Dog bites are one of the top 15 causes of non-fatal injury in the United States. If you’ve been hurt, the Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC West Virginia dog bite lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
West Virginia Dog Bite Attorney
- You may receive monetary compensation for a dog bite.
- People often underestimate what their case is worth.
- The insurance company isn’t on your side. They may do things to minimize your claim or avoid paying compensation.
Our West Virginia dog bite attorneys can handle your compensation claim. Contact us now.
What We Do
Our dog bite lawyers can:
- Investigate. What happened?
- Evaluate. Do you have a case?
- Value. What is your case worth?
- Plan. How do you get your compensation?
- Pursue. We take the steps to pursue your case.
- Advise. We counsel you throughout your case.
We are a team of experienced and aggressive attorneys, representing injured people in compensation claims. We resolve cases with settlements and by going to trial. Let our team take care of everything.
Who We Represent
Our law firm represents people who are hurt. Most dog bites don’t happen on purpose. However, there may still be legal fault based on strict liability or negligence. These legal terms just mean that the person hurt has the right to seek compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
The purpose of the claim is for a victim to be fairly compensated. The basis of the claim is that someone else is at fault for the injury.
We represent adults and children. Children often suffer serious injury when attacked by a dog.
West Virginia Dog Bite Laws
West Virginia Code §19-20-13 is one of several statutes that, together with case law, form the body of the WV dog bite law. Someone who allows their dog to run at large is liable for damages they cause, including a dog bite. The law imposes strict liability, meaning that an owner or keeper of a dog running at large is liable without any other showing of fault or negligence. Just allowing the dog to run at large is fault enough.
If the West Virginia dog bite law doesn’t create strict liability, the victim may still have a claim. In that instance, the victim must prove negligence, previous knowledge of the dangerous behavior of the dog, or other grounds for fault. Sometimes, particularly when the dog owner is uninsured and does not have sufficient assets to cover the damages, liability can be imposed on a property owner who allows a tenant to harbor the attacking animal.
Note: Other defenses may apply, such as comparative negligence. Our attorneys can explain if these defenses may impact your case.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Attacks
Have you suffered any of the following?
- Puncture wounds, deep tissue wounds
- Bleeding, bruising
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Scars
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
Injuries often affect the head and neck, and scarring is often a significant component of damages.
You may receive compensation for a dog bite.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in West Virginia?
A dog owner, property owner, or someone responsible for the dog’s care may be liable for dog bite injuries in West Virginia.
You may not initially want to pursue a case if the dog owner is a friend or family member. However, many claims can be settled through insurance policies, without court being required.
Our lawyers can explain your options and paths to receiving compensation.
Does West Virginia have a “one-bite rule” for dog bites?
No. A dog owner or keeper may be liable even if the animal has no previous bite history.
Knowledge of vicious propensity is not required if the dog is running at large at the time of the attack. In other situations, a previous bite history may be evidence of negligence to establish fault.
Steps To Take After Being Bitten by a Dog
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention. Injuries may be more serious than you first realize. Plus, immediate medical attention can document your harm and show that it is from the dog bite.
Save anything related to the attack, such as clothes you were wearing and any objects that were damaged. Photograph your injuries and the scene where the accident occurred. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. If there aren’t other people that saw the attack, that’s okay. We’ll thoroughly build your claim.
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. There is a time limit to bring a case, but you should never wait that long. We’ll begin pursuing your compensation.
Experienced Lawyers, Fighting for You
Since 1991, Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC has been a champion for victims in our communities.
Our trial lawyers focus on helping the injured. When you’re injured, it can be hard to know where to begin. You can leave it to our dog bite attorneys in West Virginia to handle your case.
We believe that getting outstanding results for our clients means fighting for their interests. It means knowing legal procedures and creating a legal strategy. It means continuing to pursue the case as long as necessary. And it means outstanding service. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and give you honest advice. This information can give you confidence in the legal process and the information you need to make the right decisions in your case.
Contact a West Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, contact a West Virginia dog bite lawyer from Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC.
We offer free consultations. Ask us what you may receive in compensation. Learn how our attorneys can help.
