VA · One-bite / negligence
Virginia dog bite law
Virginia is a one-bite state. The owner’s notice of a dangerous tendency, or a failure to restrain, is what you prove.
- Liability
- One-bite / negligence
- Statute
- No general strict-liability bite statute
- Deadline to file
- 2 years · Va. Code § 8.01-243
- Bites only?
- Injuries more broadly
Two years. Northern Virginia apartments and HOAs add landlord and association defendants when they knew.
Exceptions insurers will mention
Knowledge of viciousness or negligence, including local leash laws.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.