Experienced Vancouver Dog Bite Lawyers
Vancouver Dog Bite Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best dog bite lawyers in Vancouver
Have You or a Loved One Recently Been the Victim of a Dog Bite in Vancouver, Washington?
The dog bite injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren have helped numerous individuals like yourself receive fair settlements for their dog bite injuries. Let us work to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Washington Dog Bite Injury Law
According to Washington State law, in cases where a dog bites someone, the owner is liable for covering the victim’s expenses. This applies regardless of the dog’s past biting history or the owner’s awareness of the dog’s biting potential. [1]
Some points about dog bite law in Washington you should know:
- The owner holds liability if their dog injures someone on public or private property. This also covers the homeowner’s residence.
- Washington operates under strict liability laws. A dog owner is always responsible, regardless of their awareness of their dog’s behavior.
- There are instances when the owner is not liable. In cases of trespassing or provocation, the owner will not be held responsible. Police dogs that bite in the line of duty are typically excluded in most cases.
- The owner is liable for any harm caused to other animals. If a neighbor’s dog attacks and kills your dog, the owner is responsible for covering your expenses.
Common Dog Attack Injuries
Dog bite injuries can result in a range of physical and emotional damages, often requiring medical treatment. Here are a few examples:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws, which can cause deep lacerations and puncture wounds, leading to significant bleeding and tissue damage.
- Soft tissue damage: Dog bites can cause damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected area.
- Fractures: The strong bite force of some dogs can result in bone fractures, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs, which are often used by victims to shield themselves from the attack.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, increasing the risk of developing infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, and severe conditions like sepsis.
Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites become infected. [2]
- Nerve damage: In severe cases, dog bites can damage nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Psychological trauma: Dog bite attacks can cause emotional distress, fear, and anxiety, especially in children, and may result in long-term psychological repercussions.
Vancouver Practice Areas
Collecting Damages from a Dog Bite
Individuals who have suffered dog bite injuries have the right to seek compensation for the damages they have incurred. Some examples of compensation include:
- Medical expenses: The costs of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other necessary medical services resulting from the dog bite can be covered.
- Pain and suffering: This can include compensation for the physical pain experienced during and after the attack, as well as the mental anguish and emotional distress resulting from the incident.
- Lost wages: If the dog bite injury causes you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This can also include future lost earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability.
- Property damage: You may be entitled to compensation for any damage to personal property, such as torn clothing or broken personal items, sustained during the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for any visible scarring or disfigurement resulting from the dog bite, which can include the costs of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to address the disfigurement, can be covered.
- Emotional distress: Damages for the psychological impact and emotional trauma resulting from the dog bite, including anxiety, fear, and mental anguish, are available through a personal injury lawsuit.
Home insurance providers spent an estimated $1.136 billion on dog-related claims in 2022. [3]
Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites in Washington
In Washington state, the Statute of Limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including dog bite cases, is generally three years from the date of the incident.
How Do Dog Bite Lawyers Get Paid?
Our dog bite lawyers are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive a payment if we successfully recover compensation for our client. Our lawyer’s fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award, agreed upon between the lawyer and the client in advance. If the lawyer does not win the case or obtain a settlement, we do not receive a fee, but the client may still be responsible for certain case-related expenses.
Dog Bite Lawyer Goldberg & Loren
With the expertise and experience of our Vancouver personal injury lawyers, we:
- Have a track record of success in securing maximum compensation for our clients
- Are well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding dog bites
- Are dedicated to obtaining justice for those who have suffered physical and emotional trauma
- Understand the complexities of these cases
- Are committed to providing personalized attention to each client
- Will guide you through the legal process with compassion and professionalism
- Are committed to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims
- Strive to hold negligent pet owners accountable for their actions
Have you recently experienced a dog bite injury that has left you in pain and suffering?
Contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Chapter 16.08 RCW: DOGS. (n.d.). https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx
[2] Quick Statistics – DogsBite.org. (n.d.). DogsBite.org – Some Dogs Don’t Let Go. https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-quick-statistics.php
[3]Bieber, C. (2023, October 2). Dog Attack Statistics By Breed 2023. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/dog-attack-statistics-breed/
We fight hard for our clients who have been bitten by a dog in Vancouver, Washington. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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