Here in Spokane, many families love and appreciate their dogs. Unfortunately, some dogs turn out to be aggressive and unpredictable, resulting in dog attacks that leave victims with very serious injuries from dog bites.
Spokane Dog Attacks If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack that requires medical treatment and care, pursuing financial compensation is a viable possibility. Because these cases tend to be more delicate and difficult to handle, a Spokane dog bite attorney can help you. At Russell and Hill PLLC Spokane, we have helped a number of dog bite accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries and recover from the attack.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that annually there are approximately 4.5 million people that are bitten by dogs. Spokane, specifically, reports there are hundreds of serious dog bites every year.
Dog bite injuries can be very severe and may require extensive medical attention. Common injuries among dog bite victims are lacerations, scrapes, puncture wounds, bruising, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. The costs of reconstructive and plastic surgeries, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments, can quickly start to add up.
Some of the most common dog attacks involve children. Their small stature and limited self-defense cause them to suffer the most severe injuries, often to the head and neck. This can lead to injuries and scarring that they have to suffer with the rest of their lives.
Often times dog attacks involve the injury or death of your beloved companion pet. Do not settle for mere “market value.” Russell & Hill, PLLC demands intrinsic value and complete compensation for the loss of your pet. Even if it is an accident, the attorneys at Russell & Hill PLLC can get you an award for the loss of companionship, friendship, protection, security and emotional distress that follows the loss of a pet.
Who Is Liable?
In short, Washington’s statute on dog bites (RCW 16.08.040) indicates that the owner or individual responsible for the dog when the attack occurred is liable for the claim. Russell & Hill, PLLC is knowledgeable about the City Codes, the County Codes, the State Statutes and the cases related to dog bites, such as:
– Womack v. von Rardon, 133 Wash.App. 254 (III, 2006)
– Damiano v. Lind, 163 Wash.App. 1017 (III, 2011)
– In re Lababit, 415 Fed.Appx. 839 (9th Cir.2011) and 2009 WL 7751426 (9th Cir.BAP 2009)
– Criscuolo v. Grant Cy.,540 Fed.Appx. 839 (9th Cir.2011) and 2014 WL 527218 (E.D.Wash.Feb.10,2014)
However, a common problem that Spokane families and victims have is that the dog bite accident occurred while they were interacting with dogs they knew, like one that belongs to a neighbor or sibling. Because of this, filing a claim against a family member can be challenging and uncomfortable.
Thankfully, there are alternatives available to the liable party. Damages can usually be covered by one of the following sources.
- Landlord’s insurance
- Renter’s insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance
- Motorhome owner’s insurance
- Commercial general liability insurance
- Motor vehicle insurance
- Employers insurance
Families or victims that are concerned that their friend or family member is responsible for the accident can lay those fears aside. So long as the liable party has one of the above insurance options available, they will not have to pay damages. This is gives you the freedom to seek full compensation to have a peaceful recovery.
Our Spokane attorneys have dealt with many dog bite cases and have an in depth understanding of the ramifications of dog bite injuries and the complexities of the laws surrounding the claim. One of our experienced Spokane dog bite attorneys can help you recover full and fair compensation for the injuries sustained. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Possible Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Victims
There are several types of compensation that can be expected from filing a dog bite personal injury claim:
- Reconstructive or plastic surgeries to repair damage, reduce scarring, and minimize disfigurement.
- Medical treatment, such as emergency room, urgent care, hospitalization, or ambulance charges.
- Veterinarian charges and vet bills
- Physical therapy and recovery treatment
- Loss of earning capacity as a result of injuries
- Medications, antibiotics, or rabies vaccinations
- Property damage as a result of the attack
- Psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
Family Members
Family members can also file ‘bystander claims,’ which is a witness claim where a family member suffers emotional distress from having seen the dog attack occur. A ‘loss of consortium’ claim can be filed for a spouse if their husband or wife is incapacitated in some way as a result of the attack. Filing a wrongful death claim is also a strong claim if the dog attack resulted in the victim’s death.
Special Circumstances
There are some special cases where dog attack victims can receive special compensation, such as for prepaid vacations, job retraining, etc. However, these cases are difficult and should be under the management and direction of an experienced Spokane attorney.
Find a Spokane Dog Bite Attorney
Our attorneys at Russell and Hill PLLC are committed to helping clients experience a peaceful and relaxed recovery by handling their claims with skill and experience. As personal injury attorneys, we thoroughly investigate the case, compile necessary evidence, manage the claim, and handle phone calls, payments, and documentation.
If you or a loved one is considering pursuing a dog bite personal injury claim, contact our office for a free initial consultation and for an opportunity to discuss your options.
Spokane Areas of Practice
206-880-7703
