Dog bites are traumatizing and can lead to potential injuries such as severe infection, nerve damage, scars, and even loss of appendages. What happens when you’re not the first person this dog has bitten? Washington has legislation on the books that defines what a dangerous dog is and what must be done when they attack others.
Washington classifies a dangerous dog as a dog that:
In the event that your Seattle dog bite lawyer meets this standard of proof, the dog will be confiscated from the owner and euthanized in a humane and expeditious manner.
When a dangerous dog is on the loose, people are in danger. While no one wants to see an animal destroyed, if they pose a significant danger to people and other animals around them, there is no other recourse.
Additionally, Washington state has strict liability laws for owners of dogs. This means that owners may be held legally responsible for bites and attacks even if the dog does not have a history of aggression.
However, an affirmative defense, if accompanied with appropriate evidence, can shield the owner from liabilty. Washington allows dog owners to use multiple affirmative defenses, such as:
A Seattle personal injury lawyer can work with you to combat these defenses and present evidence of the dog’s dangerous nature.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dangerous and vicious dog, an attorney can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner in a Washington civil court. Your attorney must prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was potentially dangerous. Contact The Fang Law Firm today to learn more.