Being bitten by a dog can be a scary experience, especially for those who are afraid of them. Those bitten by dogs can have long-lasting effects, from emotional stress to physical pain. If this has happened to you, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as reimbursement for any bills (medical or otherwise) that you have incurred due to the negligence of the dog owner.
We have all heard of “dangerous” dogs, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, which we see on television or read about in the news. But the truth is, any dog can be dangerous and bite someone. Even those dogs we are told are good to have as a family pet can bite someone unprovoked without warning.
It does not matter if you are bitten by a large or small dog, dangerous or not. In Washington state, an owner can be held liable for a dog bite by any dog, from a pit bull to a chihuahua. The Everett dog bite attorneys at Strong Law are experienced with these cases. They can help you get compensation from an insurance company or the negligent party.
Our lawyers will stay with you every step, from the free initial compensation to the day you pick up your compensation check.
An Everett Dog Bite Lawyer Can Get You Compensation
If you were bitten by a dog, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, going through the process alone can be daunting and will add to the stress you are already experiencing. Hiring an experienced and knowledgeable Everett dog bite lawyer is important to get the highest possible compensation. There are numerous reasons to hire a lawyer to represent you.
They will:
- Discuss and analyze your claim: Dog bite lawyers know what types of questions to ask their clients. At the initial consultation, we will gather the facts of the case and look at all the evidence that you gathered.
- Contact eyewitnesses: If there were any witnesses to the dog bite, we would want to speak to them about what they saw. Also, we will speak to any first responders to the scene, like police officers and EMTs.
- File all documents: The Everett dog bite attorney at Strong Law knows the importance of filing paperwork on time and correctly. If there are any problems with the forms filed with the court or the insurance company, it may affect the amount of compensation you receive.
- Speak on Your Behalf: We handle all the communications about your case. Any insurance questions or settlement negotiations will go through us first. If you are contacted by anyone who wants to discuss your case, refer them to our office and we will handle it. Saying something wrong to the wrong person could impact the amount of compensation.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies so you get a fair settlement for your injuries.
- Bring your case to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
You should get an experienced Everett dog bite lawyer to represent you to be compensated for your dog bite injuries. Do not go at it alone. Hire a professional.
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Why Hire Strong Law Attorneys for Your Dog Bite Injuries
Many lawyers in Everett, WA, would be willing to take on your case. The Everett dog bite attorneys at Strong Law have the experience and knowledge to get you the highest possible compensation for your injuries.
Some of the reasons to choose Strong Law are:
- Founder Jed Strong previously worked for GEICO insurance company, so he knows how these companies work and operate.
- Our past clients tell us how satisfied they were with our legal work. Just ask Cheryl, who said, “We are deeply grateful to him for the funds we received and the lasting friendship that grew out of the ordeal.”
- We have a 98% success rate for getting compensation for our clients, either from a settlement or a jury trial.
- Strong Law clients have received millions of dollars in settlements.
- We genuinely care about our clients and helping them gives us pride and satisfaction in our work.
Have you been bitten by a dog and have a lot of medical bills that need to be paid? The Dog bite lawyers at Strong Law will be there for you every step of the way to fight for your rights and get you the highest compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at 206-737-1421 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means we only get paid if you do.
Strong Law Attorneys Explain What to Do After a Dog Bite
Many of our clients ask us what they should do right after they are injured by a dog bite. Primarily, you should seek medical attention and go to the hospital if you think it is necessary.
Also, we tell our clients to follow the following steps:
- Take down contact information from the dog’s owner. This type of information includes name, phone number, address, and email address.
- Take as many pictures as possible and videos of the scene. Most importantly, take pictures of all injuries that you sustained. Even if you think the injuries are minor, take pictures. This will go a long way towards proving your case as injuries will sometimes fade after a few weeks or months.
- Write down contact information from any witnesses to the dog bite as they might be needed to testify or provide an affidavit.
- Keep copies of police and medical reports, invoices for out-of-pocket expenses, and any other information that you think is important.
- Start a journal of your injuries for weeks and months after the incident. This will be an important piece in showing the progression of your injuries.
Following these steps can be crucial in getting the highest possible compensation for your dog bite injuries. We have used this information in negotiating with the insurance companies and in court to our advantage.
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“Very professional, and treated me as an equal.”
"Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again."
