Seattle Dog Bite Injuries
Posted Friday, February 11, 2022 by Chris Thayer
If you have been seriously injured as a result of a dog bite in Seattle or the greater Washington state area, you are not alone. There are over 4.5 million dog bite injuries each year in this country, and approximately 800,000 of them are serious enough to require medical attention. Unlike a car accident, where an insurance agent usually automatically reaches out to you, you are usually on your own when it comes to getting the ball rolling on a dog bite claim. Luckily, the process is not complicated once you contact a personal injury attorney. Your attorney can determine where to pursue compensation, all liable parties involved, and develop the best strategy for you to receive a settlement or award.
*Dog Bite Injuries *Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including puncture wounds, flesh and tissue wounds, torn ligaments, facial disfigurement, and even amputation of fingers, ears, or other extremities. Dog bites can also cause you to develop infections and can transmit diseases such as rabies. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of infection and get proper treatment. Be sure to keep all documentation from your medical visit to help support your claim.
*Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?*In almost any situation in which a dog injures you in Washington state, you are able to rightfully pursue damages against them. Washington has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites in certain situations. Namely, if someone who is legally on another person’s property is bitten by their dog, the property owner will automatically be negligent for any injuries caused by the bite. This can really streamline the recovery process for the victim. Generally in personal injury cases you must establish that the other party was negligent, however, in strict liability cases, negligence is presumed. This means that you must only show that you were harmed by the dog and that you were invited onto the property or otherwise legally on it.
It is also important to note that your harm must have necessitated medical attention. You read above that there are 4.5 million dog bites each year, but only about 17% result in the person needing to seek medical attention. If the bite did not break the skin or cause any financial damages, then a lawsuit is not the best way to go. Your injury must have been serious enough to seek medical attention (which must be documented) and to have caused you financial harm. Financial harm can also include lost wages due to time off of work because of your injuries.
*Schedule a Consultation with Pivotal Law Group*If you have been seriously injured by a dog bite or attack in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, or the greater Seattle area, the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Pivotal Law Group want to hear from you. Contact us today at the Pivotal Law Group to schedule a consultation.