Bellevue Dog Bite Attorneys

Washington’s Dog Bite Laws

Washington is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites and animal attacks, which means that a dog owner may be held liable for injuries their dog causes, even if the animal had no history of aggression. According to state law, dog owners are responsible for any bite that occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully present on private property.

The law does not require the victim to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog was known to be dangerous. However, there are specific circumstances in which liability may be limited, so it is helpful to work with a dog bite attorney from the beginning of your case. 

How to Hold a Dog Owner Liable

Taking legal action against a dog owner involves gathering evidence and presenting a compelling case. While you need to recover from a serious injury, this complicated process can become outright overwhelming. Let our Bellevue dog bite attorneys take care of everything for you.

Holding a dog owner liable for injuries caused by their pet usually includes these steps:

• Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries and the location where the bite occurred. If possible, photograph the dog and write down its breed.
• Report to Animal Control: Filing a report with local animal control authorities can help document the incident. In Bellevue, Regional Animal Services of King County responds 24/7 to reports of dangerous animals; the office can be called at 206-296-7387, but 911 should be used if there has been a serious injury or the animal is still posing an imminent threat.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your wounds seem minor, you should see a doctor. You may need a rabies vaccination. Also, medical records serve as evidence of the extent of your injuries and the care required when filing a claim later.
• Gather Witness Statements: If any witnesses were present at the time, their accounts could strengthen your claim, so write down their contact information.
• Contact an Attorney: A skilled dog bite lawyer from Carpenter & Zuckerman can help prepare your case by collecting additional evidence, handling communications with insurers, and so on.

Reasons Dog Owners Might Have Reduced Liability

Although Washington’s strict liability laws favor victims, there are instances where a dog owner may argue to reduce or eliminate responsibility for a bite. We can see if any of these situations apply to your case and plan around them accordingly.

The most common reasons why a dog owner might have reduced liability in a dog bite case include:

• Trespassing: A dog owner may not be held liable if the victim was unlawfully on private property and had been warned about the dog, such as through adequate signage around exterior gates.
• Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog through teasing, hitting, or otherwise aggravating it, the owner may be able to shift some liability.
• Self-Defense by the Dog: If the victim injured either the dog or the owner, causing the animal to act in self-defense, the victim might be found greatly liable.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites & How Compensation Can Help

Dog bites can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological effects, such as:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Nerve damage 
• Bone fractures
• Infections
• Soft tissue damage 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Compensation from a dog bite claim can help address the financial and emotional burden of such injuries by covering the related costs. Our attorneys know how to calculate the damages owed to you and pursue every cent. For example, you might be able to seek compensation that helps pay for medical expenses, medical costs, and lost wages or income. We also factor in your pain and suffering, which can be calculated as non-economic damages.