Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child were critically injured after being attacked by someone else’s pet, you may still be experiencing shock and disbelief. It can feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders when you are being held back by a mountain of debt, emotional trauma, and devastating physical injuries, all caused by the dog’s attack. Fortunately, when you turn to a leading Seattle dog bite lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen, you can breathe a little easier.
Since we first opened our doors back in 1990, we have been passionate advocates, protecting the rights of injury victims and accident survivors across Washington State. Having achieved over $1.2 billion in awards for our clients over the last 30 years, our commitment and trial experience is unmatched.
Have a trial-tested and proven Seattle personal injury lawyer from our firm start working on your case today when you contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
Washington State’s Dog Bite Laws
In some states, if a dog has not previously bitten, attacked, or shown signs of aggression or violence, the dog owner may not be found liable for the first instance. These states follow the “one-bite rule.” However, Washington State does not follow this legal statute.
Instead, Washington is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites and animal attacks, as described under RCW 16.08.040. Even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression, dog owners are always responsible for their pets’ actions. When dog owners do not keep their dogs leashed or maintain control of their animals, the victims can hold the owners accountable.
Your Seattle dog bite attorney with Siegfried & Jensen handles dozens of dog bite cases every year. We have seen firsthand how dog owners attempt to avoid compensating injury victims for their damages and suffering. Let us help you demand justice so you can access the financial support you need sooner.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
The chaos of the animal attack or dog bite may leave you in shock. Enduring such a traumatic experience can have a lasting impact on your life. However, if you can remain calm and avoid panicking, there are several steps you can take to start building your case against the dog’s owner or other at-fault parties immediately after the incident:
- Always call 911 and animal control for help.
- Contact a reputable dog bite lawyer in Seattle, WA, who can meet you at the accident scene, your hospital room, or even your home.
- Start to collect evidence at the scene of the attack, which might include taking photos of the injuries you suffered and any property that might have been damaged in the attack and asking witnesses for their names and contact information.
- Get medical attention, even if you do not believe your injuries are life-threatening. Your healthcare provider’s prognosis and your medical records can help to establish the severity of your injuries and the value of your claim.
Once you have received the medical attention you need, we can start discussing potential legal options. It is important to keep your options open if you hope to get the most out of your claim. Our investigation will not only determine what legal options are available to you but also who you may be able to file a claim against.
Ways to Ensure the Dog Owner is Held Accountable
There are several opportunities for legal recourse after a dog bite or animal attack. You do not have to approach any of these options on your own when you have a legal representative advocating for your rights.
By pursuing every opportunity for financial compensation, you can ensure the dog’s owner is held to account for their negligent actions.
File a Claim With the Insurance Company
Many dog owners have purchased some type of insurance coverage to protect them. Some will have renters or homeowners insurance, while others will have general liability insurance, especially if a business owner has their dog come to work with them regularly. You might be able to file a claim against this insurance policy as long as the breed of dog is not specifically excluded.
Unfortunately, even if the dog owner does have insurance, it is unlikely this will cover the total value of your economic and non-economic damages. Most insurance policies are written to cover specific types of damages. Any that are not covered will not be included as part of your insurance settlement.
File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Civil Court
Your Seattle premises liability lawyer will be prepared to bring your dog bite lawsuit to civil court. Going to trial may be necessary if the dog owner does not have any type of insurance coverage protecting them. It may also be necessary if the insurance policy does not sufficiently meet your needs.
When you file a lawsuit in civil court, you can seek the full value of your damages. This is because you have the right to be made whole. You should be reimbursed for every economic and non-economic loss you have experienced, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, loss of income, and more.
Get in Touch With a Prudent Dog Bite Lawyer in Seattle, WA, for Help Today
Although your injuries may have had a tremendous impact on your life, they do not need to define you. You can overcome the trauma of your experience and build a brighter future for yourself and your family. With the financial compensation you are entitled to, you can cover your outstanding expenses and start to move forward with your life.
When you are ready to hold the dog’s owner accountable for their negligence but are unsure how to initiate the claims process, reach out to a compassionate dog bite attorney in Seattle, WA from Siegfried & Jensen.
Our firm proudly offers 100% free consultations to dog bite victims across Washington State. Take advantage of this opportunity when you fill out our confidential contact form or call our office today.
