Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- ✔ File a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering
- ✔ Take your case to trial, if necessary
We handle every aspect of your case, so you can focus on healing.
How Much is a Chesapeake Dog Bite Claim Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique, but compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for emotional distress, PTSD, and long-term trauma.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – If your injuries result in permanent scarring, additional compensation may apply.
Insurance companies often offer low settlements—but we fight for every dollar you deserve.
FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in Chesapeake
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Virginia?
Virginia has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation.
What If I Was Bitten by a Friend’s Dog?
Many dog bite victims worry about suing someone they know. In most cases, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers dog bite claims—so your friend or family member won’t have to pay out of pocket.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most dog bite claims are settled out of court, but if necessary, we will fight for your rights in litigation.
Speak With a Chesapeake Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Chesapeake, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Bordegaray Injury Law, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
- Free Consultation – No Upfront Fees
- Only Pay If We Win Your Case
- Local Attorneys Who Understand Virginia Dog Bite Laws
Don’t let a dog bite injury disrupt your life. Contact us now and let us fight for the justice you deserve.About Nathan Bordegaray
Chesapeake dog bite injury lawyer, Nathan Bordegaray, is a trial attorney with more than 12 years of extensive courtroom experience, whose practice focuses on personal injury law.
Initially, Nathan dedicated eight years to defending insurance companies and personal injury defendants, gaining deep insights into the strategies employed by defense teams.
Starting his legal career in insurance defense, including roles at a commercial litigation firm and as a staff attorney for Geico, Nathan has since shifted his focus to advocating for those injured due to others' negligence.
This unique background provides him with a strategic advantage in representing injured clients, as he deftly anticipates and counters defense tactics, ensuring the best outcomes for his clients.
Before founding Bordegaray Injury Law PLLC, Nathan honed his skills at a leading regional personal injury firm in Virginia, where he successfully represented numerous clients.
His profound understanding of insurance operations is augmented by his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation, further enhancing his ability to secure maximum compensation for his clients.
Chesapeake dog bite injury lawyer, Nathan Bordegaray, and his law firm, serve Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and all of Hampton Roads.
