While dogs are often considered man’s best friend, they are still animals and can react negatively when frightened or acting out of self-defense. In both Oregon and Washington, dog bite laws make owners responsible if someone is attacked by their pet.
The lawyers at NW Injury Law Center can provide help if you, your child or another loved one was attacked and injured by a dog in Vancouver. We will take care of the legal process so that you can achieve the best possible case results – without the stress. Contact us today to start with a free consultation.
Why Choose Us?
- NW Injury Law Center has over 35 years of dog and animal attack experience throughout Oregon and Washington.
- We have a long history of securing successful case results for our clients, including a recent $235K settlement for a dog attack victim.
- Our lawyers have a reputation for providing exceptional customer service to clients. We understand what you’re going through as a dog bite injury victim.
- You won’t pay us unless we win your dog bite injury case. Our law firm takes cases on a contingency fee basis to keep high-quality legal services affordable.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and How to Handle Them
When a dog attacks, the outcome can be devastating for the victim. Dogs can cause a significant amount of damage with their teeth and claws, plus additional injuries if the victim gets knocked down in the attack. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable to dog attacks, and have the highest rate of fatal injuries.
Common dog bite injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Infections and diseases
- Emotional injuries
If you get bitten by a dog in Vancouver, wash the wound with warm water and soap. Go to a doctor for professional medical treatment as soon as possible. Dog bite injuries can put victims at high risk of infection, even if the wound appears minor. Document your injuries and keep your medical records as evidence for your dog bite injury claim.
Washington’s Dog Bite Laws
Although the laws in Oregon are not as victim-friendly as in Washington, both have enacted laws that protect people from attacks and require compensation if someone is injured. In Washington, the law makes the owner of the dog strictly liable for dog bites. If it is a repeat offense, the dog may be held liable for all misconduct in the future.
The strict liability law (RCW 16.08.040) means that a dog bite victim does not have to prove negligence, or that the pet owner fell short of the duty of care, to qualify for financial compensation. It does not matter if the dog has ever bitten someone before or exhibited signs of aggression in the past. It is enough to show that the dog caused the victim’s injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Attack in Vancouver?
Under Washington’s strict liability rule, dog owners are typically found liable (meaning financially responsible) when their dogs bite someone. However, depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to hold someone else responsible, such as the person who was in control of the dog at the time.
If a property owner knowingly allows a dangerous dog to live on a premises, the property owner could absorb liability – even if he or she is not the pet owner. Note, however, that Washington law protects landlords from liability of dog-inflicted injury unless they are the specified keeper of the dog.
Types of Financial Compensation Available
Holding one or more parties liable for your dog attack in Vancouver could lead to the financial compensation that you need to pay your medical bills and move forward with more peace of mind.
While every case is unique, the types of compensation or damages available may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and employment opportunities
- Disability expenses and accommodations
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Property damage repairs
- Wrongful death damages, in a fatal case
Working with a dog bite injury attorney can help you achieve fair results for your case, whether this is through insurance settlement negotiations or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in a Clark County court.
Contact Our Vancouver Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite or other animal attack, we can make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Put our experience to work for you so you can recover costs. Call our office at (360) 695-1624 or fill out the contact us form to schedule a free consultation. We have a proven track record of handling these cases in the Pacific Northwest.