3 things to know about dog bite claims

Posted in Firm News, Injuries on January 13, 2021

Dogs are one of the most popular pets. People also often use them as guards to keep their property safe.

At Elk & Elk Co., Ltd., our Seattle dog bite injury lawyers know not every dog is friendly and not every owner is responsible. When you combine an aggressive dog with a bad owner, it can result in a serious dog bite injury for you. If you find yourself a victim, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. You have options to seek compensation

You do not always have to go to court to get compensation. However, you will have to deal with an insurance company in most cases, which can be just as challenging as going to court. If the dog’s owner does not have insurance or you cannot reach a settlement, then you may need to go to court.

2.  There is a time limit to make a claim

You should seek compensation as soon as possible after the incident. There is a statute of limitations, which is a time limit, on how long you have to file a case for a dog bite. In Washington, the time limit is three years from the date of the attack. If you try to bring your case to court after the expiration of the statute of limitations, the court will throw it out.

3. The owner is not always responsible

In most dog bite cases, the law holds the owner responsible. However, there are situations where you may be liable for your own injury. The owner is not responsible if you were on his or her property illegally or if you provoked the dog.

To learn more about personal injury situations, such as dog bites, contact a Seattle dog bite lawyer.