Each year, more than 4.5 million Americans fall victim to dog bites and attacks. While most attacks are attributed to breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers, it’s important to know that gentle-looking dogs can attack without warning too.
Being injured in a dog bite attack can have serious consequences, especially if your injuries are left untreated. Annually, dog bites cost up to $500 million in damages, including hospital visits and time missed from work. Since 1993, the dog bite lawyers at The Advocates have helped countless dog bite victims recover compensation for their injuries. We have handled numerous dog bite claims and negotiated with insurance companies to get personal injury victims fair settlements for their losses. Our dog bite attorneys are second to none.
If you or a loved one has recently been bitten by a dog, it’s crucial that you speak with a dog bite attorney immediately to learn more about your legal options. The dog bite lawyers from The Advocates are well-versed in Washington State statutes written specifically to protect the rights of dog bite victims. Our dog bite injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to help you determine who is liable and exactly what insurance coverage applies for your particular dog bite attack.
Dog Bite Injury FAQ
- How much should I expect from my dog bite personal injury claim?
- Who is responsible for my dog bite injury?
- How long does a dog bite case typically take to settle?
Washington Dog Bite Laws: What You Should Know
There are several key factors every dog bite victim should know before making an injury claim in Washington State. The most important is that dog bite lawsuits in Washington are time-sensitive. It is necessary for you to file your dog bite claim within the first three years of the date you were injured.
Dog bite claims can also be extremely complex. Sorting out issues like determining liability, understanding insurance policies, and recovering workers compensation can be difficult for dog bite victims to do on their own. But don’t worry. Your dog bite lawyer with The Advocates will explain all you need to know about building a strong dog injury claim.
Liability Issues
Dog bite cases can be rather complicated and the relevant laws tend to vary from state to state. Luckily, when it comes to determining who is responsible for your dog bite injury, Washington is a “strict liability” state. This means that as long as you or the person injured in the dog attack did not provoke the animal, nor were you trespassing on someone else’s property, then the dog owner is liable for any damages caused by the dog’s bites. All you need to determine this liability is proof that the dog bite did indeed cause you injuries. A dog bite attorney with The Advocates is experienced in collecting the evidence needed to determine who is at-fault for your dog bite injury.
Homeowners Insurance Policies
The last thing dog bite victims want to do after being injured in a dog attack is to read a dense and confusing insurance policy. Since most dog bites occur in the home of a neighbor, a friend, or even a family member, many dog bite victims are hesitant about pursuing a dog bite injury claim. We get it. Nobody wants to sue a friend.
What most people don’t know is that in the state of Washington, the dog bite owner’s homeowners insurance policy is what will compensate you for your injuries and losses. Thankfully, homeowners insurance generally covers any dog bite by the policy holder’s dog. Getting an insurance company to cover these types of claims usually isn’t the problem. What is a problem is figuring out if a dog’s owner has some sort of homeowners/renter’s liability policy in the first place. This is why hiring a dog bite lawyer is instrumental in getting you the settlement you deserve.
Workers Compensation
It is certainly unfair that dog bite victims are forced to miss work due to a serious dog bite injury. In Washington State, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages and damages suffered from the dog attack. The dog bite attorneys at The Advocates are skilled in helping victims recover the compensation they are rightfully owed for their injuries and losses. Our dog bite lawyers are experts in Washington State laws regarding unprovoked dog attacks. We have handled and fought for thousands of dog bite victims all throughout the state.
Retrieving workers compensation for an unwarranted dog attack can feel like a huge hassle. No one should have to go through the aftermath of a dog bite on their own. Our dog bite attorneys will help you every step of the way.
What a Seattle Dog Bite Attorney Can Do For You!
There are many good reasons to hire a Seattle bog bite lawyer to handle your dog bite claim. Out of the millions of Americans bitten by dogs each year, less than 5% of injury victims receive compensation for their injuries and losses. Our dog injury lawyers are different. We can help you with the following:
- Obtain maximum compensation for your injuries
- Build the strongest dog injury claim possible
- Compile your comprehensive medical records
- Speak with your employer about missed work
By hiring an Advocate, we will negotiate in your stead with pushy insurance adjusters to get the settlement you deserve. You can call our office today and get a free dog injury consultation!
A Just Settlement From an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
Since no two dog bite injuries are the same, it’s important to understand your settlement amount will be based on a combination of factors. Most dog bite settlements depend on the severity of injuries and damages suffered. Such damages often include medical bills and expenses, loss of past or future wages and income, as well as emotional suffering, scarring and other pain.
The dog bite attorneys with the Advocates are experienced negotiators who know precisely how to get you maximum compensation for your dog bite claim. If the insurance companies refuse to play fair, then our litigation team will take your injury claim to court and bring you the justice you deserve.
You Deserve a Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer with the Advocates!
After being injured in a dog bite attack, working with an ordinary dog bite lawyer simply won’t do. You should want the best dog bite attorney on your side. Here at The Advocates, we serve as a voice for dog bite victims all throughout Washington State. Our firm not only has the experience you’ll need to pursue your dog bite claim, we are completely dedicated to you and your recovery process. We make your needs our number #1 priority and will fight for you until the very end of your dog bite claim.
Unlike other personal injury law firms, the Advocates won’t quit until you get the compensation you deserve. If our dog bite lawyers can’t negotiate a fair settlement, then our litigation team is ready to take your injury claim to court and seek justice for your dog bite case. Don’t settle for second best. Contact the Advocates today for a free consultation. Call us today at (206) 452-4200 and we will answer all of your legal questions. Don’t wait. You deserve an Advocate!
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