Dog Bite Lawyer in Washington State

Many people love dogs, and it’s no secret that they are one of the most common pets. However, what isn’t as well known is how frequently man’s best friend can bite or attack, causing harm to another person. 

You may have loved dogs yourself until one of them caused you to suffer painful injuries that require extensive medical treatment. The emotional anguish of being attacked by a dog can last even longer than the physical injuries. You can seek justice for your dog bite injuries with the help of a Washington dog bite lawyer at Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group. 

We provide legal aid for dog bites and have the experience and a proven success rate with these types of claims. Our dedicated team has helped obtain over $113 million for our clients in just the last 5 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a dog bite attorney in Washington and learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

The Legal Framework Surrounding Dog Bite Cases in Washington State

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, and Washington State follows strict liability in these circumstances. If you or a loved one are bitten or attacked by a dog, you do not need to prove negligence as you would in other types of personal injury cases.

With strict liability, the owner is held accountable for injuries caused by their dog. The dog owner must pay without proof of fault, making it easier for you to seek compensation for your injuries, mental impacts, and other expenses. 

The Process of Filing a Dog Bite Claim

When you are bitten or attacked by a dog, it is a terrifying situation, though you should know exactly what to do to file your dog bite claim. These are the steps you should follow after a dog bite:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites can quickly become infected, and since you likely don’t know if the dog has had all its shots, there’s no telling what might happen with your wound. If you have serious injuries, you should not delay getting the medical care you need. Dogs can do more damage beyond breaking the skin, causing muscle and nerve damage, which needs immediate treatment. 

Gather Information and Evidence

You’ll also need to get the personal information of the dog owner. If you’re not sure, try to be thorough about gathering all other evidence. Speak with witnesses and get their information, and document where the attack occurred through photos. 

Call Animal Control

Report the dog attack to your local Animal Control and share all of the information you have collected. This will set an investigation into motion by one of their officers. They will look to see if the dog is registered and vaccinated. You can also call the police, especially if the attack was serious and you needed urgent medical attention. 

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Washington

If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, you have the right to recover compensation from the owner through a personal injury lawsuit. While the laws in the state are strict liability, the owner may try to claim you were trespassing on their property or that you provoked their pet. 

These are the only two exceptions to strict liability, and with a lawyer on your side, you will have someone who can help prove you had the right to be on the property and that you did not provoke the attack. Contact Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group to get an advocate on your side. 

Potential Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims 

After suffering harm from a dog attack, you can seek compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Your economic damages are the tangible losses you’ve experienced, such as your medical expenses, including restorative surgeries and physical therapy, and past and future lost wages. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses resulting from your injuries, such as your physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, and impairment. 

The value of your dog bite claim will depend on a few key factors:

Type and Severity of Injuries

When calculating the extent of your damages, the type and severity of your injuries are the biggest factors influencing the amount of compensation you can seek. If you suffer minor injuries, your claim will be worth less than someone who required surgery for serious wounds or who has been left with permanent damage. 

Medical Bills

If you have severe injuries, you will require several medical treatments, resulting in higher medical bills. The more extensive the treatments are, the more likely you’ll receive more for your dog bite claim to help you recover those costs.

Permanent Disabilities

While some dog bite injuries will heal in time, others can leave victims with permanent disabilities. If your mobility or appearance has been impacted, this can increase the value of your claim. 

Emotional Anguish

The emotional anguish left behind after being attacked by a dog can last even longer than the physical injuries. You may have loved dogs before the incident happened and are now afraid to even look at one. Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental impacts after dog attacks, and they require treatment to manage. 

Inability to Work

Dog bite injuries can prevent you from working, either in the short-term or on a permanent basis. Your loss of income can be compensated, and will be determined by looking at your current income and your future earnings.

Challenges Faced in Dog Bite Litigation

Although Washington State follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites, there may be challenges in seeking compensation in your case.

Defense Claims

There are only two instances in which a dog owner will not be held liable for a dog attack. The first is if the victim was trespassing on private property. It requires proving that you had express or implied consent of the property owner. The other is if the dog was provoked by the victim in the form of abuse or taunting. 

It can be upsetting to endure such an attack only to have the dog owner try to blame it on you. Rest assured, at Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group, we will fight for justice on your behalf.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations in Washington is another concern, as it sets a time limit for how long you have to file your lawsuit. By the time you have filed an injury claim with the dog owner and been denied by their insurer or accused of causing the attack, much of this time will have already passed. You have three years from the date of the attack, though that isn’t very long, and it is best to take action while the evidence is fresh.

Dog bites can leave you with permanent injuries and put you at risk for infections or diseases like rabies. They can also leave you terrified of dogs, making it difficult to even look at one. While the law is in favor of victims, many obstacles can stand in the way. With the help of a Washington dog bite lawyer, you’ll have someone to help you get through these challenges to see better days ahead. 

How Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group Assists Clients with Dog Bite Cases

When dogs attack, the owners need to be held accountable for the harm caused. At Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group, we step in to fight for what is fair. We help by:

Investigating and Gathering Evidence

Dog bites are often sudden and scary events. You may have been walking down the street and attacked by a dog, unsure of where it came from or who it belongs to. Getting the medical attention you need is vital immediately after these attacks. In those moments, you may not have had the chance to get evidence of the attack. 

Our attorneys will step in to investigate and gather evidence. We will help track down the dog owner and present all evidence that shows you were not trespassing or provoking the animal.

Negotiating for Your Fair Compensation

Your dog bite claim may be denied, or you may be offered a settlement that is far below the costs incurred from the attack. We will step in and negotiate for what is fair.

Representation in Court

If negotiations don’t produce the desired results, we will be prepared to take your case to court. We will not back down and will aggressively advocate for the full and fair amount you deserve for your injuries.

Compassionate and Comprehensive Legal Support

The trauma of a dog bite can last a lifetime, and we understand how this event can impact all areas of your life. We will stand by you through it all and help you navigate the legal process.

Whether you suffered dog bites or a loved one, such as your child, was attacked, contact Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group today to schedule your free consultation.