Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

Dog Bite Injuries for Postal Workers on the Rise

Posted Friday, May 31, 2019 by Chris Thayer

Alternative TextDogs are considered to be man’s best friend. They are fiercely loyal to their masters, fun to be around, and add joy to so many households all across America. Additionally, dogs can decrease a person’s stress, act as an emotional support animal, and be an asset to those with varying disabilities. Dogs are generally great, but they can be dangerous to others. In fact, dog bite injuries are on the rise for Washington state postal workers, according to the United States Postal Service.

Overall, the number of postal workers injured by dogs across the United States decreased by about 500 reported incidents in the previous year. Nevertheless, the number of dog bites in the state of Washington increased, only by one, but when the rest of the nation sees a decrease in dog bite attacks, any increase can be deemed significant.

Many people brush off dog bites as insignificant and not a big deal. However, dog bites can be extremely serious and cause a lot of damage. Medical treatment is expensive. After any injury it is imperative that an injured party seek medical attention, but the cost of such treatment can be a deterrent to people seeking help. An individual, whether a postal worker or not, has protections available if he or she has been injured because of a dog bite.

In Washington, there are specific dog bite statutes that outline the liability a dog owner has for any damages the dog might cause. The owner of a dog is “liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” When a dog bites someone and it is because of the owner’s negligence, the owner can be held liable even if he or she had no idea or inclination that the dog was violent or dangerous in any way. This applies when the incident happens in a public place or when the victim is lawfully present on private property where the dog is located. There are different rules that may apply if the victim of a dog bite is trespassing on private property.

A person who has been bitten by a dog can suffer the ramifications for the rest of his or her life. Medical costs accumulate and an injured dog bite victim might become overwhelmed by debt. In Washington, a personal injury suit can be brought against the dog owner for negligence in handling the dog that caused the injury. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the world of personal injury and receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries sustained. The personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are here to help you following an injury. We do not want you to be bogged down by expensive medical bills for the rest of your life. Instead, let us fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries so that you can receive compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a consultation.

(image courtesy of Drew Beamer)