Dog Bite Attorneys in Kennewick, Washington

Being attacked by a dog can sometimes result in just a minor inconvenience. However, in some cases, a dog bite incident may result in serious injuries and disabilities. If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog, it can be difficult to know what to do next.

After a dog bite incident, it is crucial to determine liability to ensure that the owner of the dog or another liable party is held responsible for your damages and losses. At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, our dog bite attorneys in Kennewick, Washington, fight hard on clients’ behalf to help them get justice and obtain the compensation they deserve. From our offices in Kennewick and Yakima, we serve clients throughout the state of Washington, including Pasco and Richland. 

Common Causes of Dog Bites

According to the World Animal Foundation, an estimated 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every single year. Dog bite incidents occur for a variety of reasons. A dog may bite someone even if it has never been aggressive or vicious before. Let’s review some of the most common causes of dog bites:  

• The dog is feeling intimidated or threatened. 

• The dog is trying to protect its owner or territory. 

• The dog is running at large in violation of the leash law. 

• Someone is trespassing on private property. 

• Someone is trying to pet an unfamiliar dog. 

• Someone is trying to provoke or harm a dog. 

As you can see, a dog bite can be caused by a number of factors. When a dog bite incident occurs, it is crucial to determine liability based on the law in your jurisdiction.  

Washington Dog Bite Law

If you or someone you love was bitten in the state of Washington, you need to be aware of the state’s dog bite law. Washington law regarding dog bites is very strict. In Washington, dog owners are responsible for any losses and damages suffered by those who get bitten by their pets. Here’s a summary of Washington’s dog bite law:  

• Dog owners are responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before;  

• Dog owners are responsible even if they have no prior knowledge of the dog’s vicariousness or potential to bite;  

• The responsibility applies regardless of whether the incident occurs on public or private property (even the owner’s home);  

• The dog owner may be exempt from responsibility if the injured person was trespassing, provoking, or trying to harm the dog; and 

• Dog owners are also responsible for any injuries and damages caused to other animals.  

You might want to get legal counsel from our experienced attorneys at Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC if you or your child was bitten by a dog. Our dog bite attorneys in Kennewick, Washington, can help you navigate the law and ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.  

Who Pays for Dog Bite Injuries?

If the dog owner is responsible for your dog bite injuries, they will pay for your medical bills and other expenses and losses either through their insurance policy or a personal injury award: 

1. Insurance. Depending on the location of the dog bite and the circumstances surrounding the incident, the injured victim may be able to bring a claim against the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance. Even if the dog owner does not have homeowners’ insurance, other insurance policies may apply. For example, if the bite occurs on the dog owner’s business property, their business insurance policy (if available) may pay for the resulting losses and expenses.  

2. Lawsuit. When no insurance coverage is available or the parties cannot agree on a settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner may also be an option to recover compensation. The biggest advantage of filing a lawsuit is that it allows victims to recover damages not recoverable through insurance policies. However, the potential drawbacks include the cost, lack of privacy, no guarantee of a favorable outcome, and an extended timeline.  

Each case is unique, which is why you might want to speak with an attorney to explore the compensation options available in your case.  

How Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help?

When seeking compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from a dog bite, you might need an attorney to assist you during the claims process. A dog bite attorney can help in many ways, including but not limited to: 

• Protecting your rights and best interests throughout the claims process 

• Investigating the incident to gather evidence 

• Helping you prove liability for the dog bite 

• Answering your questions about the process 

• Advising you on your legal options 

• Filing an insurance claim on your behalf 

• Negotiating with the insurance company 

• Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court 

At Gierth-Eddy Law Offices PLLC, we know how traumatizing and stressful a dog bite incident can be. That is why we are dedicated to helping victims of dog bites seek justice and obtain fair compensation for their injuries and losses.