Dog Bites
Dog attacks represent some of the most gruesome personal injuries that are suffered, particularly where a child is involved (as is often the case). In its most recent study, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, estimated that at least 27 people died as the result of dog bite attacks (18 people in 1997 and 9 in 1998; See Dog Bite Data). Of 27 human dog bite related fatalities (DBRF), 19 (70%) were children (1 was 30 days old, 3 were between 7 and 11 months old, 9 were between 1 and 4 years old, and 6 were between 5 and 11 years old), and 8 were adults (ages 17, 44, 64, 70, 73, 75, 75, and 87). It is important to teach children to be safe around dogs to prevent these catastrophic events from occurring.
Washington has a strict liability dog bite statute that states that the owner of a dog is liable for damages inflicted by his/her dog if it bites a person who is either in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property (invitee or guest). RCW § 16.08.040. The dog owner is liable regardless of whether the dog had ever been vicious before and regardless of whether the owner had reason to believe it would behave in a vicious manner. The dog does not get "one free bite". Frobig v. Gordon, 881 P.2d 226 (1994). One defense for the strict liability statute is when the dog reacts in a manner unexpected by the owner. An example of this would be if a dog jumped over a fence which normally would be enough to restrain that type of dog. Beeler v. Hickman, 50 Wn. App. 746 (1988). In essence, the dog's owner is an insurer of the dog.
In addition, the old common law approach is also available for injured plaintiffs. Under the traditional approach, if the owner knows or has reason to know of the dog's violent propensities, the owner of the dog is liable for damages caused by the dog. See Beeler v. Hickman, 50 Wn. App. 746. Due to the enactment of the strict liability statute, this type of theory is not normally employed.
If a stray bites you, you have little legal recourse because you must file your claim against a dog's owner or keeper. Your municipality is not responsible for the dog, even if you have called the animal warden several times to pick up the stray.
In all dog bite cases it is essential that measures be taken to find the dog and its owner, promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the incident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite, call Harold D. Carr Attorney at Law now at (360) 455-0030 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
<< back
|
The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney
who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific
case and the relevant law. See Terms
of Use.
The law firm of Harold D. Carr is not responsible for information contained in any links to other websites from this site.
Links are provided for educational information only and may not apply to your specific circumstance.
It is possible for information on other links to be inaccurate or misleading. You are cautioned to exercise extreme care when using any resource link.
For specific legal advice regarding your specific case contact the law firm of Harold D. Carr at 1 800 700 8082.
|
