Dog bites are often traumatic. They can leave victims with medical bills, emotional trauma, and fears that can last a lifetime. Knowing where to turn for dependable and current dog bite legal advice after these attacks is essential to protecting your rights. Most of us love dogs,
but even dog lovers can get bitten and should seek compensation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog in the United States every year. Thousands of these occur in Olympia, Tacoma, and throughout Washington. This is made more tragic by the fact that dog bites can lead to serious complications, including infections, permanent scarring, and the need for reconstructive surgery. In addition, the emotional consequences—which may include a lasting fear of animals—can be profoundly life-altering.
Seeking qualified dog bite legal advice can help you navigate the often confusing legal process, protect your interest, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Can You Sue Someone for a Dog Bite?
Yes. You can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for a dog bite in Washington. In most cases, however, the attorney may not have to file a lawsuit and can settle the claim with insurance. Dog bites are usually covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters’ insurance, regardless of whether the bite occurred on the dog owner’s property or in some other location, such as a park.
Washington is considered a “strict liability” state for dog bites. Under RCW 16.08.040, victims of dog bites who were lawfully in a public or private space have a right to pursue legal action against the owner. In most cases, this is true even if the owner did not know the dog was dangerous. Of course, some complexities may arise in each case, making it necessary to seek dog bite legal advice from a qualified and experienced attorney before proceeding. Even without complications, you should hire an attorney or you risk the insurance company not offering you the fair value of your claim if you are unrepresented.
Cases that do not involve an actual bite, but involve some other injury from an animal, such as from being knocked down by a horse or a dog, are more complex, but are often viable cases, as well.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Olympia, Tacoma, or a nearby area of Washington, call Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878 to schedule a FREE and confidential consultation. We can provide actionable dog bite legal advice to help you determine the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
In Washington, dog bite victims may be eligible to seek both economic and non-economic damages for their injuries. Examples include:
- Economic Damages: Monetary losses directly related to the injury, such as medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, physical therapy, and lost wages if your injury forces you to miss work.
- Non-Economic Damages: Losses related to pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Economic and non-economic damages are known, collectively, as “compensatory damages.” They are intended to provide compensation for both the tangible and intangible damages caused by an accident.
How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?
The amount of money you can seek through a dog bite lawsuit ultimately depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the extent of medical costs, your long-term prognosis, and the degree of pain and suffering involved. For instance, if your injuries require multiple surgeries or prolonged physical therapy, you may be entitled to more compensation than a person whose injuries heal quickly. Additional factors—such as lost wages, psychological trauma, and scarring—may play into how much you can sue for a dog bite as well.
In Washington, dog bite claims are often covered by the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy. This means you can pursue compensation without forcing the dog owner to pay out of pocket. This is particularly beneficial in cases where the dog was owned by a family member, friend, neighbor, or someone you will have future contact with. However, while these insurance policies tend to cover dog bites, coverage amounts can vary and exceptions may apply. When seeking our dog bite legal advice, we can help you understand how insurance may respond to your specific circumstances.
One thing that will not limit your recovery is damage caps. Washington does not place a universal cap on the amount of compensatory damages you can recover in a personal injury claim. During your complimentary case evaluation, attorney Marya Fuller can assess your damages, listen as you explain how your injury has impacted your life, and help you determine what your dog bite claim is worth.
How Quickly Should I Seek Dog Bite Legal Advice in Washington?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for most dog bite claims is three years from the date of the incident. Filing after this time has passed usually means losing your right to pursue compensation. We strongly encourage you to seek dog bite legal advice long before this deadline approaches to help ensure you do not accidentally waive your right to seek damages through a lawsuit.
Do Minors Have More Time to Take Legal Action?
Yes. In Washington, if a dog bite victim is under 18 at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be paused until they turn 18. This extension helps provide legal protections for children who may not have the resources or necessary guidance to file a lawsuit.
Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you need dog bite legal advice, your best bet is to talk to a lawyer. But not all attorneys handle these claims—and even those who do may handle them differently. This makes knowing what to look for in a dog bite lawyer very important.
Qualities to look for in an attorney include:
- Years of experience
- Areas of specialization
- Verdict and settlement history
- Client testimonials and reviews
Fuller & Fuller was founded over 50 years ago with a focus on helping victims of serious injury get fair and full compensation. Marya Fuller is a specialist in accident and injury law and has spent decades assisting dog bite victims secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Respected by peers and recommended by clients, Fuller & Fuller is here to offer experienced dog bite legal advice and help you determine how best to move forward.
Looking for FREE Dog Bite Legal Advice?
If you have questions about how to move forward after a dog bite, Fuller & Fuller is here to help. Contact us online or call our Olympia or Tacoma office today to schedule a FREE case review and learn more. Compassionate, dedicated, and effective, we fight for individuals and families dealing with the consequences of dog bites throughout Washington. Let our family help your family.
