Dog bite accidents are increasingly common in Vancouver, with many injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries, and other medical care. When these accidents occur, many victims are at a loss to know who to turn to for medical compensation for their injuries. Sometimes, victims fail to file a personal injury claim at all, which in many cases, causes them to avoid the medical treatment that they need.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, call the Vancouver dog bite attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC at (360) 566-2999 for a free case evaluation. Our knowledgeable team can review your case, discuss your options, and answer any questions.
Dog bites are unfortunately common in the United States, with around 4.5 million people bitten each year, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). In 2023, there was a nearly 10% increase in dog bite-related insurance claims, with insurers paying out over $1.12 billion in compensation for dog bite injuries. Locally, Clark County Animal Control handles approximately 250 reports of animal bites annually, along with over 1,000 complaints of aggressive dog behavior. Of the people bitten, approximately 20% required medical attention, highlighting the significant impact of these incidents.
After a dog bite, quick action can help both with medical recovery and the strength of your case. These steps can help you reach the best possible outcome:
Dog bites can cause a range of physical injuries, from minor wounds to more severe trauma. Common injuries include:
In some cases, victims may need reconstructive surgery to address serious damage, especially in sensitive areas like the face or hands. Surgery may be required to repair torn muscles, restore function, or minimize long-term scarring from deep wounds.
In addition to physical injuries, many victims, particularly children, suffer psychological effects after a dog bite. These can include anxiety, a fear of animals, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may require counseling or therapy.
In Washington, dog owners are held to a strict liability standard for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is automatically responsible for the resulting harm, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown signs of aggression. This simplifies the legal process by removing the need to prove negligence or fault on the owner’s part.
In addition to Washington State’s strict liability laws, Vancouver enforces local dangerous dog ordinances. Owners of dogs deemed dangerous may face fines or other penalties if their pet is involved in an attack. Our Washington dog bite lawyers can help you through all the nuances in local and state dog bite law.
Unlike the “one-bite rule” followed in some other states, where the owner’s liability depends on prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness, Washington’s strict liability law holds dog owners liable after a single incident. This means victims do not need to prove the dog has a history of dangerous behavior—simply that the bite occurred.
Victims in Vancouver can file a claim for compensation even if the dog involved has never bitten anyone before. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, and emotional distress. The process requires victims to gather evidence such as medical records, photos, and witness statements. Claims must be filed within the state’s three-year statute of limitations.
Even when a bite occurs on the dog owner’s property, victims can still seek compensation if they were lawfully present at the time of the incident, such as an invited guest or worker. This provides broader protection for those affected, whether in public or private spaces.
Dog bites in public spaces, such as Vancouver Lake Regional Park or Dogwood Neighborhood Dog Park, are not uncommon. These popular parks see heavy pet activity, which increases the risk of dog bite incidents. If an attack occurs in these areas, victims are entitled to seek compensation under local laws, regardless of the dog’s history.
Attorneys guide clients through the process, documenting and accounting for every detail during the claims process.
During an initial consultation, an attorney will review the specifics of the dog bite incident, including the location, the severity of the injuries, and any treatment received. This helps our team build a strong, evidence-backed case for compensation. Your lawyer will also assess who may be liable, such as the dog owner or others involved, based on where and how the attack occurred.
Compensation for dog bite injuries can cover a wide range of expenses, including:
Dog bite cases often involve multiple forms of insurance. Depending on where the bite occurred and the circumstances, compensation may come from:
Our attorneys handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure adequate compensation for victims, covering both current and future needs. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will present the case in court, using evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony to advocate for full compensation.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a dog attack, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our Vancouver, WA dog bite attorneys. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we will thoroughly investigate your case, compile evidence, and guide the case through the claims proceedings, protecting your interest and helping you obtain the medical compensation that you need to recover well.
At Russell and Hill, PLLC Vancouver, your well-being is our first concern. Contact us today at (360) 566-2999 or by using our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our dog bite attorneys.
