Dog owners in Washington State have a legal duty to make sure their pets don’t attack or bite another person. If a dog bite does happen, injury victims may receive compensation for their losses.

RCW 16.08.040 is a Washington statute regarding dog bite liability. It provides statutory authority for a dog bite victim to file a lawsuit after an attack. The law says that the owner of any dog that bites someone is liable for any injuries caused by the bite. This is true regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressiveness or viciousness. And liability applies whether the bite takes place on public property or the private property of the dog owner.

A dog bite victim may also try to recover damages by filing a lawsuit under a negligence theory. In a negligence suit, you allege that a dog bite would not have occurred had the pet’s owner exercised a reasonable degree of care. For example, an owner of a German Shepherd could be held liable for bite injuries if he or she:

1. knew that the dog was aggressive, and
2. failed to take measures to properly restrain the animal (for example, failed to secure the dog on a leash).

You can likely file an insurance claim under the owner’s homeowners insurance policy if the dog owner has homeowners insurance that covers dog bites. You should speak with the homeowner to get the name of his or her insurer and then contact the company to find out the best way to submit an injury claim. After filing the claim, you’ll likely need to provide any evidence of the bite (such as photos) and proof of your damages (like medical bills).

After you file your claim and provide any supporting evidence, you will negotiate a settlement amount with an insurance adjuster from the insurance company. Many adjusters use unfair tactics during negotiations in the hopes that you’ll accept a lowball settlement. Please know that a personal injury attorney can always negotiate an injury claim on your behalf.

Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

If you are successful in bringing an injury claim or lawsuit following a dog bite, you can receive fair compensation for your injuries. This compensation includes money for such things as:

• medical expenses,
• lost wages,
• lost earning capacity,
• property damage (for example, torn clothing),
• out-of-pocket expenses, and
• pain and suffering.

Contact Douglas P. Levinson Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, please know that the Law Offices of Douglas P. Levinson is here to help. I have been helping injury victims and families receive fair compensation for their personal injury accidents for over 20 years. Let me help you make informed choices about your legal issues so that you can focus on your health and healing.

I am experienced in all aspects of civil disputes and injury claims, and I personally handle or oversee every aspect of your case. Let me shoulder your burden until we achieve a fair and just result for your case. Contact me now for the quality legal help you deserve.