Dogs may bite because they are scared, defensive, neglected, or simply haven’t been trained well. Pet owners have a duty to ensure their dogs don’t cause harm to others. If they fail in their duty and you’ve been bitten, you can recover damages.
Washington State has a strict liability rule for dog bites, making owners responsible even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. Our Kirkland dog bite lawyers can assist you in getting compensation for your medical expenses and other costs resulting from the dog attack.
At Premier Law Group, our team has helped thousands of injured Washington State residents get the compensation they deserve. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation and discover how our Kirland personal injury lawyers can help with your dog bite case.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?
It is always smart to consult with a personal injury lawyer whenever you are injured through no fault of your own. You will most likely be up against an insurance company that may do whatever it can to underpay your claim or deny payment entirely.
They know their client is liable, and they might try to resolve the case as fast as possible. They may even offer a settlement and try to convince you not to talk to an attorney. However, those settlement offers are often much less than what you claim is actually worth.
Our Kirkland dog bite attorneys can make sure your interests are represented at all times. We’re on your side when the insurance company isn’t, and we will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable In a Dog Bite Case?
In Washington State, the person liable when a dog attacks someone is almost always the pet owner, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. However, in rare situations, there could be other liable parties, such as:
- A dog walker who failed to keep the animal under control
- A landlord who knew the dog created a dangerous situation and did nothing
- A business, like a pet groomer, that allowed the dog to harm someone
Your attorneys will investigate your dog bite incident in order to get a full picture of how it happened and who is responsible.
How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth?
The amount you can recover in your dog bite case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages. Our attorneys will assess your damages and seek maximum compensation for your hardships. While each case is unique, this often includes:
- Your medical expenses resulting from the dog bite, such as doctor visits, procedures, surgery, and prescription medications.
- Compensation for lost wages, if you had to miss work because of your injury.
- Future medical costs, such as scheduled procedures, ongoing therapy, or needed surgery.
In cases of severe dog attacks, you may be able to recover compensation for the trauma you suffered, or for lifelong scarring and disfigurement. Your attorney will advise you of non-economic damages you may be able to claim.
For a FREE legal consultation with a dog bites lawyer serving Kirkland, call (206) 285-1743
GET A FREE CASE EVALUATION
Do You Have to Sue if a Dog Bites You?
In most dog bite cases, there’s no need to file a lawsuit right away. These incidents are usually covered by the at-fault party’s homeowners insurance, which often leads to a faster and less stressful resolution.
A lawsuit may be necessary if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, if their policy doesn’t fully cover your damages, or if their insurance company refuses to cooperate and reach a fair settlement.
What Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Our dog bite lawyers in Kirkland work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront for us to get started on your case. We only get paid if we win your case and recover compensation on your behalf. If we don’t win, we don’t get paid.
How Do You Report a Dog Bite in Kirkland, Washington?
If a person or animal is in imminent danger, call 911. In Kirkland, you should report dog bites and dangerous animals to Animal Control. Reporting establishes an official record of the bite that may serve as evidence in your case.
It also informs Animal Control of a potentially dangerous dog. They may investigate and take action to prevent another person from getting bitten.
Talk to a Kirkland Dog Bite Attorney
One dog bite can mean expensive medical bills. Serious accidents can cause you to miss time at work or lead to scars and disfigurement. It doesn’t seem right that you should have to suffer the financial burden as well as the physical pain.
Pet owners in Washington State are responsible for the actions of their animals, and if their dog bites you, they can be held accountable. Our Kirkland dog bite attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you need so you can put this stressful event behind you.
Our attorneys at Premier Law Group have recovered over $100 million in awards and settlements for injured accident victims since 2001. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to discuss your dog bite incident.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.