“Unbelievable work!”
"I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!"
“I got justice and awesome compensation.”
"I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation."
Strong Law Attorneys Discuss Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs have very sharp teeth and can cause severe injuries if they bite someone. Those injured may have to have reconstructive surgery to repair any disfigurement.
There are many injuries that dog bites can cause including:
- Puncture wounds to the skin
- Rabies and other infections
- Injuries to the eye
- Nerve damage
- Lacerations
- Emotional trauma.
Besides bite injuries, owners can also be liable if a dog attacks another person and injures them in other ways, such as jumping on them.
Our Dog Bite Attorneys Prove Liability and Damages
According to Washington State law, dog owners are usually held strictly liable if their dog bites someone if they are on public property or legally on private property. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, one being if the dog bite victim was not lawfully on private property when he was bitten (i.e., trespassing). Also, suppose a police dog bites you while performing its professional duties. In that case, the owner will not be held negligent.
The Washington state law mentioned above is an amendment to a previous law, which contained the “one bite rule,” which meant that the owner was negligent only if the dog had bitten someone in the past or had been known by the owner to be considered dangerous. Washington no longer follows this rule, which benefits the plaintiffs if a dog has bitten them.
Dog bite laws in Washington State favor those whom the dog injures. You generally do not need to prove that the dog has injured someone in the past or that the dog is dangerous. One possible defense that defendants will try to use against you is if you were inciting the dog.
In terms of damages, there are numerous claims that you can put forward to get compensated for your injuries. Some of the types of damages include:
- Medical expenses incurred from the dog bite, like an initial hospital visit or future follow-up appointments.
- The cost of obtaining a vaccine or rabies shot due to the dog bite.
- The cost of cosmetic surgery, if warranted, for lessening any scarring.
- Lost wages due to the incident and future lost wages.
- Psychological and other emotional stresses, such as PTSD.
- Continued pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium.
If you are with a family member when a dog bites them, you can also be compensated through a “bystander claim.” As a witness to a dog bite incident, you may have suffered emotional issues as a result.
Damages in dog bite cases can vary depending on the types of injuries that you have. The more severe your injuries are, the higher your compensation could be. Every case is different, and the Everett dog bite attorneys at Strong Law have seen many dog bite cases.
Do not negotiate with the insurance company on your own. Instead, hire an experienced dog bite attorney by calling us at 206-737-1421 for a free consultation.
FAQs about Dog Bite Injuries
Everett Dog Bite Lawyers Answer Your Important Questions
We understand that every case is different and that your case may have specific issues that are uncommon. But, in speaking with our clients, we have been asked frequent questions that come up often. We have provided answers to these questions below.
When can I file a claim for a dog bite in Everett?
The statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim in Washington state is three years from the date of the injury.
How long will it take to get my compensation check?
That depends on the complexity of your case. Some cases are settled within months and some within a few years. Although it might be tempting, it is important not to accept the first offer from the insurance company.
How does my lawyer get paid?
Strong Law works on a contingency-fee-basis, which means that we only get paid if we reach a settlement or win at a jury trial.
Can the owner of the dog be held criminally responsible for a dog bite?
If a dog is considered dangerous because they have bitten someone before, it is possible that criminal charges can be filed against the owner.
My injuries do not seem that severe. Should I still contact a lawyer?
Yes. Injuries that do not seem that bad initially can have severe long-term effects. You should speak to a lawyer about any injuries that you have suffered.
Strong Law is Your Everett Dog Bites Law Firm
The stress and physical and emotional pain associated with a dog bite can seem insurmountable. Not only do you have to recover from your injuries, but you also must find out what your legal options are. Let Strong Law take away your legal worries so you can concentrate on your health.
Strong Law has a 98% success rate, which means that you are more than likely to receive some compensation for your dog bite injuries. We are passionate about what we do and care deeply for our clients.
Call our offices today at 206-737-1421 for a free consultation.
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How Strong Law will handle your case
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish facts and liability.
Determine the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Engage in discussions with the opposing party or insurance companies to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
If negotiations fail, proceed to court where legal arguments and evidence are presented before a judge or jury for a final decision.
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Prior to representing accident victims, Jed worked for GEICO insurance company as one of its in-house attorneys – representing the insurance companies. After learning the inner workings of insurance companies, he quit and began representing accident victims.
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