West Virginia Dog Bite Law
West Virginia law addresses dog-owner liability in several ways. Under W. Va. Code § 19-20-13, the owner of a dog that is permitted to run at large can be held strictly liable for the damage the dog causes. In other circumstances, an owner may be liable based on negligence — for example, failing to control a dog known to be dangerous or violating a leash law.
Serious bites and attacks can cause deep puncture wounds, torn tissue, nerve damage, infections, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and significant emotional trauma. Children are the most frequent and most severely injured victims.
Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries
Compensation for a dog bite is often paid through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Recoverable damages include medical bills (including reconstructive surgery), future care, lost income, and non-economic damages for pain, suffering, scarring, and emotional distress.
Insurers may try to minimize a claim or argue the victim provoked the dog to invoke the modified comparative fault rule under W. Va. Code § 55-7-13a through 13d. Documenting the attack, the injuries, and the dog's history is important to a strong claim.
Protecting Bite Victims, Especially Children
After a dog attack, seek medical care promptly, report the bite to local animal control, and document everything — photographs of the injuries, the location, and the dog if possible, plus the owner's information and any witnesses. Facial injuries and scarring in children can require lifelong treatment and carry significant value.
An attorney can identify the responsible parties and applicable insurance, and pursue the full compensation a bite victim deserves.
You pay nothing unless you win. Injury Claim Team connects injured West Virginians with experienced personal injury attorneys who work on contingency. Your case review is always free and confidential — call 973-566-5599.
Dog Bite Injury FAQs in West Virginia
In part. Under W. Va. Code § 19-20-13, an owner who lets a dog run at large can face strict liability for the damage it causes. In other situations, liability may depend on negligence or the owner's knowledge that the dog was dangerous. An attorney can apply the right standard to your case.
Dog bite claims are frequently covered by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. An attorney can identify the applicable policy and pursue compensation through it.
Nothing upfront. The attorneys in our network handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless they recover compensation for you. Your case review through Injury Claim Team is always free and completely confidential.
For most personal injury claims, West Virginia's statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury under W. Va. Code § 55-2-12. Some claims — including those against a city, county, or state agency — carry shorter notice deadlines, so it is wise to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.