While dogs are often widely recognized as “man’s best friend,” many people often forget that they are just like any other animal. They are unpredictable and act on instinct. For this reason, it is imperative that owners maintain control over their pets at all times.
If you suffered devastating injuries after being attacked or bitten by an animal or dog, you may have the right to take legal action against the pet owner. A community-driven Spokane dog bite lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen may be able to help you resolve your claim.
Schedule your free consultation with a reputable Spokane personal injury lawyer 24/7 to learn more about how dog bite injury claims work. Our team has secured over $1.2 billion for our clients and is ready to put that experience to work for you.
Find Out Whether You Have Grounds for a Dog Bite Claim
In the aftermath of a dog bite or animal attack, you may have no idea what your next steps should be. You might be anxious to hold the dog’s owner accountable, but the claims process is not clear.
Fortunately, your Spokane catastrophic injury lawyer with Siegfried & Jensen can review the individual details of your case to determine whether you meet the legal grounds needed to move forward with a dog bite lawsuit.
Common Injuries to Sue for
The types of injuries you suffer in a dog bite or animal attack do not necessarily need to be life-threatening. Far too many dog bite victims worry that their injuries will not be considered serious enough and hesitate to take legal action.
However, our dog bite clients have struggled with a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Road rash
- Concussion
- Puncture wounds
- Infection
- Septic shock
- Rabies
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Knee injuries
You should not hold yourself back from seeking the compensation you deserve. If you are unsure whether you have the right to file a claim, do not hesitate to contact our law office for answers. The type of injuries you suffer is not what matters most, but rather the tremendous impact your injuries have on your life.
The Elements of Negligence
Your dog bite claim can only be successful if it rises to the level of negligence. This means we must show that someone else owed you a duty of care and failed to uphold that duty.
Then, we must show that this failure to uphold the duty of care was the cause of the injuries and damages you suffered.
The Burden of Proof
We do not need to prove the dog owner’s liability beyond a reasonable doubt. According to WAC 182-16-066, the burden of proof in civil claims like these is based on a preponderance of the evidence.
The evidence must clearly convince the jury that any reasonable person would find the defendant at fault for your injuries and resulting damages.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
Strict Liability in Washington State
Washington State operates under a strict liability dog bite system. As described under RCW 16.08.040, dog owners are responsible for their animals’ actions. In fact, according to Spokane Municipal Code § 17C.310.010, dog owners in Spokane are required to keep their dogs on leashes in public places at all times.
Failure to do so leaves the dog owner open to liability for the injury victim’s damages. In some instances, your Spokane dog bite attorney might discover that another third party shares the blame for your injuries as well.
For instance, if the dog owner was at work and a dog sitter was out walking the dog when the incident occurred, the dog sitter might also share liability for your losses.
Many dog owners believe they can escape liability by arguing that they have no reason to believe their pet would be aggressive or vicious. However, the dog’s predisposition is irrelevant, with one exception.
If the dog has a history of aggression and the pet owner fails to maintain control over the animal, the dog’s owner will likely be found liable for your damages.
Spokane Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Partial Fault Could Affect Your Settlement
Another way dog owners attempt to avoid liability for victims’ losses is by blaming them for causing the attack. This tactic is far more common than you might have thought. The dog owner might accuse the victim of provoking the animal into acting aggressively.
If the victim pushed, taunted, kicked, scratched, screamed, or threw something at the dog in an attempt to instigate the animal, the dog’s owner may not be 100% responsible for the injuries the victim sustained.
However, since Washington is a pure comparative negligence state, as described under RCW 4.22.070, the dog owner may not be able to avoid liability entirely. Your Spokane premises liability lawyer will be prepared if they attempt to capitalize on the state’s shared fault laws.
You could expect your dog bite settlement to be reduced proportionate to the percentage of liability the judge assigned you. For example, if the judge found you 15% responsible for the dog bite or animal attack, you would face a 15% deduction from your trial verdict or insurance settlement. Instead of receiving 100% of whatever you were awarded, you would only receive 85%.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Meet With a Highly Motivated Dog Bite Lawyer in Spokane, WA
The trauma of the animal attack may continue to haunt you for years to come. While your physical injuries might heal, the emotional wounds may be permanent. Dog owners must be held accountable for the actions of their pets if we are going to reduce instances of dog bites and animal attacks.
While you focus on healing from your injuries, your dedicated dog bite attorney in Spokane, WA, from Siegfried & Jensen, can work tirelessly behind the scenes, building your case against the dog owner or other liable parties.
When you are ready to find out how much your damages could be worth and the steps you will need to take to maximize your settlement, do not hesitate. Fill out our convenient contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
