The state of Washington enforces laws associated with dog attacks and bites. All pet owners are deemed strictly liable in the event that their pet bites another individual. The only exception to the ruling is the circumstance in which the dog was antagonized or abused by the victim. The pet owner must present clear evidence of these circumstances or else the dog could be identified as dangerous.
Prior Occurrences and Dangerous Animals
The law identifies pet owners negligent when they retain possession of any dog that has been otherwise deemed a risk to the public. Harboring dangerous animals is a criminal infraction in Washington and is punishable through criminal law. Additionally, any victim who sustains injuries due to the presence of the animal within the identified area has the right to sue for damages. These damages could include the cost of medical attention and tort rulings such as pain and suffering. Victims attacked by known dangerous animals should contact a dog bite injury lawyer in Spokane WA.
Starting the Process
The first step for dog bite victims is to seek medical attention. As the medical staff collects information about the attack, they file a report with the county animal control officer. The first concern is to determine if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies.
Quarantine and Evaluation of the Animal
The animal control officer notifies the pet owner about this occurrence and requests information about the animal’s vaccination records. In most cases, the dog must be placed in quarantine to allow a licensed veterinarian to determine if the animal poses a risk to the public. Typically, the quarantine period is up to twelve days. Any dog that isn’t vaccinated for rabies may be required to remain in quarantine for a longer duration. At any time that the dog shows signs of rabies, executive action by the county is taken. This indicates that the dog is put to sleep.
Victims of dog attacks should acquire in-depth medical records to show the severity of their injuries when filing a claim. In some cases, the pet owner could opt to settle outside of court and file a claim through their homeowner’s insurance policy. When a settlement isn’t possible, the victim should contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Spokane WA through Deissner Law.
