Seattle Dog Bite Attorney

When dogs decide to bite, the outcome can be disastrous. Dog bites can be physically and emotionally traumatic. Dog bite survivors can suffer catastrophic injuries and psychological scarring. Loved ones of those who die from their attack-related injuries may live with mental anguish and financial burdens. At Washington Injury Law, our Seattle dog bite lawyer can help families dealing with serious dog bite cases. Contact us for a free consultation today!

Why Choose Washington Injury Law?

  • We can answer your questions during a free, no-obligation consultation. We understand it can be hard to know where to go for help. We offer no-cost meetings with our Seattle personal injury attorneys so you can get the answers you need.
  • We can take your case to trial in Washington, if necessary. Our accident lawyers have significant trial experience. If an insurance company is not treating you fairly, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for a better verdict during a trial.
  • We do not charge for our services unless you win. Do not worry about how you will afford an injury lawyer. We only charge if we secure you a monetary award. We will take the fees from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket.

Seattle Dog Bite Attorney Quick Links

When Should You Talk to a Seattle Dog Bite Attorney?

Serious dog bite injuries warrant a phone call to a personal injury lawyer near you. A lawyer can help victims of serious dog attacks hold pet owners, landlords, and/or other parties liable for damages. Hiring an attorney can make sure no one takes advantage of you during the claims process. A lawyer can help you with your burden of proof and prepare you for potential defenses.

Washington Dog Bite Laws

In 2017, U.S. dog attacks caused 40 deaths. Each state has unique dog bite laws that determine when you do and do not have the right to take a dog owner to court. Washington is a strict liability state, meaning the Washington dog bite laws lean more on the side of the victim. You most likely will not have to prove a pet owner’s negligence to qualify for compensation.

A pet owner will be strictly liable for the actions of his or her pet, even if the owner did not know of the dog’s propensity for aggression. You or your Seattle dog bite lawyer must only prove that you were lawfully on the land at the time of the incident and that you did not instigate the attack by provoking the dog.

Local Dog Ordinances in Seattle

According to Chapter 9.25 of the Seattle Municipal Code, there are several guidelines when it comes to animal control. These guidelines are made to protect the public from animals and to stop animal cruelty. It’s important to keep dogs on a leash and up to date on certain vaccinations, including rabies.

Off-Leash Dog Parks in Seattle, Washington

  • Regrade Park
  • Northacres Park
  • East Duwamish Greenbelt
  • Woodland Park
  • Westcrest Park
  • Magnuson Park
  • Golden Gardens Park
  • Parts of Genesee Park

Common Dog Bite Injuries

The nature of a dog attack can be extremely violent. Razor-sharp teeth and a strong jaw can lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries – especially for young children or elderly victims. Our personal injury lawyers can handle cases involving all types of dog bite injuries.

  • Facial injuries
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Scarring
  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Infections
  • Head and brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Emotional and psychological trauma

Our law firm can gather medical records, hire subject-matter experts to testify, and use evidence such as scans and photographs to demonstrate the damage a dog attack inflicted on the victim. We know how to maximize financial compensation through strategies that make the most impact on a judge and jury.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Seattle?

Seattle, Washington is a very dog-friendly city. Unfortunately, this can lead to frequent encounters with dogs – some of which may not have the temperament or training not to attack. It is every pet owner’s legal duty to obey leash laws and control their pets. Whether they are negligent in this duty or not, they can be liable for injuries that their dogs’ cause. Liability will fall on the dog’s owner in most situations.

How to Prove a Dog Bite Claim

In order to prepare for a dog bite case, it’s important to have proof that you were injured by a dog either directly or indirectly without provoking it. This can also include proof that you were injured in another way, such as falling over, during a dog attack. If the attack happened in a public place, you can usually rely on eyewitness testimony.

In Washington state, you can only use the dog’s owner and not a property owner if you were bitten by a stray that wandered onto his or her land.

Request a Consultation with a Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer

You may not only have a case after a dog bite but also in incidents where pets cause property damage or injuries through something like jumping on the victim. Speak to our dog bite lawyers in Seattle today to find out if you have grounds for a lawsuit.  Contact us and speak to a Seattle dog bite attorney about your case today.

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