It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the most dog-friendly areas in the country. Unfortunately, there are times when living in a dog-friendly community can have its drawbacks if you come into contact with the wrong dog. Dog bites can be physically and emotionally traumatic, and they may require a lengthy and costly recovery.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury and need help collecting compensation to support your recovery, the dedicated Seattle dog bite attorneys at NBF Accident Law will advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Dog Bite Laws in Washington State
As a strict liability state, Washington laws state that pet owners are liable for their pets’ actions, even if they were unaware of their pet’s tendency toward aggressive behavior. In Seattle, several guidelines are in place to protect the public from animals. For instance, dogs may only be off-leash in parks expressly designated as such, and owners must be able to prove that their animals are up-to-date on certain vaccinations, including rabies.
As long as you and your dog bite attorney can prove that you were lawfully on the land or in the area at the time of the incident and that you did not provoke the dog, you should be able to pursue a dog bite personal injury claim against the animal’s owner.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injury claims are going to be very unique depending on the situation, such as where you were a bit and the type of dog that attacked you. The main concern with any kind of dog bite is the risk of infection if the animal breaks the skin. Even if you aren’t seriously injured, this will usually result in extensive medical bills as you seek preventative medical treatment.
Aside from preventative measures and following up with a medical professional, there are additional injuries you may experience:
- Puncture wounds
- Torn muscle
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Flesh wounds
Whether your dog bite injury is minor or severe, you need to find a lawyer who can handle dog bite cases. For the best chance at receiving the settlement you deserve, you need to find a top dog bite attorney in Seattle who has extensive experience handling these kinds of cases.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog
If you have been bitten by a dog, your first concern needs to be your own safety and reducing harm or additional injuries. Here is a step-by-step process of what you should do directly after a dog bite to protect yourself and build a more substantial dog bite claim:
- Get to safety: If a dog has bitten you, chances are that they will continue to behave in an aggressive manner. Try to find a secure location nearby where the animal will not be able to reach you, such as in a building or in your vehicle.
- Get medical attention: After a dog bite, you need to call 911 to request medical attention as well as report the incident. Not only is getting medical care crucial for your safety, but it will also help to create a paper trail that can later be used in your claim.
- Find the dog owner and witnesses: If possible, you will need to locate the dog owner to get their contact information. If there are any witnesses who saw the attack, you should also get their contact information so they can provide witness statements later on.
- Collect evidence: If you are not seriously injured, you should try to take photos of the scene of the attack as well as your injuries as documentation.
- Contact animal control: Aside from calling 911, you also need to report the dog bite to animal control as they specialize in these kinds of cases.
- Hire a dog bite lawyer: A dog bite attorney in Seattle will be crucial in creating a strong dog bite lawsuit that will get you the compensation you deserve.
Supporting Your Physical and Emotional Recovery
Dog bite victims may suffer emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, as well as physical injuries. The medical costs and lost wages stemming from your dog bite injury may cause additional financial anxiety as you wonder how you’ll be able to cover these unexpected expenses.
An attorney for dog bite lawsuits will help you submit your claim, gather important evidence, communicate with the at-fault parties, and take the case to court if necessary. They will also act as your advocate, ensuring that you do not accept a settlement that is unfair or will not cover your damages.
Enlisting the guidance of the knowledgeable and compassionate dog bite injury lawyers at NBF Accident Law is a great way for you to get the answers and support you need to move forward with your dog bite lawsuit. If you need help recovering compensation following a dog bite injury in the Seattle area, call NBF Accident Law Practice Group today at 206-923-8888 to speak with a trusted and compassionate dog bite personal injury attorney.
