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Dog bites

Hendell Dog bites Lawyer

There are few traumas more life altering than a dog attack and the resulting physical and mental injuries.

Most dog bite survivors are dealing with more than just blood loss, scarring, disfigurement, pain, humiliation and embarrassment, but often also intrusive memories of the event and the persistent fear that another dog might attack them in the future. Attorney Thomas Hendell has represented dozens of dog bite victims in Charlottesville, Central Virginia, and the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro area and understands the legal hurdles you must overcome to achieve full compensation for your injuries. Whether the attack occurred on a public street or on private property, we have the knowledge and skill to help you achieve your greatest recovery.

Sometimes dog owners and insurance companies will argue that Virginia has a “one free bite” rule, and that they are not liable for their dog’s behavior unless he has bitten someone else on a prior occasion.

But Virginia has no such rule, and instead deems a dog owner to have notice of their dog’s propensities for violence from all their prior behavior, including not just biting, but also barking, growling, lunging, baring of teeth, snapping, etc. Additionally, a dog owner is deemed to have notice of the propensities of their dog’s breed, for example, that large guardian dogs can be extremely protective and may attack house guests who have not been given a proper introduction by the owner. Hendell Law Firm uses dog training and behavior experts at trial when necessary to explain to the jury how breed affects behavior and what the owner should have foreseen and prevented.

Set Up a Free Consultation With Hendell Law Firm's Dog Bites Attorney Today

Attorney Thomas M. Hendell has himself survived a vicious and unprovoked attack by a pit bull in which he and the innocent dog he was walking sustained lacerations, blood loss, and other injuries, and he appreciates how challenging it can be to recover financially while recovering physically. Despite his injuries, Attorney Hendell protected the neighborhood and got the attacking pit bull under control and found its owner. We bring the same passion and persistence to the representation of every one of our deserving clients. Contact Us for a no-cost consultation.

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