Have you been bitten by a dog?
Have you been bitten by a dog? Victims of dog bites often have the right to recover full compensation from the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy. When determining liability, several key questions help identify who is legally responsible for the damages.
While dog injuries follow specific legal rules, here’s what to consider when the victim is human:
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Previous Aggression: Did the dog have a history of biting people without justification, and did the owner know about it?
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Control at the Time: Did the person in control of the dog at the time know about its aggressive tendencies?
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Property Owner Knowledge: Did the property owner or controller know about the dog’s tendency to bite?
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Animal Control Law Violations: Was there a violation of leash laws or other regulations, such as allowing the dog to trespass? If so, the person responsible for the dog may be liable if this caused the accident.
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Negligence: Did the person responsible for the dog act negligently, leading to the bite? Negligence means failing to act reasonably under the circumstances, such as allowing someone to pet an upset or injured dog, or failing to control the dog in a chaotic environment.
Serious Injuries Deserve Serious Advocacy—Let’s Get Started.
Liability Relies on Three Key Factors
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1
Evidence & proof
Providing clear, admissible evidence to support your claim. -
2
Overcoming defenses
Countering defenses such as trespassing, provoking the dog, ignoring warnings, or acting negligently. -
3
Follow the rules
Adhering to procedural rules, including filing your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
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What To Do After Being Bit
While most dogs don’t bite, those that do can cause serious harm, often to the hands, legs, or face. Tragically, many victims are young children or trusting adults, and dog attacks often happen without warning.
Dog bites can lead to permanent scars, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, leaving some victims fearful of dogs for years. Washington State law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but knowing what steps to take is crucial.
Six things you should do after getting bit are:
Gather Information
Collect the names and addresses of witnesses, the dog’s owner, and the person responsible for the dog at the time of the bite.Request Records
Ask the dog owner for rabies vaccination records and a copy of their homeowners or renters insurance policy, including the declarations page.Document the Scene
Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and any relevant details, such as “Beware of Dog” signs—or the lack of them.Seek Medical Attention
Visit a doctor immediately to document the injury and receive proper care. For facial wounds, request a plastic surgeon at the hospital.Report the Incident
File a report with your local animal control agency and cooperate fully with their investigation. A hospital report alone may not prompt further action from authorities.Hire Earl & Edwards
Trust the experienced attorneys at Earl & Edwards to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. We have the knowledge and dedication to hold negligent dog owners accountable and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Trust Us to Win Your Case
Navigating legal matters can be daunting and costly if mishandled. Let us guide you through it!