Yakima Dog Bite Attorneys

How We Can Help with Your Dog Bite Claim

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling personal injury claims, including those involving dog bites. We understand the challenges survivors face after such a traumatic incident and are dedicated to securing fair compensation for them while also taking care of every part of their claims. If you want to file a claim but don’t want to worry about all the legal steps, just leave everything up to us.

If you put us in charge of your dog bite claim, we can help with:

• Thorough investigation: We can gather evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and any available photos or video of the incident.
• Determining liability: Our team will identify the legally responsible party and explore all avenues for compensation.
• Attempting to negotiate with insurers: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. We will handle communications and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Litigation: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for your rights.

Serious Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries and emotional harm. Dog bite injuries often require immediate medical treatment and, in some cases, long-term care. Whatever injury you have suffered due to an aggressive dog and negligent dog owner, we’ll be ready to work on your claim.

Common injuries suffered in dog attacks include:

• Lacerations: Deep cuts or wounds from a dog’s teeth or claws that may demand stitches or surgical intervention.
• Scarring: Bites can leave permanent physical scars, affecting a victim’s appearance and self-confidence.
• Nerve Damage: Severe bites may impair mobility or result in chronic pain due to nerve injuries.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or rabies, which require urgent medical care.
• Broken Bones: The force of a dog bite or a fall during an attack can result in fractures or dislocations.
• Emotional Trauma/PTSD: Beyond physical wounds, dog attacks can lead to long-term psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

What is Washington’s Law About Dog Bites?

Washington is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bite laws. This rule means that a dog owner can be found liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was aware of its tendency to bite. In other words, if someone else’s dog bit you, whether you were on public or private property, you can consider starting an injury claim with our help. 

Important notes about the Washington dog bite liability law include:

• If the attack happened while you were lawfully on public or private property, you have the right to pursue a claim.
• If you were trespassing on someone’s property and a dog bit you, then your liability could be complicated or increased. 
• If you provoked the dog to attack – such as harming the dog or the dog’s owner – then your liability could be increased.
• The Washington statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bit you is generally three years, so it’s important to act quickly.

Will the Dog Be Destroyed?

A common concern for dog bite victims is the fear that filing a lawsuit will lead to the dog being euthanized or destroyed by the state. It’s important to understand that pursuing financial compensation does not automatically result in or call for the destruction of the dog. The state and the dog owner are the only two parties that are involved when deciding if an aggressive dog needs to be destroyed.