Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
Dogs can surely be man’s best friend, but on some occasions, dogs do bite, even when not provoked. Some dog bites just break the skin, but others can leave serious physical and emotional scars. Our experienced Vancouver dog bite attorneys have represented numerous clients that have been bitten and suffered serious injuries by unprovoked dogs. If you’ve suffered an injury from a dog bite, please contact our law firm for a free legal consultation to determine if you may be entitled to compensation.
Unfortunately, children are often bitten by dogs because they want to play with dogs and do not fully understand how dangerous they can be. Even dogs that are typically friendly and playful can bite if they feel threatened or are handled in the wrong way. When children or adults are bitten by dogs it can leave lifelong visual scars, as well as emotional scars that may make it impossible for them to be near dogs.
As with any other type of injury it is critical to talk with a personal injury lawyer that has experience representing clients who have suffered dog bite injuries. Contact our law firm today if you’ve suffered an injury due to a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation from the dog owner.
Dog Bite Liability in Washington
Like other states, Washington does have dog bite liability ordinances that outline the responsibility and liability that Washington dog owners face. Dog owners in Washington can be held liable and subject to damages if their dog bites another person (if not provoked). Washington dog bites liability code RCW 16.08.040 states the following:
The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.
You will notice that the liability code states “lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog“. Washington RCW 16.08.050 provides the following definition of “lawfully upon private property” as follows:
A person is lawfully upon the private property of such owner within the meaning of RCW 16.08.040 when such person is upon the property of the owner with the express or implied consent of the owner: PROVIDED, That said consent shall not be presumed when the property of the owner is fenced or reasonably posted.
Washington dog owners must provide proof that their dog was provoked to bite in order to avoid liability damages. Washington RCW 16.08.060 states “Proof of provocation of the attack by the injured person shall be a complete defense to an action for damages.”
You can read more about dog-related Washington laws here.
Contact our experienced Vancouver dog bite lawyers today if you or someone you know has been bitten by an unprovoked dog in the Vancouver, WA area, including all areas of Clark County, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Hockinson, Hazel Dell, Felida, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield, Orchards, La Center and Woodland.
