Everything You Need to Know About Dog Bite Laws in Washington State from Your Olympia Injury Lawyers

Dog bites are more common than most people realize, and they can result in serious injuries. Whether it’s a minor scrape or a severe laceration, the emotional and physical toll of a dog bite is undeniable. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Washington State, it’s important to understand the legal options available to you. Our Olympia injury lawyers at Capital Injury Law are here to guide you through the complexities of dog bite laws in Washington State and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Injury Claims

Dog bite injury claims fall under personal injury law, but they can be a bit different from other injury claims due to the specifics of Washington’s laws. If a dog attacks you, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. But before you pursue a claim, it’s important to understand how dog bite laws in Washington work.

Dog Bite Laws in Washington State

Washington is one of the states that follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether they knew the dog had the potential to bite. Washington does not operate on a “one-bite rule,” where an owner could be excused from liability if the dog had never bitten anyone before.

However, there are important details to consider. For instance, strict liability applies to bite-related injuries, but it does not cover other types of injuries resulting from a dog’s actions (like being chased or knocked over).

Strict Liability for Dog Bites

Under Washington law (RCW 16.08.040), a dog owner is almost always liable for injuries caused by their dog’s bite, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior. This is true whether the incident happens on public or private property, as long as the victim was invited onto the private property.

However, there are exceptions. An owner might not be held liable if:

• The victim was trespassing on the property.
• The victim provoked the dog.

Owner Negligence and Dangerous Dogs

In some cases, a dog owner may be found negligent if they don’t take proper precautions to prevent an attack. For instance, if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior and the owner failed to take steps to prevent injury (such as keeping the dog restrained), the owner may be held responsible for your injuries beyond the bite itself.

Washington also classifies dogs into different categories depending on their behavior:

• Potentially Dangerous Dog: A dog that bites or chases a person or another animal in an aggressive manner. These dogs are not necessarily dangerous yet but have shown aggressive tendencies.
• Dangerous Dog: A dog that, without provocation, inflicts serious injury or death to a person or domestic animal. Dangerous dogs are subject to additional restrictions, including mandatory muzzling and securing the dog in an enclosure.

If the dog involved in your attack is classified as dangerous, it strengthens your case, as this demonstrates a known risk to public safety. Dangerous dogs can also lead to criminal charges for their owners, adding further weight to a personal injury claim.

Leashes, Landlords, and Other Laws

In Washington State, there is no statewide law requiring dogs to be leashed. However, local municipalities may have leash laws in place. For example, some cities may require dogs to be leashed in public areas, while others may have designated off-leash zones.

As for landlords, they are generally not responsible for dog bite injuries caused by their tenants’ dogs. Landlords are not required to prevent dog attacks, but there are exceptions if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take action.

It’s also important to note that dogs cannot be classified as dangerous solely based on their breed in Washington State. The classification is based on the dog’s actions, not its breed.

Lastly, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in Washington is three years. This means you have three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit or settle your claim.

How We Can Help As Your Olympia Injury Lawyers

While it’s not required to hire a lawyer to pursue a dog bite claim, having one can significantly improve your chances of success. Here’s how our Olympia injury lawyers at Capital Injury Law can help you:

Gather Evidence and Build a Strong Case

We will help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim. This includes medical records, witness statements, photos of the injury, and documentation of lost wages due to your injury. We’ll make sure everything is organized to strengthen your case.

Negotiate with Insurance

In many dog bite cases, the owner’s homeowner’s insurance will cover the costs. However, insurance companies often try to settle for less than you deserve. Our team will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Court Representation and Legal Guidance

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll be prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced attorneys will represent you in front of a judge and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, making sure you understand your options and feel supported throughout.

Learn More at Capital Injury Law

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to understand your rights under Washington’s dog bite laws. At Capital Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process. Our experienced Olympia injury lawyers will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us take the stress out of your dog bite injury claim so you can focus on healing.