West Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer

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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.

Call or message us now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether I have a case?

You have a case if you’re injured and someone else has legal fault for what occurred. You must be able to gather facts to prove the liability of the other party. Intentional harm is not required. In fact, most cases are based on negligence or careless behavior that creates an unreasonable risk of harm. At your case consultation, our lawyers can explain whether you have a case and the reasons for our opinion.

How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?

In West Virginia, you have two years to file most personal injury lawsuits. However, there are some exceptions. Two years can seem like a long time, but you need to investigate, build and prepare your case. Always contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

How will my lawyer determine the value of my case?

A lawyer will determine the value of your case by evaluating the losses that you have because of the injury. Then, they compare them to the types of losses that a victim may claim under the law. Other factors may affect your case value, too, like the ability to collect compensation, comparative negligence and the strength of the proofs in your case.

What steps should I take immediately after an injury to protect my rights?

To protect your rights after an injury, get medical attention without delay. Do what you can to prevent additional harm. Don’t discard anything related to the accident like torn clothing. If you can, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Call 304-842-4300
Available 24/7

Get in touch with us today

Speaking with a lawyer about your case is 100% free and easy. We will review the facts of your case and advise you on how our firm can help. There is no obligation and if you decide to hire us, you won’t owe us anything unless we are successful for you.

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Available 24/7
304-842-4300

Free Case Evaluation

Free Case Evaluation

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