Dog Bite FAQ’s
DOG BITE LAWYERS IN WASHINGTON
What should I do if I or someone I know has been bitten by a dog?
The most important thing is to identify who the owner or caretaker is. Without this information, Boyd Buckingham will be unable to represent you. It is also important to find out how old the dog is and its breed. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Find out if the dog’s vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies.
Then be sure you seek medical attention promptly. Make sure the treating physician knows that your injury is a dog bite. This can be important for evaluating your injuries and assessing any potential illness the dog bite may cause.
If you are bit in the face, asked to be seen by a cosmetic surgeon. Early intervention by a plastic surgery specialist could prevent disfiguring scars or at least minimize them.
What are the most common types of dog bite injuries?
Dog bites are associated with many different types of injuries.
- When the victim is bitten in the face, eye, nose and disfiguring facial injuries are common. Some eye injuries are severe enough to cause vision loss.
- Finger injuries are common.
- The Law Offices of Boyd Buckingham has seen many neck injuries.
- We have also seen many puncture wounds as well as abrasions and lacerations.
- Broken bones occur when larger dogs are involved.
- Infection is a serious problem.
What kind of compensation can I expect for a dog bite injury?
Because Washington state holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes others, there are several forms of compensation you can expect to recover damages for, even if this is the dog’s first bite. You can recover damages for pain and suffering. Your medical costs are recoverable. If cosmetic surgery is required, you may seek compensation for this. You may also seek compensation if you lose wages just because you are unable to work. And there can be other accident related expenses that you can seek reimbursement for.
The owner wasn’t around. Does this mean I have no claim?
The owner of the dog does not need to be present. And the owner is held responsibility if the dog has escaped or is running loose.
Will the dog be destroyed?
This may happen in some cases where a dog has already been declared potentially dangerous in the past. But in most cases, nothing happens to the dog and the owners are given a warning.
The owner of the dog had “Beware of Dog” signs posted. Do I have a case?
It will depend. The sign should have warned you that a dog was present, but we would have to consider the specific facts before we can tell you if you have a case or not.
Which laws cover dog bites, local or state?
Both laws can apply. Many local communities have laws that apply to bites, leash laws and vaccinations. Some local laws even ban certain breeds entirely.
If I trespass and a dog bites me, can I sue the owner?
Only an attorney familiar with the laws in your area can answer that question. The Law Offices of Boyd Buckingham are specifically knowledgeable about the laws relating to trespass and dog bites in the greater Seattle Washington area, but especially Renton, Washington.
If I try to separate two fighting dogs, can the owner of the dog who bit me be held responsible?
The owner of the dog may be held responsible, but only a consultation can determine whether you have a case or not. You can schedule a free evaluation by calling Boyd Buckingham at (425) 228 – 6662.
How many dog bites occur each year?
Close to 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year. Of those, 800,000 require medical attention, with about a dozen resulting in death.