What is strict liability for a dog bite?

Strict liability for a dog bite is a legal concept in the state of Washington that holds dog owners responsible for their pet’s actions. In general, when a dog bites another person, the owner of the dog is liable for any harm caused. This is true without the need to prove negligence on the owner’s part. Strict liability means that the dog’s owner is liable for damages regardless of whether or not they knew the dog had the potential to bite or if the owner took precautions to prevent a bite from occurring. This means that even if the owner had no knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies or did not act carelessly in any way, they are still held responsible for their pet’s actions. There are several exceptions to strict liability in Washington. First, the person who was bitten must have been lawfully on the property of the dog’s owner or someone else who was taking care of the pet. Second, the person must not have provoked the animal in any way. If either of these exceptions applies, the dog’s owner may not be liable. Ultimately, the takeaway is that dog owners in Washington must take responsibility for their pet’s actions. Dog owners should always be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep their pet from biting someone, and should always be aware of the potential consequences of a bite.

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What is strict liability for a dog bite?

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