A dog bite might seem like a freak incident—but for the victim, it can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Whether you were bitten in a public park, on a neighbor’s property, or while walking through your own neighborhood in Clifton, you deserve answers—and compensation. At Malloy Law Offices, our Clifton dog bite attorney helps victims stand up to negligent pet owners and pursue the justice they’re owed.
Virginia does not have a “strict liability” dog bite statute like some other states. That means your case may hinge on whether the dog’s owner knew—or should have known—that their animal posed a danger. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You may still have a valid claim if:
The dog had previously bitten or attacked someone
The owner ignored leash laws or containment requirements
The dog escaped due to a poorly maintained fence or gate
The owner failed to warn guests or neighbors about a dangerous pet
The bite occurred on property where you had a legal right to be
Our team investigates every detail, from incident reports to veterinary records, to prove negligence and build your case.
Dog bites can cause far more than a temporary wound. Victims—especially children—often suffer long-term damage that extends beyond the physical. Our firm represents clients dealing with:
Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
Infections, including MRSA and rabies concerns
Nerve damage and loss of function
Facial injuries and disfigurement
Psychological trauma, including PTSD or phobias
Scarring that requires revision surgery
Crushing injuries from larger breeds or prolonged attacks
Even a “minor” bite can lead to major medical bills. We make sure your claim reflects the full impact—not just the ER visit.
In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible. But depending on where and how the attack occurred, others may share liability. We may pursue compensation from:
Property owners who allowed a dangerous animal on-site
Landlords who ignored complaints about aggressive dogs
Pet sitters, dog walkers, or kennels that acted negligently
Businesses or groomers that failed to control a client’s dog
Homeowners’ insurance policies that provide bite coverage
We know how to uncover coverage and negotiate with insurers—so you don’t get stuck footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.
Dog bite injuries can disrupt every part of your life—from your physical health to your peace of mind. If you were bitten due to negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
Emergency treatment and wound care
Plastic surgery or scar revision
Lost income from time away from work
Pain and suffering—physical and psychological
Mental health counseling or trauma therapy
Long-term care for permanent disability or scarring
Loss of enjoyment of life or mobility
Wrongful death compensation in rare fatal cases
Every case is different. We work closely with your doctors and care team to calculate the full cost of your recovery—today and tomorrow.
Dog bite cases require a smart, compassionate, and aggressive approach. At Malloy Law Offices, we bring:
Decades of experience in personal injury and premises liability law
A thorough understanding of Virginia’s complex dog bite standards
Local insight into Clifton’s neighborhoods, parks, and leash ordinances
Access to medical experts, plastic surgeons, and trauma specialists
A contingency fee structure—you don’t pay unless we win
We understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to protect your rights while you focus on healing.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Clifton, don’t assume the injury will just heal with time—or that the insurance company will do the right thing. Contact Malloy Law Offices for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options, investigate the incident, and fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.