Dog Bites Lawyer in Kent

Serving Clients in King County & throughout Washington

It’s said that a dog is man’s best friend, but unfortunately this is not always the case. All dogs, regardless of breed or size, are capable of causing serious personal injury to anyone they attack, especially children and the elderly. Children are especially likely to be victims of severe dog bites as they are often unsuspecting that a dog may be unfriendly.

According to the American Humane Association it is estimated that 4.7 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, and of those about 800,000 require medical attention.

In Washington, dog owners are responsible for the injuries caused by their dogs through dog bites or attacks. At Dore Law Group, PLLC, we understand the physical and emotional pain associated with dog bites and attacks. In seeking to recover damages from those legally responsible, we thoroughly investigate accidents so that we can learn about how the injuries occurred.

In litigation, we seek to hold dog owners accountable for the damages they caused, so that our clients can fully recover for the damages they have sustained.

Dial (253) 236-3888 or complete an online form to discuss your case with a Kent dog bite attorney. Initial consultations are free.

Dog Bite Laws in Washington

Washington is a "strict liability" state when it comes to dog bites, meaning that dog owners can be held liable for injuries their dogs cause even if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before. In other words, Washington does not have a "one bite" rule that absolves owners from liability if they had no knowledge that the dog was dangerous.

Under the Revised Code of Washington section 16.08.040, a dog owner is liable for dog bite injuries if:

• The injured person was in a public place or lawfully in a private place, and
• The injured person did not provoke the dog

Dog bite claims must be filed in a Washington court within three years of the date of injury to be admissible. This is commonly known as a "statute of limitations" period. Claims that are filed after this deadline expires are highly likely to be dismissed.

For this reason, it is important to consult with an attorney early on in your case to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.