Understanding Animal Injury Claims

Animal injury claims are a type of personal injury claim that can arise from many circumstances, including attacks by domestic animals or encounters with bigger animals, such as horses. In Virginia, if you have been injured due to an attack by an animal, you may be able to receive compensation for this. It is essential to know your rights and the process of submitting these claims to protect yourself and get the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Types of Animal Attack Claims I Can Claim For

Animal attack claims are not only related to dog bites or home pets. Many situations can lead to a claim, depending on the type of animal and how the attack occurred. There are common types of animal injury claims:

• Bites from dogs and attacks by different pets: Virginia law requires pet owners to ensure their animals do not become a danger to others. Bites from dogs are most common, but claims could also arise due to attacks by other house pets, like cats or unusual animals that people keep as pets.
• Injuries on farms and from livestock: People living near or working around farms could experience incidents with livestock. Big animals like cows, pigs, and others can cause serious harm if they get aggressive or when their owners don’t take proper precautions to avoid these types of situations.
• Damage from horse-related incidents: Whether engaging in the activity of riding horses or simply visiting a stable, mishaps with these big and powerful animals can result in serious harm. 

Filing a Domestic Animal Attack Claim

Attacks from pets, mainly bites from dogs, are frequent in Virginia. To submit a claim for such attacks, one often needs to show that the pet’s owner didn’t take care of it properly or take the necessary precautions to avoid the incident. According to the law of Virginia, there is a “one-bite rule.” This means the animal’s past actions, like previous biting or being aggressive, can help determine who is responsible. If the owner had knowledge, or if they were supposed to have awareness that their pet was aggressive and didn’t take appropriate cautions, they can be deemed responsible for any damage done by their domestic animal.

Filing a Horse Riding Accident Claim

Accidents while riding horses can result in severe harm like broken bones, damage to the head, or injuries to the spinal cord. Though inherent dangers are associated with horseback riding, not every accident is due to the rider’s mistake. If the horse’s owner, trainer, or stable manager is careless and this carelessness leads to an accident, they can be held liable for damages. 

Seeking Animal Attack Compensation?

At Goss & Fentress , our skilled lawyers are committed to assisting those who have been harmed by animals in getting the compensation they are entitled to. We have more than 40 years of expertise serving clients all over Virginia, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach. 

In Virginia, claims related to animal injuries tend to be complicated. However, with appropriate legal guidance, you can manage these difficulties. If a domestic animal has injured you or has been in an incident while riding horses, Goss & Fentress is here to assist in obtaining the compensation that rightly belongs to you. Contact Goss & Fentress today for a discussion about your situation and to discover what legal options you have.