Several states across the U.S., including Virginia, follow ‘one bite rule’ in determining the civil liability of a pet owner whose animal injured another party. One-bite rule, sometimes called first bite rule, is a legal dogma adopted by the U.S. from England’s early common law. Although a majority of states have modified or rejected the one-bite rule, some still follow this English common law doctrine.
The one-bite rule protects the owner of pets (dogs, cats, or any other domesticated animals) that injure a person from legal liabilities provided that it was their first offense. The principle behind this policy is that domesticated animals are naturally harmless, and the owner would not initially know the propensity of his pet to injure others until the first attack or act of aggression. However, once an animal is determined to be a threat, the onus is on the owner to take the steps necessary to protect others against future harm.
If you have been a victim of an animal attack in Norfolk, Virginia’s one-bite rule may work for or against you. To learn more about how this could affect your situation, contact a dog bite attorney at Joe Miller Law, Ltd., by calling (757) 455-8889 today.
