When you have been injured by a dog, you may have a claim against the owner. The dog bite injury lawyers at Schauermann Thayer will help answer your questions and navigate the legal process.
State laws and local ordinances generally require dog owners to secure their dogs and prevent attacks. Dogs must be leashed when not on their property or in designated off-leash areas. If a dog has been deemed to be legally “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” these requirements are even more strict and specific and may include keeping the animal properly enclosed, on a substantial chain or leash, and/or potentially putting a muzzle on them.
Dog Owner Responsibilities
Owning a dog comes with many obligations. A dog owner must consider the safety of others.
Washington has laws that determine when a dog is classified as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous.” Washington law defines a dangerous dog as:
“any dog that (a) inflicts severe injury on a human being without provocation on public or private property, (b) kills a domestic animal without provocation while the dog is off the owner’s property, or (c) has been previously found to be potentially dangerous because of injury inflicted on a human, the owner having received notice of such and the dog again aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers the safety of humans.”
If a dog is classified as “dangerous,” the owner must have a certificate of registration for the dog. In order to get a certificate of registration, the owner must provide sufficient evidence of:
- a proper enclosure and clearly visible warning signs;
- a surety bond in the amount of at least $250,000; and
- a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least $250,000;
Some cities and counties do not allow “dangerous” dogs to reside within their limits.
Washington law imposes strict obligations on a dog’s owner when they know that their animal is dangerous. The law states that:
“It is unlawful for an owner of a dangerous dog to permit the dog to be outside the proper enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under physical restraint of a responsible person.”
A dog owner can face criminal penalties if they fail to take the measures prescribed by the law.
Remedies for Injured Victims
The fact that the owner may face criminal penalties does not allow them to escape civil liability. If a dog injures you, you may be able to pursue a claim against the dog owner for the injuries and damages you suffer. Except in few circumstances, if a dog bites a person, the dog owner will be liable for the injuries and damages caused by the dog regardless of the dog’s history or tendencies. This is called strict liability. In other words, it does not matter if the dog was classified as “dangerous” or not.
Contact Our Washington Dog Bite Injury Law Firm
If you have been attacked by a dog you should contact an experienced dog bite injury attorney to discuss your legal options. Schedule a free initial consultation with the lawyers at Schauermann Thayer to learn more about your potential claim. You can reach out to us online, or you can call us today at (360) 818-2725.
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