#4 - Nine Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Should Avoid - Washington State Dog Bite Lawyer

If the dog owner has insurance, the carrier will almost always ask you for a recorded statement.

Dog Bite Attorneys in Washington State

Do you need a dog bite attorney to handle a pit bull attack in Washington State? Seattle attorney Chris Davis is the author of 'When The Dog Bites' a guidebook to the dog bite laws in Washington State.

#3 - Nine Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Should Avoid - Pit Bull Attack Attorney

You should take multiple photographs over the period of time that it takes the injury or wound to heal.

#2 - Nine Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Should Avoid - Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer

An investigation by the authorities can produce information and witness statements that may be critical in helping you establish liability against the animal’s owner.

#1 - Nine Mistakes Dog Bite Victims Should Avoid - Washington State Dog Bite Attorney in Seattle

Insurance companies may refuse to believe that the injury is serious unless prompt medical attention has been received.

Dog Bite Statute of Limitations in Washington State - Seattle Attorney

In Washington, a dog bite victim generally has three years from the date of injury to settle or file his claim.

Landlord Liability for Dog Bite - Washington State Law - Seattle Attorney

The Washington Supreme Court has held that a landlord cannot be held liable for the harm caused by a tenant’s dog, even if the landlord had knowledge of the dog’s vicious or dangerous propensities.

Assumption of Risk: Washington State Dog Bite Law - Seattle Attorney

Under common law, the dog owner is strictly liable if it can be shown that the dog owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

Contributory Negligence & Dog Bite Law in Washington State - Seattle Attorney

The phrase “contributory negligence” refers to the negligent conduct of the person who was bitten by the dog.

Dog Owner Negligence - Washington State Dog Bite Law - Seattle Attorney

The term negligence means that a person has failed to exercise reasonable and ordinary care under the circumstances, giving rise to injuries or damages.

History of Dog Bites? Washington State Animal Attack Law - Seattle Attorney

Under Washington common law, it is not necessary for a dog to have previously bitten someone for its owner to be presumed to have knowledge that it was likely to do so.

Washington State Dog Bite Common Law - Seattle Animal Attack Attorney

Anyone who watches or keeps a dog, despite not being the dog’s true owner, can still be liable for injuries inflicted by the dog if you can show that person had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.

Children Bitten By Dogs - Part One - Seattle Dog Bite Attorney

There are more than 1 million dog bites reported each year. And there are estimates that an equal number of dog bites (1 million) go unreported every year.

Overview of Washington State Common Law Liability for Dog Bites - Seattle Attorney

Under Washington common law, a person who keeps or harbors a dog, and who knows or should reasonably know the dog has vicious or dangerous propensities likely to cause the injuries complained of, is strictly liable for the injuries caused by the dog regardless of negligence committed by either the keeper of the dog or the injured person.

Washington State Common Law Liability of Dog Owners - Seattle Attorney

In Washington a dog owner can also be held liable for damages under the common law. In this chapter I explain what “common law” means and how a dog owner can still be obligated to pay damages even if the terms of the “Dog Bite Statute” cannot be met.

Washington State Dog Bite Law: Provocation of the Dog is a Complete Defense - Seattle Attorney

Washington law states that the provocation of the animal is a complete defense to a claim against the dog owner.

Dog Bite Case #721 - Washington State Animal Attack Attorney

The insurance company for the dog owner initially denied the claim by arguing that the girl had provoked the dog. Since provocation of the dog is a complete defense under the dog bite statute, the insurer refused to pay any compensation.

Dog Bite Case #721 - Washington State Animal Attack Attorney

The insurance company for the dog owner initially denied the claim by arguing that the girl had provoked the dog. Since provocation of the dog is a complete defense under the dog bite statute, the insurer refused to pay any compensation.

Dog Bite Legal Example #4 - Seattle Washington Animal Attack Attorney

The insurance company for the dog owner denied the claim. It argued that the boy was not on the dog owner’s property with his consent. The boy, argued the insurance carrier, was a trespasser and therefore no liability could attach under the dog bite statute.

Location of Dog Attack Is An Important Legal Factor - Washington State Dog Bite Law - Seattle Attorney

The term “express consent” usually occurs when the dog owner specifically invites you onto his property. For example, if you invite me to your house for dinner and while I am there your dog bites me, then I may pursue a claim against you under the dog bite statute. By inviting me into your home, you have expressly consented to my presence on your private property.

Overview of Washington State’s Dog Bite Statute - Seattle Animal Attack Attorney

Dog bite laws and statutes in Washington State.

Dog Bite Law Suit Example - Seattle Pit Bull Attack Attorney

I represented a man who found a dog in the pet section of the classified ads of the local newspaper. This man was looking for a specific breed. He wanted a dog for his two young children, but didn’t want a puppy because of the time and effort it would take to train the animal.

Basic Facts About Dog Bites Part Two - Dog Bite Lawyers in Seattle

Washington state dog bite laws and statistics.

Liability Imposed Against the Dog’s “Owner” - Washington State Dog Bite Law - Seattle Injury Attorney

Washington’s dog bite statute only imposes liability against the “owner” of the dog. So occasionally a dispute arises about who actually owns the dog.

Basic Facts About Dog Bites Part One - Washington State Dog Bite Lawyer

Facts and figures about dog bites and animal attacks. Seattle Dog Bite Attorney