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Dog Bites

Spokane Dog Bite Attorney

Representing Dog Attack Victims Throughout Eastern Washington & Northern Idaho

As the old saying goes, “dogs are man’s best friend”, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of doing major harm seemingly out of nowhere. According to statistics,  more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually, and 1 in 6 of those bites are serious enough to require medical attention. Even the most well-mannered and properly trained dog can uncharacteristically lunge out and attack someone for no apparent reason. 

If you or a loved one was attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. At Karen Lindholdt, we help dog bite victims and their families hold pet owner’s accountable for their dog’s vicious behavior. 

By filing a personal injury claim, we can bring you one step closer to getting the necessary help to cover your medical bills, emotional and psychological trauma, and other difficulties stemming from the attack.

Contact us at (509) 779-8180 to speak with a knowledgeable Spokane dog bite attorney today. Se habla español.

What Does Washington State Law Say About Dog Bites?

According to Washington state statute RCW 16.08, dog owners are liable for dangerous dogs and must pay damages to the bitten victim whether the attack happened on public property or private property. It further states that it doesn’t matter if the dog never previously attacked anyone or showed any viciousness or aggression in the past.

The exact wording is as follows:

“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.”

The legal team at Karen Lindholdt has a deep understanding of the laws and has previous case experience involving dog bites. We use this knowledge and experience to carefully analyze the facts of the case and decide that a case has enough merit to go forward with recovering compensation.

Common Injuries Sustained from Dog Bites

While dog bites can often be a self-defense response to abuse or mistreatment, they can also be totally unpredictable and unwarranted. Some dogs are naturally more aggressive, territorial, or protective of what’s theirs. No matter the reasoning, it is on the owner to keep the dog composed or contained so they don’t harm others.

Some of the injuries that can be sustained from a dog bite are: 

  • Puncture wounds
  • Transmission of rabies
  • Broken bones
  • Infections
  • Nerve damage
  • Eye injuries
  • Scarring

This list doesn’t include the psychological and emotional trauma that can come from a dog attack which may haunt a victim for the rest of their lives. If a dog knocks a victim down, the fall can potentially cause injury to the brain, back, or spinal cord. The severity of these injuries may require surgery and extensive medical treatment which can be very costly. 

As your dog bite attorney, we are determined to recover full and fair compensation for your medical expenses as well as for any long-term therapy needed to treat emotional scars from such a traumatic event.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Dog Bites?

Children are far more likely to be injured in a dog attack than adults, mainly due to their playfulness and curiosity. Children are also less likely to recognize cues from dogs that they are scared, vicious, or territorial. What’s even worse is that as a result of their smaller size, the impact of a dog bite is much worse than if a grown adult were attacked.

As a parent or caretaker of a child, having them attacked by a dog can be devastating. While you tend to your child and get them the help they need to recover, we can investigate the details of the attack and communicate with the dog owner’s insurance company to prove liability. If the dog owner failed to contain their dog or put him on a leash, they may be responsible for your child’s injuries and damages.

What to Do If You’ve Been Attacked by a Dog

Dog bites can take place at any moment when you are least prepared for it. While you may be initially shocked and disoriented following an attack, you need to know the steps to take following an injury so you can protect your rights and hold the negligent dog owner responsible. 

If someone else’s dog has bitten or attacked you, take the following actions:

  • Notify the dog’s owner if they were not present or did not witness the attack
  • Get the owner’s name and contact information should you decide to file a claim
  • Obtain information about the dog, its breed, vaccination records, and any health issues
  • Seek medical attention right away
  • Report the attack to animal control so it is properly documented
  • Contact our experienced dog bite attorneys

Recovering from a dog bite can be extremely costly, so you should make sure you take these necessary steps to help recover compensation. The dog’s owner and their insurance company will likely immediately go on the defense to rid themselves of liability. Our legal team has seen and heard it all and knows how to overcome their claims. We know what your case is worth and what evidence is needed to prove negligence.

Talk to a member of the Karen Lindholdt team today by calling (509) 779-8180 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Spokane dog bite lawyer. We are eager to discuss your case and get you the help you need.

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