Washington State is a strict liability state when it comes to Dog Bite cases. This means that the dog owner is almost always responsible if their animal injures someone. It doesn’t matter if the dog had never bitten anyone or shown any aggressive tendencies in the past. If the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property the owner will be liable for the harm caused by the dog.

Washington’s statutes provide a few exceptions to the liability of dog owners when their dog bites someone. Police dogs that are acting in the scope of their duties are exempt from the Dog Bite statutes. Trespassing is also a defense as the victim must be lawfully on private property to file a claim. Additionally, the victim can not provoke the dog.

You are not required to file a police report to file a claim for a dog bite. It is advisable to report the incident to Animal Control. You should gather the owner’s contact information and take note of the circumstances surrounding the event such as the date, time and any witnesses to the occurrence. Find out if the animal has been immunized and seek medical care when necessary. It is always important to document all of your expenses.

The majority of animal attack cases in children involve injuries to the face and reconstructive surgery is often required. It is important to work with an experienced dog bite lawyer who knows how to get the necessary medical intervention paid for in your case. We have access to a network of highly qualified experts who know the costs associated with scar revision and other cosmetic repairs that will be needed to resolve your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can ensure that you get the care you need.

Washington State generally allows 3 years to make a personal injury claim. It is usually a good idea to get started on your claim as soon as practical to avoid any issues with the Statute of Limitations. There may be exceptions to this in some cases, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you strategize the best time to move forward with your case. Contact the Brumley Firm today to schedule a free consultation and find out the most advantageous way to proceed in your individual situation.

We look forward to meeting you and to discussing your case. We take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and get to know you in a friendly, no-pressure setting. We will also want to learn about your accident and any related injuries. It is often helpful for you to bring any documentation you currently have so we can gain a more thorough understanding of the situation.