A dog bites you, and the injuries that you’ve suffered are expensive to treat. Care for your dog bite injuries, and continue to do so for as long as necessary. Along with this, meet with a dog bite lawyer in Shoreline, as they may help you get compensation for your injury-related losses from the animal’s owner.
Murphy Trial Law has recovered nearly $100 million for our clients, including those injured in dog attacks. We encourage you to discuss your dog bite injury case with our personal injury lawyer in Shoreline. Depending on the situation, we may help you file a dog bite injury claim or lawsuit. To find out more, request a free case consultation.
Why You Should File a Dog Bite Claim in Shoreline, Washington
Filing a dog bite claim may allow you to recover compensation for the harm that you suffered as a result of a dog attack. Your Shoreline lawyer for dog bite can assess your case and explain Washington State’s dog bite laws. If warranted, they can also guide you through the claims process.
Your dog bite attorney in Shoreline can negotiate the terms of an insurance settlement for you. If no agreement is reached, they can prepare your case for trial. At this point, your lawyer may craft an argument designed to prove that the owner of the dog that attacked you should cover your tangible and intangible losses.
The team at Murphy Trial Law empathizes with those who are coping with the long-term emotional effects of vicious dog attacks. If you are interested in filing a dog bite injury claim, we may be able to assist you. For more information, schedule a free case consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Shoreline, call (425) 835-2614
When to Sue a Pet Owner for Dog Bite Injuries
Speak with a lawyer if you’re weighing the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit. Ultimately, if you file an insurance claim and do not receive what you feel is a fair offer for your injury-related losses, your attorney may advise you to sue for damages.
Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.16.080, you generally have up to three years from the date that you’re injured because of another party’s actions to file a lawsuit. This means that you may have three years from the day that a dog attacks and injures you to sue the pet’s owner.
Your dog bite injury lawyer in Shoreline can share FAQs and other resources regarding personal injury lawsuits. On top of that, they may account for your economic and non-economic damages as they develop their argument.
Shoreline Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (425) 835-2614
How a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit Works
Unfortunately, suing a dog owner does not guarantee that a judge or jury will award damages. Your lawyer may encourage you to treat your dog bite injuries throughout your litigation. Meanwhile, they can build your case for compensation.
Leading up to your trial, your attorney may gather evidence from a wide range of sources. Simultaneously, they may engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant. Your lawyer can keep you updated about settlement offers as well.
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer can argue as to why you should recover damages. They can dispute any claims that the defendant makes against you. If a judge or jury rules in your favor, you could receive compensation for your dog bite injury losses.
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Compensation That You Could Get in Your Dog Bite Injury Case
Your dog bite accident lawyer in Shoreline can explain how much your case may be worth. They can analyze your quantifiable and subjective losses and estimate your case’s value. Common damages awarded in dog bite injury cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity
If you’re unsure whether you really need a lawyer after an accident, consider what can happen if you file a dog bite claim or lawsuit alone. At this time, you could rush through your case and hurt your chances of getting adequate compensation. On the other hand, if you have an attorney on your side, you may be well-equipped to secure the compensation you deserve.
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How to Establish Liability in a Dog Bite Case
Personal injury attorneys may focus on establishing a pet owner’s liability and documenting what happened that led to your dog bite injuries. Initially, your lawyer may gather evidence that shows that this individual was the owner of the dog that attacked you. Next, they may collect medical records, animal control reports, and other proof to illustrate that a dog attacked you.
Witness statements can make a difference in your case. If a witness can detail how a dog attacked you unprovoked, this may help you make it clear to a judge or jury that your compensation request is warranted.
Outside of these forms of proof, your lawyer may share your pay stubs, medical bills, and other financial documents in court. These documents can highlight how your dog bite injuries and various associated losses are affecting you financially.
Who Can Be at Fault for a Dog Bite
In many cases, the owner of the dog that attacked you may be held liable for their animal’s actions. There are instances in which a landlord or property owner may be partly liable if a dog attacks and injures someone on their premises. Your dog bite injuries lawyer in Shoreline can review the specifics of your case to figure out who may be liable.
According to RCW 4.22.005, Washington has a pure comparative fault system, which may affect the amount of compensation available in some dog bite cases. In this system, you may sue a dog owner if their pet attacks and injures you and recover partial damages if you are partly to blame.
For instance, you file a lawsuit after a dog bites you, and a court rules that you’re 20% at fault. Due to pure comparative fault, you may recover 80% of the damages that you originally requested and have to cover the remainder of your losses out of pocket.
Our Shoreline Dog Bite Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for Your Rights
Trust Murphy Trial Law to handle your claim or lawsuit. Our lawyer is committed to providing exceptional legal representation.
Give us the opportunity to help you with your dog bite case. Contact us today.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form