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October 7th, 2024
Dog bites happen, and when they happen to children, it’s scary. One minute, your child’s playing outside, the next, you’re rushing to the ER. It’s a mess of worry, medical bills, and maybe even a neighbor who suddenly won’t make eye contact.
At Hess Injury Law, we’ve seen it all when it comes to dog bites. We know you have questions, and we’re here to help you figure out what to do next.
Your first priority after a dog attacks your child should be to seek immediate medical attention. Assess the severity of the bite wounds and take the following actions:
Your child’s health is the first concern. After addressing their medical needs, it’s time to focus on gathering information and taking legal action.
You’ll need as much information as possible about the dog and its owner to protect your child’s right to compensation and pursue legal action if necessary.
If present, get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information. Also, ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination and make note of the dog’s breed, color, and any distinguishing features.
Provide animal control with the information you’ve gathered about the dog, owner, and circumstances of the bite. They will investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies. In some states, like Washington, negligent dog owners may also be subject to fines.
Ultimately, reporting the bite serves several purposes:
Do not hesitate to report the incident, even if the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member. Your child’s safety and the safety of others should be the top priority.
In Washington, dog owners are strictly liable for bites – even if their dog has never shown aggression before. The law doesn’t give owners a free pass just because they didn’t know their dog might bite.
Dealing with a dog bite claim can be tough, especially when you’re focused on your child’s recovery. Insurance companies don’t always make it easy. That’s why many families find it helpful to work with a lawyer who has experience with dog bite cases. They can navigate the legal process while you concentrate on your child’s well-being.
At Hess Injury Law, our dog bite attorneys will:
We also work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.
Do not hesitate to contact a reputable Washington dog bite attorney to discuss the owner’s liability and explore your legal options.
Take photos of your child’s injuries immediately after the incident and as they heal. These visual records can be compelling evidence in a legal case. While the details are still fresh, write down your account of what happened. Include the date, time, location, and any witnesses to the incident.
Keep all medical records and bills related to your child’s treatment for dog bite injuries. Thorough documentation is necessary when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against the dog owner.
Washington law gives you three years from the date of the incident to file a legal claim for a dog bite injury. While this may seem like plenty of time, we recommend consulting our attorneys as soon as possible. Early action helps ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines for court filings or insurance claims.
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy will cover damages resulting from a dog bite. But insurance companies never make it easy to collect on it. That’s where we come in. We know how to handle these claims and can make sure you’re not missing out on any compensation.
We’ll also keep track of all the important deadlines for you. This way, you can focus on helping your child recover while we take care of the legal work.
A dog bite can turn a normal day into a nightmare for any parent. If your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t let it become a bigger burden than it already is. At Hess Injury Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing. Our team has successfully handled numerous dog bite cases, securing fair compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care when needed.
We’re not just lawyers – we’re advocates who will fight for your child’s rights and well-being. Time is critical in these cases, so don’t wait to reach out. We offer free, no-obligation consultations where we’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions. Contact us today.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
Peter J. Hess grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a 1996 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems.
Peter graduated from Willamette University College of Law, with honors, in 2007. While at Willamette, he was an Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review, he was a Teacher’s Assistant for a Legal Research and Writing professor, and he worked as a Personal Injury Law Clerk at Swanson, Lathen, Alexander & McCann in Salem, Oregon. After graduation from Willamette, Peter began working here at Hess Injury Law. In 2012, he became a partner in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon.
