Available 24/7
Whether you’re walking through Pavilion Park, visiting a neighbor, or simply enjoying time outside, a dog attack can leave you with painful injuries, unexpected expenses, and a lot of unanswered questions. If someone else’s dog injured you or your child, you deserve to understand your legal rights.
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we help dog bite victims in Liberty Lake pursue compensation under Washington law. Our dog bite attorneys in Liberty Lake, WA, will explain your options, investigate what happened, and handle the legal process from beginning to end. If you have questions about your case, contact us for a free consultation. Our Liberty Lake personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping injured people like you recover.
How Liability Works in Washington for Dog Attacks
Not every dog-related injury happens the same way. Some incidents involve an actual bite, while others involve a dog knocking someone down, chasing them into traffic, or causing an injury without even making physical contact. The circumstances of the attack help determine which legal theory applies.
Washington Strict Liability for Dog Bites
If a person is lawfully in a public place or on private property, a dog owner is strictly liable under RCW 16.08.040 when their dog bites someone. In most cases, the injured person does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before.
Washington Negligence-Based Liability for Dog Attacks
When a dog attack does not involve a bite, a claim may still be possible under a negligence theory. For example, if an owner failed to keep their dog under reasonable control and the animal knocked someone over or caused another injury, the owner’s conduct may be considered negligent. These cases require showing that the owner’s actions or failure to act contributed to the injuries.
Every dog bite or dog attack is different. Determining whether strict liability or negligence applies depends on the specific facts of the incident.
Compensation You May Seek After a Dog Bite
Victims of dog bites often suffer from cuts and puncture wounds. In severe cases, they may experience broken bones, nerve damage, infections, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. For these injuries, many in Liberty Lake seek emergency treatment at MultiCare Valley Hospital, followed by ongoing care and time away from work while recovering. These losses can quickly become substantial.
If someone else’s dog caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for the losses the attack has created, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
The compensation available depends on the facts of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the evidence supporting your claim.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowThe Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself After a Dog Bite in Liberty Lake
The steps you take after a dog bite can protect both your health and your legal claim. Acting quickly also helps preserve important evidence that may become harder to obtain over time.
You should:
- Call 911 to report the attack to SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service)
- Request the Liberty Lake Police Department when appropriate so a police report is created
- Follow your medical provider’s recommendations and keep records of your care
- Photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and any damaged personal items
- Gather the dog owner’s contact information along with the names of any witnesses
- Avoid discussing the incident with the insurance company before understanding your legal rights
Medical records, animal control reports, and police reports often become important pieces of evidence in a dog bite claim. Preserving this information early can make it easier to prove what happened and document the losses you suffered.
The Steps We Take to Build a Strong Dog Bite Claim for You
Building a strong dog bite claim requires more than showing that an attack happened. At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we gather the evidence needed to demonstrate liability, document your losses, and present a clear picture of how the incident has affected your life.
Depending on the circumstances, we may:
- Collect and review your medical records
- Review photographs and available video of the attack
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain police and animal control reports
- Review available insurance coverage
- Determine the full extent of your damages
Once you hire Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we promptly notify the insurance company that you are represented, and we will handle all communications on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationSargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers Is Here for Liberty Lake Families
When you are considering an attorney, you want to pick one that you feel is watching out for your best interests. You want a legal team that will answer your questions, explain the process clearly, and stay focused on protecting you from the beginning of your claim through its resolution.
For more than a decade, Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers has represented injured people throughout Washington. Our attorneys collaborate on cases to provide thoughtful legal guidance, and our bilingual team helps us communicate with more members of our community.
We also handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney’s fees up front. Our fee comes from the recovery we obtain for you if your case is successful.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Washington law (RCW 4.16.080) generally gives injured people three years to file a personal injury lawsuit with the Spokane County Superior Court. Missing the deadline set by the statute of limitations can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if you have a strong claim.
You should also be aware that exceptions could alter the deadline, extending (tolling) it for some, and shortening it for others.
Waiting can also make it more difficult to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and preserve important records. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible gives you the best opportunity to protect your claim.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowOur Liberty Lake Dog Bite Attorneys Are Ready to Help You Recover
A dog bite can leave you dealing with physical injuries, financial stress, and an uncertain outlook about what comes next. You should not have to navigate insurance claims and legal deadlines on your own while trying to move forward.
The Liberty Lake dog bite lawyers at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, investigate your claim, and pursue the compensation available under Washington law. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and learn how we can help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have a one-bite rule for dogs?
No. Washington does not follow a one-bite rule for dog bite cases. Dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
What if the dog owner says I caused the attack?
The dog owner may argue that your actions contributed to the incident, but that does not automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim. The facts surrounding the attack, witness statements, photographs, and official reports can all help determine what happened.
Can my child recover compensation if they were bitten by a dog?
Yes. Children injured by dog bites may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and related losses. Because these cases can involve unique legal considerations, it is important to have the circumstances evaluated as soon as possible.
Will most dog bite claims involve homeowners insurance?
Many dog bite claims are covered by a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, although coverage depends on the specific policy and the facts of the incident. Identifying available insurance is an important part of investigating a dog bite claim.
