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.
j
Date published: 2019-11-09
5 out of 5
Russell & Hill, PLLC are very professional and knowledgeable. Jim Hill and Diana represented me in my automobile accident. After 2 years of dealing with an insurance company their best offer was $3,600, I enlisted Jim Hill to represent me. When it was all said and done I received a net check in the amount of $107,000. I highly recommend Russell & Hill, PLLC.
V
Date published: 2019-08-09
5 out of 5
I had a very supportive experience working with Mr. Jim Hill and the rest of the wonderful people at this law firm. They helped me get a settlement throughout a very arduous process, helping me maintain my confidence and esteem. If you come here to have them help with your case, you will not regret it! Also, Ms. Tammy is amazing and won’t get mad at you, even if you bug her daily, like I did on some weeks 🙂 Thank you for everything!
R
Date published: 2019-11-09
5 out of 5
Jim and the team at Russell & Hill are awesome. I was in tough position and they were extremely responsive, navigated the legal challenges, and negotiated a settlement that was better than anticipated. Upfront, honest, great communication, and delivered results. I could not have asked for more!
T
Date published: 2019-03-09
5 out of 5
I have been working with Russell & Hill for over a year and a half. I personally worked with Eric. My case was very complicated. He worked with me. I was approved for disability. He asked me tough questions, he checked in. He cared. I’m so grateful to have worked with him. Thank you so much for your hard work. I appreciate you so very much.
d
Date published: 2019-02-09
5 out of 5
Facing the overwhelming task of filing for disability is not for the faint of heart. My task was to research several disability attorneys. My choice, RUSSELL & HILL, Personal Injury and Disability Attorneys, was a smart one. Thank you, Elizabeth, for info gathering and the time, energy, and frustration you saved me. Thank you, Eric, for doing everything else, submitting my case, resubmitting my case, preparing for trial, preparing me for trial, gathering medical records. I was astounded, relieved, and elated when the Judge approved my disability on the spot, simply based on the brief you wrote. I am now forever grateful. I recommend RUSSELL & HILL to all.
C
Date published: 2019-02-09
5 out of 5
Eric Bessent represented me for my disability hearing and I want to give kudos where they are desreved. He is very patient and answers questions thoroughly. He handled himself very professionally and presented my case with a favorable decision. Thank you to Eric (lawyer), Gabriella (case manager), his firm (Russell and Hill) and all the other staff who’s behind the scenes 😊
A
Date published: 2019-03-09
5 out of 5
Jim and his team are excellent at what they do and also great at communicating what is going on
V
Date published: 2019-02-09
5 out of 5
Eric bessett did a good job on helping me out on my disability was well pleased would recommend them to anybody
s
Date published: 2019-03-09
5 out of 5
Eric Bessent at Russell & Hill was so helpful and resilient in helping me to obtain Social Security after suffering a head injury from being hit ny a drunk driver. His concern for health as well as being conforting and informative regarding the process that takes place to obtain SS was an A+. He walked me step by step through the process encouraging me even when my application had been turned down the first time. Eric walked me through the appeal process with encouragement and still caring about my well being.
After receiving such personal care I whole heartedly recommend Russell & Hill, PLLC to anyone seeking personalized caring attorneys.
Verna Luther
T
Date published: 2019-02-09
5 out of 5
I applied For Disability April 2017 I started with Russell & Hill from the get go. I was denied on Intial and Recon I thankfully got a Alj hearing quickly and we won with a Bench Decision thank you to Kim for dealing with all my stress with me and getting my updated records every three months helped a ton. I would also like to Thank Eric Basset that contacted me when I got my court date to update records and make sure I wasn’t messing anything and met with me in person, I met Eric Agian the day of hearing ahead of time to answer any questions before we went in I was very nervous we won and were told right then, thank you to the firm for working so hard and not giving up when I was filled with anxiety, I would recommend Russle & Hill staff to anyone needing help mine was a disability case. They called me back in a timely fashion and a good bye me tell the finish line. Thanks a ton! My best advise they know what they are doing ride the wave it paid off for me in the end. Thanks Agian
a
Date published: 2019-02-09
5 out of 5
Erik did a great job and was willing to take all my calls and questions. He got the job done quickly!!!
b
Date published: 2019-03-09
5 out of 5
Jim is awesome if anything ever happens to me again in the future hes going to be my go to
E
Date published: 2017-12-09
5 out of 5
Jim and Dradin were great to work with! They communicated with me in terms I could understand, and they were able to resolve my case with the best possible outcome! I would recommend them to anyone needing assistance.
D
Date published: 2016-12-09
5 out of 5
I chose Russell and Hill to file my disability paperwork and was approved in around six months without paying a dime. I couldn’t have made a better choice! Due to their knowledge and proficiency (and my bad back), my paperwork sailed through the system in record time. Thank you R&H for your excellent services!
B
Date published: 2019-03-09
5 out of 5
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