Dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional distress. In Washington State, the law places significant responsibility on dog owners when their pets bite or attack someone.
Understanding who is liable in these situations is important for both victims and dog owners.
This post will explore the legal responsibilities involved and how Snohomish Law Group can provide strong representation in such cases.
Dog Owner Liability in Washington State
Under Washington law, dog owners are generally liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has no history of aggression.
The state follows a strict liability rule, meaning the owner is held responsible regardless of whether they acted negligently.
As such, victims do not need to prove that the owner was negligent; they simply need to show that:
- The dog bit them while they were lawfully in a public or private place.
- The defendant is the owner of the dog.
The law is designed to protect people from dangerous dogs and ensure victims receive compensation for their injuries. However, certain exceptions to this rule exist, such as when the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.
Premises Liability and Dog Attacks
In addition, other individuals with control over the premises where the attack occurred may be liable, in addition to the dog’s owner.
For example, suppose a landlord allows a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on the premises, and the dog attacks someone.
In that case, the landlord may be partially liable if they knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities or should have exercised reasonable care.
Each case depends on its facts, but certain legal requirements must be met when seeking to hold a property owner liable for a dog bite injury.
These include whether the dog’s owner has actual knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities and whether the owner has a right of control over the premises.
Defenses in Dog Bite Cases
Although Washington’s strict liability statute favors dog bite victims, the injured party can still be barred from recovery if there are valid defenses.
Examples of potential defenses to a dog bite case are:
- Trespassing: If the injured person was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack, the owner may not be liable.
- Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog by teasing or harassing it, the owner may have a defense against liability.
- Criminal activity: The person attacked might have been committing a crime at the time, say attempting a burglary, in which case the owner would not be liable for injuries.
These defenses can be complex, and proving them requires careful analysis of the facts. That’s why having experienced legal representation on both sides of these cases is crucial.
Recoverable Damages for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites can seek compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy or scar revision surgeries.
- Lost wages: If the injuries prevent the victim from working, they can claim lost income and future loss of earnings.
- Loss of earnings: If the injuries prevent the victim from working, they can claim lost earnings and future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and mental anguish resulting from the attack.
- Disfigurement and disability: If the victim is left irreparably disfigured or loses a vital organ or faculty, such as an eye or a limb, they might be entitled to additional damages.
Often, victims think if the owner’s insurance company makes a settlement, they will receive full compensation. However, this is usually untrue, particularly if you need future medical treatment.
Snohomish Law Group: Your Advocate in WA Dog Bite Cases
At Snohomish Law Group, we pursue justice for dog-bite victims and animal-attack victims. You’ve been hurt, and we know your life has been changed by what happened to you.
We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, and make a strong legal argument to recover damages.
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury, contact Philip Wakefield of Snohomish Law Group today to set up a free consultation.
We have experience handling difficult dog bite cases and getting results for our clients.
