Were you or your child attacked by a dog in Morgantown, West Virginia? If so, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Contact our Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers today at (304) 225-5990 for a free consultation with an experienced Morgantown dog bite lawyer.
We have 315 years of combined legal experience and have recovered hundreds of millions for injured clients. Our team has earned a statewide reputation for delivering results when families need help the most. No matter the breed involved, no matter how severe the injuries, our lawyers will fight to secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
Why Choose Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Morgantown, WV?
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, we have spent decades handling dog bite claims involving all types of clients, including children.
Here’s why injured victims trust our Morgantown personal injury attorneys with their most serious dog bite cases:
- 315+ years of combined legal experience dedicated to personal injury litigation
- Hundreds of millions recovered for our clients in settlements and verdicts
- Recognition among the region’s top trial attorneys
- Extensive knowledge of Morgantown, WV, laws, leash ordinances, and local court procedures
- Personalized attention from attorneys who take the time to understand your story and your needs
Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a Morgantown dog bite injury lawyer. We’re here to stand up for you.
Overview of West Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws
West Virginia does not follow a pure strict liability rule for all dog bite cases. Instead, liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether the dog was properly restrained.
A dog owner may be held liable if:
- They violated Morgantown or county leash laws
- The dog was running without restraint
- The owner knew or should have known that their dog had aggressive tendencies
- They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm
West Virginia Code §19-20-13 imposes strict liability when a dog is allowed to roam off-leash and injures someone. In all other scenarios, the victim must prove negligence to have a successful claim. That means it’s not enough to show that a bite occurred; you must establish that the owner acted carelessly, failed to supervise their dog, ignored leash laws, or allowed unsafe conditions that led to the attack.
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, we conduct a comprehensive investigation into the facts of your case, including:
- Whether the dog had a history of aggression
- Whether the owner ignored leash or containment requirements
- Prior complaints about the dog or the owner
- Whether the attack could have been prevented through reasonable care
Our goal is to build a strong claim that holds dog owners financially accountable for their negligence.
What Is My Morgantown Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is different. Some victims require stitches and treatment for infection. Others face life-altering trauma that requires surgery, reconstruction, or long-term therapy. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for determining the value of your claim.
The value of your case depends on factors such as:
- Severity of injuries, including whether surgery, hospitalization, or long-term care is needed
- Emotional and psychological harm, including trauma, anxiety, or lasting fear of dogs
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially to the face, hands, or neck
- Time missed from work and long-term effects on earning ability
- The extent of pain and suffering
- Insurance policies available through homeowners, renters, or other coverage
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, we take the time to fully evaluate every aspect of your losses. We ensure that nothing is overlooked and that your compensation reflects the true impact the dog attack has had on your life.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Morgantown?
Victims of dog bites and dog attacks may be eligible to recover multiple categories of damages under West Virginia law. These fall into three primary groups: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages (although these are rare).
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial consequences of the attack, including:
- Emergency room bills and ambulance costs
- Follow-up medical treatment and specialist visits
- Medication, wound care, and infection treatment
- Reconstructive surgery or cosmetic procedures
- Physical therapy and long-term rehabilitation
- Lost wages for time missed from work
- Reduced earning ability if injuries interfere with your job
- Travel expenses and related medical costs
We work closely with medical experts and financial professionals to document every economic loss carefully, ensuring your claim reflects the full cost of the attack.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the personal, emotional, and psychological impacts of a dog attack, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or fear
- Nightmares, phobias, or PTSD
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship in fatal cases
These damages can be significant, especially for children, who often suffer lasting emotional trauma and may require long-term psychological care.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case.
These damages are designed to punish dog owners who engage in reckless or malicious conduct, such as:
- Training a dog to attack
- Encouraging aggressive behavior
- Knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely
If the facts support it, we will pursue punitive damages to hold the owner accountable and help prevent similar attacks in the future.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means (1) you pay nothing up front, (2) you pay nothing out of pocket during your case, and (3) you only owe attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you
Your attorney’s fee comes from a percentage of your settlement or jury award. If they don’t recover compensation, you owe them nothing. This approach allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery, not legal bills or financial risk.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?
West Virginia follows a modified comparative fault system. Under this rule, you can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the attack, with your recovery reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that you provoked the dog or were trespassing when the attack occurred. Our attorneys push back using evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove the owner is responsible for your attack. We can help you challenge blame tactics and get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of physical and psychological injuries. Some heal within a few weeks, while others leave victims with lifelong medical needs and scarring. At Farmer, Cline & Campbell, we’ve represented clients with injuries ranging from moderate puncture wounds to catastrophic trauma.
Some of the most common injuries we see in Morgantown dog bite cases include:
- Deep puncture wounds that tear muscle and soft tissue
- Facial injuries, often requiring reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Fractures and broken bones, including hand, wrist, and arm injuries sustained while trying to block or escape an attack
- Nerve damage, which may result in permanent loss of sensation, function, or mobility
- Disfiguring scars, especially to the face, arms, or legs
- Severe infections, including MRSA, cellulitis, Pasteurella, and the risk of rabies
- Head trauma from being knocked to the ground
- Emotional injuries, including nightmares, anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD
- Wrongful death, especially in attacks involving children or elderly victims
Studies show that children aged 5–9 are the most likely to suffer serious dog bite injuries, often due to their height, curiosity, and proximity to a dog’s face. We understand how devastating these injuries can be for families, and we work tirelessly to ensure every child and adult receives the justice they deserve.
Contact a Morgantown Dog Bite Lawyer Today for Help
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Morgantown, you deserve answers, accountability, and the financial support necessary to recover. Medical expenses, missed work, and emotional trauma can place a huge strain on families. You don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone.
At Farmer, Cline & Campbell Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring more than three centuries of combined experience and a proven track record of success to every dog bite claim we handle. Call us today to schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Morgantown dog bite attorney. We’re here to fight for your family’s financial security while you focus on healing.
