Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs typically offer companionship and unconditional affection for pet owners. After all, the expression man’s best friend should not be taken lightly. However, according to the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are a reported 4.7 million dog attacks that occur each year. Though some injuries may be minor, others may be serious and need immediate medical attention in order for victims to make a healthy recovery. Additionally, amongst the reported annual accidents, the vast majority of victims are young children.

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Dog bites can cause significant injuries, ranging from lacerations and puncture wounds to broken bones, scarring, and in most tragic cases, death. Under Washington jurisdiction, dog owners are strictly liable for the damages caused by their pets, meaning they can be held legally and financially responsible for any injuries their dog inflicts on others.

At Van Law Firm, our Seattle dog bite lawyers understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents can take on both victims and their families. Having secured millions in recovery on behalf of our clients, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If you’ve suffered an attack at the hands of a dog who lashed out aggressively, you should seek the assistance of legal counsel to help you during this time. To schedule a call with an experienced personal injury lawyer, call us today: (360) 262-1792.

Holding Dog Owners Accountable

Unlike other states that practice the “one bite rule” law, under Washington state law, dog owners are held accountable for any sustained injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has shown viciousness in the past or whether the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities. This means that even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner may still be held liable for any dog bite injuries their pet inflicts.

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their pets under reasonable control and prevent them from causing harm to others. This includes the practice of:

Leashing their dogs in public areas;
Properly securing them on private property;
And taking necessary precautions to prevent attacks.

For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Seattle, call (360) 200-0000

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle

At Van Law Firm, our Seattle dog bite attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of dog bite cases, including:

Animal attacks that occur in public spaces: If you were bitten by a dog in a park, on the sidewalk, or in any other public area, the owner may be held liable.
Private property bites: Even if you were bitten on private property, such as a friend’s or neighbor’s yard, the dog owner may still be held responsible, especially if you proceed with a personal injury claim.
Mailman bites: Mail carriers and delivery workers may not immediately sense potential but they are at an increased risk of dog bites, and their employers may be able to seek compensation from the dog owner.
Children bitten by dogs: Children are often the victims of dog bites, and in cases where severe injuries occurred, they may require special medical attention and care.

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your dog bite injury, our experienced legal team is ready to look at the circumstances surrounding your case and determine whether you have grounds for pursuing a dog bite lawsuit. If you have questions and/or looking for resources following your injury, reach out to us for a free case evaluation.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (360) 200-0000

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries. While some may be minor (small cuts and bruises), others may be deemed more severe, including life-threatening wounds. Some common injuries caused by dog bites include:

Lacerations and puncture wounds;
Broken bones;
Nerve damage
Scarring and disfigurement;
Emotional trauma and psychological distress;
Wounds that cause infection and illness.

In severe cases, dog bites can even lead to wrongful death. Our compassionate team of personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact these injuries can have on victims and their families, and we are committed to fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you need.

Click to contact our Personal Injury Lawyers today

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you or a loved one have fallen victim to a dog bite in Seattle or other areas throughout Washington state (Tacoma, Spokane, etc.), you may be entitled to recover damages for:

Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement and scarring
Disability or permanent impairment
Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

If you’ve been injured, depend on our seasoned team of dog bite attorneys to thoroughly investigate your case, gather all vital evidence, and work with medical experts and other professionals to strengthen your case.

When in need of staunch advocates to defend your case, seek out the help from Van Law Firm today: (360) 262-1792.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Other Considerations for Pet Owners

While dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their pets in Washington state, there are steps they can take to potentially reduce the risk of incidents that may involve their dog harming others:

Insurance

It is highly recommended to have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that includes liability coverage for dog bites. This can help provide financial protection if your dog does bite someone and you are found liable for damages.

Training

Dog training can potentially help reduce the risk of bites and can be used as evidence in court to demonstrate that the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the bite. Proper training can teach dogs obedience commands, socialization skills, and help manage problematic behaviors.

Warning Signs

Posting warning signs about a dog’s temperament may be helpful in alerting visitors to exercise caution, but does not necessarily absolve the owner of liability if a bite occurs. However, it can show that the owner made efforts to warn others about potential risks.

While these measures can potentially mitigate the risk of dog bite incidents, it’s important to note that dog owners are still ultimately responsible for ensuring their pets do not cause harm to others, regardless of any precautions taken.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

Time is of the essence in dog bite cases, as there are strict statutes of limitations that govern how long you have to file a claim. In Washington state, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite injuries, is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this law, and it’s crucial to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Failing to file a claim within the prescribed time frame can result in your case being dismissed, and you may lose your opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Additionally, crucial evidence such as witness testimonies, medical records, and other documentation can become more challenging to obtain as time passes.

At Van Law Firm, we understand the urgency of dog bite cases and are committed to taking prompt action to ensure our clients’ claims are filed on time and their interests are safeguarded. Our team will work diligently to gather and preserve all necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Why Choose Van Law Firm?

At Van Law Firm, we have several years of combined experience representing victims of dog bite injuries and personal injuries in Seattle and throughout Washington state. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized representation while maintaining the steadfast competence and legal knowledge to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

When you choose our Seattle dog bite lawyers, you can expect:

A free consultation to discuss your case and legal options
Aggressive representation and unwavering advocacy on your behalf
Extensive knowledge of dog bite laws and liability in Washington state
A commitment to pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries and damages
Clear communication and regular updates on the progress of your case
Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process

We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite injury can be overwhelming, and we are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need during this challenging time.

Contact Your Future Seattle, WA Dog Bite Lawyer from Van Law Firm Today

At Van Law Firm, our dog bite lawyers have a proven track record of success in securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for dog bite victims, helping them cover the steep financial costs associated with their injury.

While past results do not guarantee future success, our extensive experience and commitment to excellence give us the skills and resources necessary to effectively navigate even the most complex dog bite cases. At Van Law Firm, we leverage our in-depth knowledge of Washington state dog bite laws, our vast network of expert witnesses, and our tenacious negotiation and litigation strategies to pursue the best possible outcome for each client we represent.

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Seattle or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced dog bite lawyers are ready to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you understand your legal rights and options.

Time is of the essence in dog bite cases so don’t wait – reach out to our Seattle office today by filling out our online form to get started.

No obligation consultations are always free.

Let Us Help You! Call Now: (360) 200-0000

We are available 24/7

Client Testimonials

These guys are amazing. Helped me throughout the process. Always there when I need help. Inititailly called a law firm (the one that has lots of ads on the radio), but they declined my case. Van Law Firm accepted my case without a second thought! Kudos to Daniel, my case manager, and Amanda who expedited my payment process. Highly recommended.

Milby Mags

Got in an accident at the beginning of the year and they have been awesome, especially with it being my first accident and me being like this. They have been very communicated, stayed in contact with me the whole time, giving me updates when there were any and even when there weren’t and answered any question I had. I would recommend them to anyone. Everyone I have talked to there has been very friendly. I would give them a 10 out of 10.

Ethan Gullet

They made sure that my insurance company covered what I paid for them to which included the gap for my car that was totaled. My medical costs were taken care of and reduced substantially so I was able to get more on my settlement. My case manager, Will Garcia, was always helpful in assisting me and answering any questions I had. They really did an amazing job with my case. I would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of this type of legal help. Most lawyers do not help you with the recovery of the car and rental etc. They are amazing.

Teresa Cuthbertson