Dog Bite Attorneys
Aggressive Legal Advocacy for Dog Bite Injury Victims
Dog bites are among the most frightening types of injuries people can suffer. Such attacks are very up close and personal and often fulfill the fear of dogs that many have had since childhood.
Dog attacks are typically sudden, unexpected, and vicious in nature. They frequently occur while the victim is engaged in seemingly safe family, recreational, or play activities at someone’s home or in a public place. The dog involved may belong to someone in a position of trust, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor. Both victim and dog owner may be in disbelief that the dog acted as it did. The people involved may be uncertain about whether insurance covers damages resulting from such incidents (unlike auto accidents, where most know how it works).
Complicating matters further, the involved dog is often the beloved pet of the owner and their family. They are likely concerned about having their dog taken away and euthanatized or even being criminally charged for the dog’s actions or for failing to control their dog.
These concerns should not stop you from getting justice if you were seriously harmed by a dog bite or attack. At Becker Franklin Rovang, we can help you understand your rights and legal options for recovering compensation. Our team understands how to effectively navigate these cases and can provide the solutions-oriented representation you deserve.
Schedule a free consultation with our dog bite lawyers today by calling (360) 800-3009 or contacting us online.
our case results Our Clients Always Come First
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$4,700,000 Recovery - Negligence
Recovery for disabled man neglected in Kitsap County Jail who suffered brain damage and quadriplegia.
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$750,000 Rear End Auto Accident - Settlement
Settlement for a 32 year old female rear-ended on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in a multicar accident involving road rage.
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$500,000 Work Injury - Settlement
Settlement for a workplace injury (Navy Shipyard) for a “temporary” worker.
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$430,000 Auto Accident - Settlement
Settlement for auto accident victim with fractured ankle sustained in T-bone accident.
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$368,000 Pedestrian Accident - Settlement
Settlement for high school girl running to school bus when hit by a car (school bus failed to stop across from her residence per district rules).
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$274,000 Recovery - Sexual Abuse
Recovery for two girls groomed and sexually abused by Church pastor who was criminally convicted. Settlement included proceeds from insurance, sale of church property, and sale of pastor’s personal residence.
If you or a loved one have an injury case in Kitsap, Pierce or Thurston counties, contact our office for a NO COST consultation. (360) 800-3009 or, complete our online contact form to get started.
Dog Bite Statistics
An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year. A majority of these bites are relatively minor, but according to the CDC, approximately every one in five dog bites require medical attention. In the most severe cases, the injuries inflicted are often ugly — jagged lacerations on visible parts of the body (face, head, arms, hands, and legs) that are subject to infection and other complications, require suturing or plastic surgery to treat, and can result in visible, residual scarring.
Some of the most common reasons why dogs attack include:
- Fear or Anxiety
- Territorial or Protective Behavior
- Pain or Discomfort
- Maternal Instinct
- Startled or Surprised
- Possessiveness (Resource Guarding)
- Lack of Socialization
- Overstimulation or Excitement
- Redirected Aggression
- Dominance or Control
- Provocation
- Illness or Disease
Those injured often deal with psychological or emotional trauma that is not present in other, less-graphic types of injuries. After such attacks, the victim often develops a fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress reactions are common. There can also be residual physical scars that come with a host of accompanying psychological damage.
If you were forced to seek medical attention after suffering a dog bite, you may have a personal injury case. We encourage you to get in touch with our team to discuss your options for recovering compensation for medical bills and other losses stemming from the attack.
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“Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time.”
- KCI never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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“The team I got to work with was fantastic!”
- Stephanie W.The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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“Set realistic expectations and delivered.”
The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S. -
“They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing!”
I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
Dog Owner Liability
The state of Washington has a dog bite statute (RCW 16.08.040) that tends to favor dog bite victims. The law makes the owner of the dog strictly liable for dog bites. This means that they are legally responsible for covering a dog bite victim’s damages.
Put another way, if you were bitten by a dog while on public property or while you were on private property with permission, the dog owner is likely liable. It does not matter if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no knowledge of the animal’s potentially violent behavior.
To establish dog owner liability under Washington law, you need to prove the following elements:
- Ownership of the Dog: The injured party must show that the person being sued is the legal owner of the dog. This can be established through evidence like vet records, microchip registration, or testimony from neighbors or witnesses.
- The Dog Bite Occurred in a Lawful Location: The bite must have occurred when the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property (such as being invited onto the dog owner’s property or delivering mail). If the injured person was trespassing at the time of the bite, the dog owner may not be held liable.
- The Dog Bit the Victim: Unlike some other states, Washington law does not require the injured party to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior. The fact that the dog bit someone is enough to establish liability if the other elements are met.
- Injury Resulted from the Dog Bite: The victim must prove that they suffered an injury as a direct result of the dog bite. Medical records, photographs of injuries, and testimony from medical professionals can help establish the extent and cause of the injury.
There are a few exceptions to Washington state’s strict liability statute. If you were trespassing on private property at the time of the dog bite, the dog is not liable. The dog owner is also not liable if you provoked the animal into attacking you.
If you aren’t sure whether you have a strong dog bite case, we urge you to get in touch with our team at Becker Franklin Rovang. Our dog bite attorneys can evaluate your situation and review your legal options.
where you can find us Our Office Locations
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Port Orchard1730 Pottery Avenue
Suite 210
Port Orchard, WA 98366 -
Poulsbo19307 8th Avenue NE
Suite C
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Damages Recoverable in Dog Bite Cases
Each dog bite case is unique, and the overall recoverable damages will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, including the severity of injuries sustained and the resulting consequences. We always seek maximum compensation and can help you understand what you can expect to recover.
Some of the types of damages you can typically recover in a dog bite claim include:
- Medical expenses. This category encompasses all costs related to necessary medical treatment following the dog bite incident. It includes expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medications, and any necessary follow-up care.
- Lost income. If your injury results in you missing work, you may recover damages for lost wages. This includes direct wages lost during your recovery period and potential future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and suffering. You may also claim damages for the physical pain experienced due to the attack. This is often a subjective measure and may vary based on the severity of the injury and its impact on your quality of life.
- Emotional distress. Beyond physical injuries, dog bite incidents can lead to psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can seek compensation for these emotional impacts.
- Property damage. If the dog bite incident leads to damage to personal property, such as clothing or other belongings, you can recover the costs associated with these losses.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits
In Washington state, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is generally three years from the date of the incident. This deadline applies to many types of personal injury claims, which include injuries sustained from dog bites.
Failing to file a claim before the statute of limitations expires can result in losing the right to seek compensation, so do not wait to reach out. Call (360) 800-3009 or contact us online today.
