Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Dog owners can be held responsible when their negligence or failure to control an animal leads to a serious attack. Kalfus & Nachman PC represents dog bite victims and families across Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, pursuing compensation from negligent owners and the insurance companies that defend these claims.
We handle cases involving:
- Serious bites and attack injuries requiring medical treatment or surgery
- Dog attacks on children
- Off-leash and unsupervised attacks in public spaces, parks, and beach areas
- Attacks by dogs with known histories of aggression
- Injuries involving dangerous or restricted breeds
- Fatal dog attacks and wrongful death claims
If a dog attacked your child or a member of your family, don't wait. Call (855) 880-8163 or contact us online. Our Virginia Beach dog bite attorneys offer FREE consultations.
Our Recent Case Results we mean business
Over a billion dollars recovered in settlements & Verdicts
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$10.9 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
Settlement for our 2-year-old client who suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury due to a faulty hotel balcony railing
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$10.5 Million Truck Accident
Settlement for our client who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a truck accident
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$7 Million Auto Accident
Settlement for our client who suffered severe and permanent back & spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
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$5.147 Million Truck Accident
Settlement for our client who suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a tractor trailer accident
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$2.15 Million Premises Liability
Settlement for our client who sustained multiple severe orthopedic injuries due to a ruptured steel tank
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$2.1 Million Truck Accident
Settlement for our client who sustained multiple internal injuries as a result of a collision with a dump truck
How Virginia Handles Dog Owner Liability
In Virginia, a dog owner’s liability for a bite or attack usually depends on whether the owner knew or should have known that the animal had dangerous or aggressive tendencies, or whether the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog. Evidence of prior aggression, prior bites, complaints, leash-law violations, and animal-control involvement can all matter.
Virginia law also provides a formal process for dangerous dog findings and imposes added obligations on owners once a dog has been found dangerous. Local leash and running-at-large rules may also affect how a claim is evaluated.
Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can cause severe and lasting physical harm, particularly when the victim is a child or the animal is large. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations requiring sutures or surgery
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Nerve damage
- Infections, including serious conditions such as cellulitis and sepsis
- Fractures and crush injuries
- Psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Fatal injuries
Who May Be Liable
In most cases, the dog's owner is the primary defendant. Depending on the circumstances, liability may also extend to:
- A landlord or property manager who knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog on the premises
- A property owner whose negligence allowed the attack to occur
- A dog handler, keeper, or other person responsible for the animal at the time of the attack
Evidence That Can Strengthen a Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite cases often turn on facts that need to be gathered early. Helpful evidence may include:
- Animal control reports
- Prior bite or attack complaints
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the injuries
- Photos or video from the scene
- Medical records
- Leash-law or at-large violations
- Proof of prior aggressive behavior
Dog Attacks Involving Children
Children are disproportionately represented in serious dog attack cases. They are more likely to approach unfamiliar dogs, less able to protect themselves during an attack, and more likely to suffer facial and upper-body injuries given their height relative to the animal.
When a child is injured in a dog attack, the legal claim is brought on the child's behalf by a parent or guardian. Damages may include medical expenses, costs of future treatment, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and the emotional impact of the injury. Virginia's statute of limitations rules for minors may also affect filing deadlines, which is one reason to consult an attorney even when time does not appear to be an immediate concern.
Compensation in a Dog Bite Case
A successful dog bite claim may allow recovery for:
- Emergency treatment, surgery, and follow-up medical care
- Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment or reconstructive procedures
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress and psychological harm
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
How Long Do You Have to File?
our testimonials voices of victory
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Patient, understanding, considerate, and loyal. These were the characteristic of Mrs. Carmen Caswell. Job well done!- Leroy M.
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The service was comfortable, friendly, and inviting. Everyone seemed to want me to be successful in my recovery and suit. The receptionist, Ms. Ella, was very friendly and helpful.- Jacqueline
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When speaking with the attorneys or their personnel, they have always always been polite and answered any questions I had.- Cashel
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I had a wonderful experience with this company Jessie Suites and the whole Kalfus and Nachman family, and another special thank for her kindness and support, Ella Baskin. I really love y’all like family.- Latasha M.
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They did an excellent job with my case and had no issues or problems. Call the hurt line they can help.- Benjamin W.
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Excellent service, very fast with the lawsuit. I would definitely use Kalfus & Nachman again. Thank you so much for all your help.- Rebecca S.
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Friendly and hard-working people. Always there for the client's needs. Will continue being a client for any other needs I may have.- Tanya N.
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Paul and Kathleen were great! Very patient, kind, and their guidance was wonderful. I'm so glad we chose this group to help us with our accident.- Jillian
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Kalfus & Nachman are good at what they do. I would recommend them to anyone looking for professional help.- Joann A. W.
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The law firm helped me throughout the long healing process and assisted me in getting a settlement.- April
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Ms. Vaughn is simply amazing, very professional, and helpful through my disability case... I highly recommend her to handle your case!- Michael W.
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Happy with my choice of choosing this law firm to represent me with my case. I highly recommend anyone to use this law firm.- Christina
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I love this law firm. My lawyer was confident, worked with my needs, and got RESULTS. His name is Ryan Suit. Ella Baskin was also very helpful.- Jasmine G.
The ones that make it happen Experience You Can Feel Confident In
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Paul R. Hernandez Attorney -
Thomas A. Fitzgerald, II Attorney
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Seth D. Scott Attorney
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Christopher I. Jacobs Attorney
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Michael J. Levens Attorney
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Colin P. O'Dawe Attorney
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Neal C. Schulwolf Attorney
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Deborah B. Vaughn Attorney
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Michael Sternberg Attorney
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Brian A. Thomasson Attorney
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Jeffry A. Sachs Attorney
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Gregory E. Camden Attorney
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Gregory L. Sandler, Esq. Attorney
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Massimo Morabito Attorney
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William Nossen Attorney
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Elizabeth O'Conor Attorney
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Catherine Sullivan Attorney
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Elisabeth Ann. Moore Attorney
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A.J. Kalfus of Counsel
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Stuart L. Nachman of Counsel
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Richard F. Aufenger, III of Counsel
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Jesse M. Suit III of Counsel
A Powerful Team in Your Corner what sets us apart
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Built to Battle
We know how insurance companies try to limit claims — and after 45+ years, we know exactly how to stop them.
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Serving Since 1979
For over four decades, we've guided thousands of Virginia clients through complex legal challenges, earning trust through proven results.
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Complete Legal Coverage
Personal injury, workers' compensation, Social Security Disability — no matter your situation or location across Virginia, our team is here to provide comprehensive legal support.
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Millions Recovered
From a $10.9M TBI settlement to a $7.1M truck accident recovery — we've secured the financial support our clients need, and we're ready to fight for yours.