Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

In the state of Washington, the owner of a dog is held responsible for bites under the state’s dog bite law. This law states that a pet owner is liable for damages caused by their dog if they knew or should have known that their pet was likely to bite someone. This means that, even if a pet has never bitten someone before, the owner is still held responsible if their pet shows signs of aggression, such as snarling, growling, or lunging. The owner of the dog is also responsible for any medical costs associated with the dog bite. This includes all medical expenses for the victim for the initial injury and any later treatments, such as cosmetic surgery or therapy sessions. Furthermore, if the dog bite causes any permanent disfigurement or disability, the owner may also be liable for any lost wages or pain and suffering resulting from the injury. In addition to liability for medical expenses, the owner may also be liable for property damage caused by the dog bite. This includes costs of repairing or replacing items destroyed or damaged during the attack, such as clothing or furniture. The owner may also be liable for any emotional distress caused by the dog bite, such as fear of dogs or fear of going outdoors. Overall, the owner of a dog in Washington is held responsible for bite-related damages if they knew or should have known that their pet was likely to bite someone. This makes it important for pet owners to be aware of and address any signs of aggression in their pet in order to prevent bites from occurring in the first place.

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Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

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