What is the legal definition of a dog bite?

In Virginia, a “dog bite” is defined as any injury that is inflicted by a dog. This includes scratches, punctures, abrasions, lacerations, or any other physical injury caused by a dog. The definition is inclusive of all ages and species that may be affected by a dog bite. The law holds the owner of the dog primarily responsible for any injury caused by a dog bite. In some cases, the law might also hold someone else responsible if the owner was unreasonably careless in allowing the dog to be in a situation where the bite could occur. If an owner knew that a dog had a history of aggressive behavior and still allowed it to be around people, they might be liable for any injuries that occurred. The law also recognizes that a dog’s size and breed are not indicative of its behavior. Even if a dog is of a certain breed known for aggression, the owner may still be held liable for a bite. Also, if a child provokes a dog, the adult responsible for the child may still be responsible for any injuries that occur. It is ultimately up to the court to determine the extent of liability in a particular case. In order to begin a legal case for a dog bite incident, there must be some proof that the bite actually occurred. This proof may include testimony from witnesses, physical evidence, or medical documents. Once this is established, the legal proceedings can move forward.

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What is the legal definition of a dog bite?

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