Dog Bites

A dog bite can often be a traumatic experience, with the potential to cause permanent injuries and even death. According to a recent survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 74.8 million dogs in the United States. This survey also shows that dogs bite more than 4.7 million people every year – nearly 2% of the population – and children are particularly vulnerable. They comprise more than 70% of dog bite victims and often are the victims of the more serious injuries from dog bite attacks.

Dog attacks can lead to permanent and disfiguring scarring that may require not only immediate medical attention but future medical procedures as well, such as scar revision.

We’ve successfully handled dog attack cases ranging from simple bite injuries to death, as the result of a pit bull attack. We understand West Virginia’s clear legal duties and distinctions that come with owning dogs.

• West Virginia dog bite cases generally fall into one of three categories set forth by law:
• Dogs with Prior Attacks
• If a dog has attacked or bitten someone in the past, then the dog is classified as a vicious dog. When a person owns a vicious dog, or dog with a prior bite history, that dog owner may be held responsible for any subsequent attacks and be held liable for the damages caused by their vicious dog.
• Dogs Running Loose
• If a dog is running loose (not on the dog owner’s property at the time it attacks and bites a person), the dog owner is automatically responsible, or “strictly liable” in legal terminology, under West Virginia law. When a dog is running loose in the neighborhood and attacks, the dog owner is liable for the injuries and damages caused by their dog.
• No Prior Attacks
• If a person is attacked or bitten by a dog with no prior history or bites or attacks, then the owner of the dog must generally be proven to have acted with negligence that led to the attack, in order to establish responsibility for the injuries caused.