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Who pays for injuries caused by an aggressive pet dog?

On Behalf of | Jul 13, 2024 | Personal Injury

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and many people automatically trust certain types of dogs. People may walk right up to a Dalmatian or a Border Collie assuming that it should be friendly because of what they’ve seen in the media.

Unfortunately, companion animals of all shapes and sizes can become aggressive when they fear for their safety or have any issues, possibly caused by inbreeding or prior abuse. Dogs at parks and in private residences can suddenly become aggressive and may cause serious injuries to humans.

How can people cover the cost of a dog bite attack in Washington state?

Dog owners are typically liable for attacks

Washington law very clearly creates strict liability for animal owners. Some states have a one-bite rule that leaves the bite victim without compensation unless the animal has a history of aggression. Thankfully, that is not how Washington handles animal attacks.

The animal’s owner is directly liable for the consequences of a dog’s aggression even if the animal never demonstrated aggression previously. The person attacked can potentially request compensation for property damage losses and medical expenses. If they miss work or can no longer earn as much as they previously did due to their injuries, their lost wages can contribute to the overall value of their claim.

Insurance often pays for animal attack incidents

People often worry about taking legal action after a dog bite incident. The animal’s owner might be their neighbor or a family member. They may worry about causing financial hardship. Thankfully, premises liability insurance can cover dog bite expenses. The homeowners or renters insurance policy carried by the animal’s owner can help compensate the affected party.

It is often necessary to file a lawsuit to obtain a reasonable settlement from a dog’s owner. A person injured by a dog may be able to recover both property damage costs and injury-related expenses. Many pending dog bite lawsuits settle before the case goes to trial. Learning more about the rules for dog bite incidents may help people feel confident about seeking compensation after an injury. Those attacked by an animal should not have to absorb the costs generated by its aggressive behavior.