Dog Bite Injuries
We all know the saying that dogs are man’s best friend. We often think of our pets as sweet and well behaved. But what we don’t hear is that dogs bite nearly five million people each year, with 800,000 of those bites resulting in medical care. 1 out of every 69 people are bitten by a dog each year, and the most common victims of dog bites are children.
Dog attacks can result in severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Dog bites can cause severe puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, torn muscles, and facial injuries. Victims of dog attacks may require emergency room or urgent care visits, and victims may need reconstructive or plastic surgery to reduce scarring or minimize disfigurement. Often times there is also psychological trauma that results from a dog attack.
At Hogue Law Firm in Spokane, we help our clients understand their legal rights and all of their options when they are injured in a dog attack. Below we answer some common questions that people have concerning dog bite injuries.
What are the dog bite laws in Washington?
Washington law provides that the owner of a dog that bites a person is “strictly liable” for the dog bite injury. This means the dog owner is responsible for the injury regardless of whether the owner knew or had reason to believe that the dog was dangerous.
Does the dog owner have any defenses?
A dog owner can claim that the injured person was unlawfully present on their property. They can argue that the injured person did not have the owner’s express or implied permission to be there. Issues sometimes come up when the property has a fence or when the property is posted with signs such as “no trespassing” or “beware of dog”. A dog owner can also argue that the injured person provoked the dog, which in turn caused the dog to attack. We evaluate these issues on a case-by-case basis for our clients.
What should you do if a dog bites you?
Try to identify and make notes of the following:
o The owner of the dog;
o The breed of dog and a description of what the dog looks like;
o The address or a description of the place where you were bitten; and
o Any witness information – names, address, phone number, and email.
Get medical attention for your wounds.
Photograph your injuries before and after medical treatment.
Report the dog bite to the local authorities.
What if you don’t want to sue your family or friends?
Many times people are bitten by dogs that are owned by their family or their friends. People are often hesitant to sue their family, friends, or neighbors for their injuries. These situations can be awkward and uncomfortable.
In these situations, we look to see if there is insurance that will compensate you for your injuries, which may make a lawsuit unnecessary. Depending on the situation, there may be a specific type of insurance available that will provide coverage – homeowners, renters, landlords, employers, etc. When there is insurance coverage available, we seek to recover for our clients’ damages through the insurance company.
What type of compensation can you receive for your dog bite injuries?
Compensation for injuries simply depends upon the nature and scope of the injuries. Dog bite victims can have lifelong problems, including disfigurement, scarring, numbness, and impaired bodily motion and function. Dog attacks can also cause post-traumatic stress and phobias. We help clients recover full compensation for all of their injuries – the medical bills and expenses, lost wages, and all of the pain and suffering.
Get in touch with us to speak with a Spokane dog bite lawyer.
At Hogue Law Firm in Spokane, we are here to help you understand your legal rights and the potential compensation for your dog bite injuries. We help those who are seriously bitten by dogs get compensation for their injuries and help them on their path to recovery. At our free initial consultation with you, we will explore all of your options and do what is best for you.