Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Statistics: A Public Health Concern

Dog bites are a significant public health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with about 800,000 requiring medical attention. Tragically, from 2011 to 2021, 468 deaths resulted from dog bites, averaging 43 fatalities per year.

Dog bites can lead to a range of injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infections, such as rabies or tetanus
• Nerve damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can result in long-term psychological effects, particularly in children.

Virginia's Approach to Dog Bite Liability

Virginia follows the "one-bite" rule, meaning a dog owner may be liable if they knew or should have known their dog tended to bite or act aggressively. Additionally, Virginia recognizes negligence per se, where a dog owner can be held liable if they violated a statute or ordinance designed to protect public safety, such as leash laws.

Norfolk's Local Dog Bite Regulations

In Norfolk, local ordinances require dog owners to keep their pets on a leash in public areas. The city's Animal Protection Unit, operating under the Norfolk Police Department, responds to incidents involving animal bites and attacks. Violations of these ordinances can be used to establish negligence in a dog bite claim.