Are landlords liable for dog bites on their property?

In the state of Washington, landlords are generally liable for dog bites that occur on their property. This is because the law states that landlords have a responsibility to maintain a safe premises for tenants and visitors, and allowing a dangerous animal on the property violates that responsibility. The victim of a dog bite can file a civil lawsuit against the landlord for the damages caused by the bite, such as medical bills and emotional distress. However, this does not always mean that landlords will be held liable. If the landlord can show that they took reasonable measures to try to prevent the dog bite, such as warning tenants and visitors of the danger or keeping the dog in a secured area, then they may not be held liable. Furthermore, if the landlord is not aware of the dog’s dangerous behavior or if the victim is trespassing or provoking the dog, then the landlord may not be held responsible. Ultimately, it is up to the courts to determine if a landlord is liable for a dog bite. However, it is important to remember that landlords have a responsibility to keep their premises safe, and they should take any necessary precautions to ensure that tenants and visitors are not at risk of being bitten by a dangerous animal.

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