If you are bit by a dog, it is important to:
- Get to a safe location
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Contact Animal Control or law enforcement immediately
- Take pictures of the dog and location
- Maintain records of all medical expenses related to the attack
Your attorney at Witt Law Group will investigate the dog’s past behavior, determine ownership of the dog, determine insurance polices in place, calculate medical care costs for your injuries, determine a reasonable case evaluation including pain and suffering, and negotiate your case with the insurance company.
Dog bite attacks can be some of the most significant injuries we see as attorneys. They include physical and emotional suffering that can last a lifetime. It is even more painful to witness when the attack involves a child. We understand the delicate and emotional nature of these cases. Even if you think an attorney is not necessary, remember that taking the step to have your case evaluated and handled professionally might mean you protect someone else from a similar attack.
Personal injury attorneys are paid based on contingency fees. Than means,
NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN!
You attorney works for you & gets paid after you do!
Serious injuries from dog bites include:
- Severe bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Permanent physical handicap
- PTSD and other psychological impairment
Dog owners are responsible and liable for their pet’s behavior on and off their property. Unfortunately, our pets are not always safe in every situation. Regardless, it is up to the owner to make sure the public is always safe.
RCW 16.08.040
Dog bites – Liability.
(1) 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.
(2) This section does not apply to the lawful application of a police dog, as defined in RCW 4.24.410.
Victims need to be compensated for:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Physical therapy
- Scar revision
- Counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Future care
Facts About Dog Bites
Approximately 4.5 million people are bit by a dog every year.
Half of dog attack victims are children.
Almost 20% of dog bites require medical attention.
Most attacks occur in everyday interactions with humans the dog already knows.
Medical Bills, Lost Wages – Economic Damages
Naturally, dog bite cases can become very contentious because dog owners are very protective of their pet. Additionally, many of these cases involve neighbors or friends. It is best to let an attorney determine the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages that need to be negotiated on your behalf. It is important that future care, counseling, or other needs such as scar revision are considered before resolving your case.
Trauma – General Damages
Victims of dog bite attacks often suffer anxiety and PTSD from the attack and this makes it hard to focus on the minutiae of insurance issues. An attorney in your corner will cost you nothing and there will be additional peace of mind that your injuries and bills are taken care of properly.
There Is No Risk Or Cost To Have A Free Case Evaluation
The attorneys at Witt Law Group will handle all of the details of your dog bite case. You do not need to deal with the insurance adjusters, the dog’s owner, or manage subrogation to insurance companies. We will take the worry out of the case.
Contact our office for a no risk and no obligation evaluation of your case. We can review the facts of your case and offer guidance on how to proceed. If you decide to hire us, it costs you nothing. We get paid when you get paid. (360) 792-1000
Learn more about how personal injury lawyers are paid through contingency fees.
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Attorney Jennifer Witt discussing how medical insurance payments factor into increasing the value of your personal injury case. Make sure you understand how Personal Injury Protection can absorb some of those bills and how medical care gets paid while waiting for your settlement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wVTqatA-Qc&list=PLl5agTy8mme-PGy-NuEO5FT63QbScnO0F&index=5&t=9s
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Get help now
Whether you choose to handle your case alone or you hire the Witt Law Group, get educated and prepared. There are so many factors that occur in the early part of your case that can dictate whether you will end up with a fair recovery. Remember that a consultation is free and worth your time. You will likely discover that the earlier you get an attorney involved in the process, the easier the transition back to normal life. Your attorney will take over all contact with the insurance adjuster and keep track of your treatment providers and bills. Your job is to heal. Our job is to present your injuries and damages to the insurance companies and argue for a fair settlement that accurately reflects the pain and damages you’ve suffered.