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Dogs are loved and cherished pets throughout the Sammamish, WA area and throughout the country, but dog attacks are an unfortunate reality for many individuals. There were 31 fatalities and many more injuries in 2016 alone from dog attacks, with pit bulls causing the vast majority of the fatal attacks. There are several cities and areas of Washington with breed-specific laws that restrict ownership of certain breeds, primarily pit bulls. Washington dog owners need to acknowledge that the state follows a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. If you recently suffered injuries from a dog attack, contact Colburn Law to learn how we can help.
Unlike other states that have adopted “one bite” laws that essentially give dog owners one chance at avoiding liability for a dog attack, Washington follows a strict liability law. This means a dog’s owner is liable for any damage the dog inflicts on another person, with a few exceptions:
These laws only apply to cases involving actual bites. If a dog causes another type of injury, the resulting lawsuit would fall under Washington’s negligence laws for civil actions. For example, if a dog escapes a yard and knocks a neighbor’s child to the ground, causing a head injury, the injured child’s parents will need to prove the injury would not have occurred if the dog’s owners had exercised reasonable care.
A dog bite can be incredibly painful, and larger breeds have powerful jaws that can cause crushing injuries or even break bones. An individual who suffers injuries from a dog bite can claim several types of compensation, including medical expense coverage for required medical treatment, lost income for time spent out of work and in recovery, and pain and suffering damage. A dog attack may also cause psychological damage such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can lead to difficulty sleeping, anxiety, paranoia, flashbacks, and other symptoms.
A plaintiff in a dog bite lawsuit can secure compensation for the cost of treating his or her injuries as well as any necessary long-term medical costs resulting from the incident. If the dog’s owner has a record of his or her dog biting other people in the past, the owner could face criminal charges in addition to civil actions from victims.
Greg Colburn’s path to personal injury law is rooted in personal experience. After a devastating fall left him in a wheelchair for two years, he took on insurance companies and legal obstacles to win his own case. That journey inspired him to fight for others facing similar challenges. Today, Greg is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice they deserve.
Years of Experience: 20 years
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The only viable defenses available to defendants in dog bite lawsuits are provocation or trespassing. A dog owner will not be liable for any injuries to a person who provokes a dog to attack, such as by injuring the dog, or for any person who trespasses on private property. It’s possible for a dog owner to invoke both defenses if they apply in the case.
A dog bite is a painful injury that can sometimes cause permanent damage, interfering with the victim’s ability to work and earn a living. A dog attack may also cause a victim to feel unsafe in his or her own neighborhood or property. When dog bites happen in Sammamish, WA, injured victims need reliable legal counsel they can trust. Call Colburn Law today to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys. Once we have the details of your claim, we can let you know how our firm can help you and what type of compensation you could receive from a lawsuit.
Dog Bite Attorneys Near Me in Washington State 
Have you experienced a dog bite injury? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and more. A trusted dog bite injury attorney near me can help you protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney and get the support you need to move forward.
Client Reviews
When our son was badly injured from an aggressive dog bite and needed surgery, Greg and his team (thanks Tina!) were there to handle the case and let us concentrate on the healing our son needed. I did not know at the time that Greg was one of the top dog bite lawyers in WA state. He was able to get the insurance company to pay out the full policy and now our son will have what he needs for future medical and mental health related needs. We could not be happier with the outcome.
– Alan S.
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We will gladly meet you at the hospital, at your home, or at a coffee shop. We believe meeting a client at his or her home helps us fully understand our client’s story.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Greg Colburn.
We will come to your home, a coffee shop, or your hospital room, whichever works best for you. We’ll discuss your legal options, and if we should decide to move forward, we will offer our services on a contingency-fee basis.
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