Were you bitten or attacked by a dog in Tacoma, Washington? You may be entitled to compensation from the animal’s owner. Sears Injury Law is here to help you maximize the value of your claim and ensure that you move forward with a sense of justice.
Our Tacoma personal injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients throughout Washington State. As one of the most successful personal injury law firms in the area, you can rest assured that your case will be in trusted hands throughout the legal process.
Call our law offices today at (253) 544-5553 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced Tacoma dog bite lawyers can go over the details of your case and help you understand your rights and options when we meet.
Why Should I Hire Sears Injury Law for My Dog Bite Case in Tacoma, Washington?
Dog bite cases often require filing an insurance claim, although in some circumstances it may be best to pursue compensation directly by filing a personal injury lawsuit. In either event, having an experienced dog bite lawyer in Tacoma, WA, on your side may be one of the best decisions you could possibly make.
Sears Injury Law is an award-winning legal team that will prioritize your case from the moment you decide to hire us. A few reasons our clients choose our Tacoma personal injury lawyers for their dog bite cases include:
- We bring over a century of combined legal experience to every case
- We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients to date
- We can bring in medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries
- We handle all communications with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
- We prepare every case with the expectation that it could go to trial
Contact our Tacoma dog bite lawyers today for more information; your initial consultation is completely free of charge.
Washington’s Dog Bite Liability Law
Washington is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. Under RCW 16.08.040, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their animal regardless of whether the dog had any history of aggressive behavior.
This means you do not have to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous or that they were negligent in any way. As long as you were bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is generally responsible for your injuries.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack, the owner’s liability may be reduced. You might also need to file a different type of legal claim if you were harmed by the dog in such a way that did not involve a bite.
Our Tacoma dog bite attorneys can evaluate the specific facts of your case and advise you on how the law applies to your situation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Tacoma?
A successful dog bite claim in Washington can result in both economic and non-economic damages. Together, these are referred to as “compensatory damages.”
Economic damages cover your financial losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Anticipated future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Costs of reconstructive surgery
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages account for the personal impact the attack has had on your life, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
When you hire Sears Injury Law, we’ll work hard to make sure all of your damages are properly accounted for, aiming to put as much money into your pocket as possible.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Tacoma, WA?
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can help protect both your health and your legal rights. Keep the following in mind:
- Seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection.
- Report the incident to Tacoma Animal Control so that there is an official record of the attack.
- Try to identify the dog and its owner. Get their contact information if possible.
- Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack happened, and the dog if you can do so safely.
- Avoid giving any recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
From there, reach out to a Tacoma dog bite attorney as soon as you can. The earlier your legal team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Tacoma?
Most dog bite attorneys in Tacoma, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront to hire us, and you won’t be billed by the hour. We only collect attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Contingency fees are typically around 33% of your total recovery, though the exact percentage can vary depending on the details of your case. You and your attorney will review and agree to the terms before your case begins, so there won’t be any surprises.
This arrangement makes it possible for anyone to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer regardless of their financial situation. It also means your legal team has a direct stake in maximizing your recovery.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Washington?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Washington is three years from the date of the incident. If you don’t file your lawsuit within that window, you could lose your right to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner.
There are limited circumstances that can affect this timeline, so it’s best to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later. Getting your legal team involved early gives them more time to investigate the attack and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Contact Our Tacoma Dog Bite Attorneys Today
A dog bite can leave you with lasting physical and emotional scars, and the costs of treatment can add up quickly. If someone else’s animal caused your injuries, you shouldn’t have to absorb those expenses on your own.
Sears Injury Law has over 100 years of combined experience and has recovered hundreds of millions for our clients since our founding. Contact our Tacoma dog bite attorneys today at (253) 544-5553 for a free consultation. We’re confident we can help you make the most of your claim.
