West Virginia Dog Bite Attorney

Have you been bitten by a dog?

Dogs are man's best friend - unless their owner has failed to properly train them. Some pet owners want a dog that will attack any intruder to their home or property, and their dog is actually trained to do so upon command. This is fine, as long as the dog is kept from roaming throughout neighborhoods where they could endanger other people. This does not always happen, however, and West Virginia created specific dog laws to determine who is liable when a dog injures a person.

According to West Virginia law, any owner or keeper of a dog who permits it to run at large is liable for any damages it inflicts. When a dog injures a person when it is not running at large, the owner of that dog will be subject to liability for damages if the victim can prove that the owner's negligence caused the injury. Unfortunately, some of the most serious dog bite injury cases involve children. A child's height makes it easier for the dog to attack the head and neck of a child, and cause serious or fatal damage, or a catastrophic injury.

It is hard for some people to understand the devastation and significant damages that can result from a dog bite, but our firm has seen the effects of these tragic incidents all too often. When a vicious dog has caused severe or fatal injuries, it is imperative that legal representation is obtained from a skilled lawyer. At Mani Ellis & Layne PLLC, our West Virginia personal injury attorneys have more than three decades of combined experience, and an impressive track record of success in recovering compensation for the injured. We can assist you immediately in a serious dog bite injury case, and you can be fully confident that your interests and rights will be our only focus and concern.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites are exceptionally dangerous, and can cause permanent disfigurement and scarring to the face, head, neck and other parts of the body. They are subject to certain severe infections that are difficult to resolve medically, adding to a dangerous physical situation. It may require many surgeries both to resolve ripped and torn muscles, ligaments and skin, as well as cosmetic surgery to try to restore the appearance of the injured as much as possible. Our firm can address all of these issues in a claim or lawsuit, and will pursue compensation to pay for all medical care and treatment, loss of income, as well as the emotional costs. We have the experience and dedications you want on your side in a dog bite injury case, so we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible.

Contact a West Virginia attorney who strives for legal excellence!

One of the first things we will address with your dog bite case is whether or not the dog was running at large at the time when your accident occurred. West Virginia is a limited liability state and has a "One Bite Rule" which will be applied to dogs that bite and cause injury when they were not running at large. This rule essentially means that the owner of a domesticated animal can only be held liable for injuries caused by their canine if they knew of the animal's potential to attack. In order to determine if this was the case in your situation, we will look at any past attacks or previous viscous behaviors on the part of the animal responsible for your injuries.

Given the detailed nature of West Virginia's dog bite law, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights and options before you choose to file a claim. Mani Ellis & Layne PLLC has a proven history of success in handling difficult injury claims, and we know how to be effective in recovering the compensation you need and deserve. Call today for a free case evaluation!