Vancouver Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
EXPERIENCED DOG BITE INJURY ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON AREA
Did a dog bite you or your child? If so, you may need an experienced Vancouver dog bite lawyer on your side from the start.
Dog bite injuries can have lasting effects. They can result in multiple surgeries, infection, or scarring. Hire a law firm that understands the long road ahead. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.
Experienced Vancouver Dog Bite Injury Lawyers
At Schauermann Thayer, we have the skills and resources to handle dog bite cases and other situations involving animals that cause personal injury or wrongful death. We can:
- Thoroughly investigate all circumstances to establish liability;
- Research all applicable insurance coverage or other possible means of recovery;
- Work with medical professionals and other experts to show the total costs of your injuries — including any potential long-term emotional trauma; and/or
- Handle insurance negotiations and help you with any problems involving your health or disability insurance.
While most dogs are great companions and protectors, they can also be powerful, dangerous, and unpredictable. When a dog injures you or someone you love, you need someone on your side who can advocate for you and your family.
Our Vancouver dog bite injury lawyers have nearly 40 years of experience helping victims get the justice they deserve. We know that recovering from a severe dog bite is a long and uphill battle. We can help make that journey a bit easier. Let us take the legal burdens off your shoulders, so you can focus on your health and recovery.
Understanding Dog Bites in Vancouver
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs attack around 4.5 million people in the United States annually. Of these, over 900,000 require medical attention.
An aggressive or fearful dog can bite anyone. However, certain groups are at a higher risk of suffering from a dog bite injury. This includes children (ages 5-9 years old are most at risk), men (bites occur more often to males than females), and those who live in urban areas.
Washington state statute RCW 16.08 addresses owner liability for dangerous dogs in the state. The law is straightforward, making liability easier. In Washington, dog owners are responsible for their injuries to someone on public property or lawfully on private property. Unlike other states, the dog does not need to have displayed aggressive behavior in the past.
Pet owners or homeowner’s insurance carriers can be held financially liable for failing to control their animals. There is no “free first bite” in the state of Washington if you were legally on the property and did not provoke the animal attack.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
The bite of any dog — not just pit bulls, rottweilers, and other notorious breeds — can have serious consequences, including permanent scarring. At Schauermann Thayer, we have helped dog bite victims rebuild their lives after suffering from serious injuries, such as:
- Facial disfigurement;
- Severe lacerations;
- Amputations;
- Skin infections;
- Muscle and tissue damage;
- Nerve damage;
- Bone fractures; and/or
- Puncture wounds.
Dog bites can result in severe damage to the skin and tissue beneath. Hand wounds may make it challenging to grab objects, write, or even perform daily care. Facial injuries can damage delicate facial nerves, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation. Puncture wounds and bite marks can get infected, leading to bacterial growth and sepsis.
To recover from serious injuries, dog bite victims often need multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. They can suffer from severe PTSD, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit
The first thing to do if a dog bites you or your child is to get medical attention. You should also notify authorities, such as your local animal control agency, so that they can monitor the dog and protect others.
You may be able to recover compensation after an unprovoked dog bite. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have handled numerous dog bite cases, including several involving serious injuries to children.
Sizeable settlements have been negotiated and verdicts awarded in many dog bite cases. Factors affecting the amount and ability to collect on a bite injury include the seriousness of the injuries and whether the owner has applicable liability insurance.
At Schauermann Thayer, we can help you collect the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious dog attack. To achieve this, we investigate the incident thoroughly and interview all eyewitnesses. Eyewitness testimony can be crucial because it can show that you did not provoke the attack.
Our Vancouver dog bite injury lawyers will work as quickly as possible to get you the money you need. Some cases settle quickly, while others require extensive negotiation and litigation to reach a favorable conclusion.
No matter how long your dog bite injury case takes, you can rest easier knowing you have a team of experienced personal injury lawyers on your side.
Contact Our Vancouver Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been bitten by a dog in Vancouver, Washington, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine whether you have a case and, if so, what damages you may be able to recover.
Contact a Vancouver dog bite injury attorney from Schauermann Thayer today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.