Who pays in Virginia?
you show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless
2 years to file Call about my state law(844) 703-3920Claim details
This is the planning limit for an ordinary adult claim against a private owner. Children's claims and claims against public owners need a separate timing review. It is not an automatic personal last date.
Your state's dog bite lawOhio Rev. Code 2305.07Other state rules
The rule in Virginia: the one-bite rule
If you were bitten, the first step is to call us. We go over what proof your claim needs while it is still easy to find.
Virginia has no dog bite statute that makes owners pay for every bite. You show that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless. A court can also declare a dog dangerous after a hearing under Code of Virginia 3.2-6540.
One earlier warning about the dog, or an open gate, can carry the claim. Proof often comes from neighbors or an earlier animal control report. A "beware of dog" sign helps, and so does a leash law broken at the moment of the bite.
Write down anything that shows the owner knew or was careless. Learn more about how the one-bite rule works.
Your deadline to file in Virginia
An adult has 2 years from the bite to file in court under Code of Virginia 8.01-243.
A claim against a city or county, such as a bite by a police dog, often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, tell us on the first call.
If your child was bitten, ask about your child's deadline when you call. You can also see dog bite deadlines in every state.
What a Virginia claim is worth, and who pays
Virginia is not on Triple-I's top-ten list of states by dog bite claims. That means there is no state average to quote.
Your value starts with your medical bills and lost pay. A scar or a bite to the face raises it. You can run your own numbers.
A homeowners or renters policy usually covers the owner's dog. You file with the owner's insurer, and it pays up to its limit. Ask the owner for the insurance company name and policy number on day one. See how the insurance claim works.
Report the bite and protect your claim
Get medical care first. For a serious bite, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
Then report the bite to your local health department. The Virginia Department of Health animal bite page explains the process.
The report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date. Insurers and attorneys both rely on it.
- Write down the date of the bite.
- Keep a copy of the bite report.
- Note any warnings, signs or open gates.
Reviewed August 29, 2026