When you are bitten by a dog in Tacoma, Olympia, or a surrounding area, even if it was that dog’s first bite, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with a Washington dog bite lawyer. At Fuller & Fuller, we’ve been helping victims of serious dog bite injuries seek fair and full compensation for more than 50 years. No matter if the animal that attacked you was known to be dangerous or not, we are here to listen to how your experiences have impacted your life and livelihood, and to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Schedule a FREE Case Review With an Experienced Washington Dog Bite Lawyer Today
To schedule your FREE consultation at our Tacoma or Olympia location, call Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878 today. Our dog bite attorneys serve individuals and families living in Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties, and all surrounding areas of the state.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Complications
According to the National Institutes of Health, around 4.45 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with nearly 750,000 requiring medical treatment. Among the most common dog bite injuries that necessitate emergency treatment are:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations. Dog jaws are powerful, and the teeth of even smaller breeds can easily pierce skin and muscle.
- Nerve and Tendon Damage. Deep bites can damage nerves and tendons, especially on the extremities.
- Fractures and Crushing Injuries. Bites can fracture or crush bone, with heavier dogs capable of inflicting even more damage with the weight and size of their bodies.
- Fatalities. The CDC reports an average of 43 deaths each year from dog attacks.
In addition to the initial injuries inflicted by dog bites, several long-term complications can arise from an animal attack. Puncture wounds and lacerations can lead to infections from bacteria, including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga. Without treatment, infections can lead to cellulitis, sepsis, or even death. Tetanus and rabies are also possible, both of which can be fatal if not treated.
Nerve and tendon damage can result in a loss of motor function and cause chronic pain, and serious bites can result in scarring and disfigurement. Psychological trauma is also a common consequence of dog bites, with PTSD, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs limiting a person’s ability to function comfortably.
Some victims of dog bites will require months or years of treatment, which may include surgery, physical therapy, and counseling. When you or a family member is facing these consequences, having a Washington dog bite lawyer on your side becomes all the more important.
What Does Washington’s Dog Bite Law Say About First-Time Attacks?
RCW 16.08.040 imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that, even if a dog has never bitten before, the owner is still responsible if their dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property. The law stipulates this is the case “regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” In other words, it makes no difference if a dog has bitten someone before. If a dog attacks you or a loved one while on public or private property, the dog owner is liable for all of the damages that follow.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. It does not apply to police dogs, nor to dogs that injure someone who is trespassing or intentionally provokes them. Does this mean that defense attorneys may try to reframe the incident to place blame on the victim? Of course it does. This is another reason it’s useful to have a Washington dog bite lawyer on your side who can investigate the attack and accurately assess where fault should lie.
How Quickly Should You Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Washington?
When you suffer a dog bite, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. In most Washington cases, you only have three years to take legal action. Waiting longer may make it impossible to seek the compensation you are entitled to.
While some dog bites are minor and may not necessitate legal assistance, you should always consult with a dog bite lawyer when:
- The bite required medical attention, or
- You are facing medical bills and/or lost income, or
- You are experiencing emotional or physical complications, or
- Liability is being contested, or
- You are unsure about how to proceed
Some dog bites involve the dogs of family or friends, which can add an emotional component to filing a claim. It is important to remember that filing a personal injury claim is not an attack on someone you care about, but rather an effective way to make sure your needs are taken care of after the incident. Most dog bite claims are filed against the owner’s property or rental insurance, even if the attack takes place outside of the home. This coverage exists to protect owners from financial ruin if their dog injures someone, while helping victims secure the compensation they need to make a full recovery.
We Have Decades of Experience With Dog Bite Claims
Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC was founded over five decades ago with the mission of helping injured Washingtonians seek justice following serious accidents and catastrophic injury. Now, led by experienced trial attorney Marya Fuller, the firm continues in this mission.
From rural areas surrounding Olympia to denser city environments like Tacoma, our firm understands the dynamics of the communities we serve, and we are fully committed to helping those impacted by injury secure what they need to move forward. Aggressive in our representation and protective of our clients, Fuller & Fuller has a long history of helping dog bite victims recover what they are owed. We are here to take your call and listen to your story, and to help you choose how best to seek the compensation you are due.
Contact a Washington Dog Bite Lawyer for FREE
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Olympia, Tacoma, or a nearby area of the state, use our online contact form to request a FREE case review today. We can help you understand your legal rights under Washington’s dog bite laws and fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet and on with your life.
