What if the owner of the dog refuses to pay for my medical bills?

If the owner of the dog refuses to pay for your medical bills, you have several options in the state of Washington. You may choose to sue the dog owner in small claims court, or you may contact your homeowner’s insurance company if the dog owner is insured. In Washington, insurance companies must provide coverage of up to $25,000 for medical costs resulting from a dog bite. If the dog owner is uninsured and refuses to pay, you may contact the Animal Control division of your local county to investigate the incident and determine if the dog owner has violated state or local animal laws. In Washington, negligent owners are held liable for damages and injuries their dog causes, and may be held financially responsible for your medical expenses. If the owner refuses to pay after being found financially liable, you may also contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you seek justice in a civil court, where the dog owner can be ordered to pay damages, including medical bills. In addition, you may also wish to research local recovery funds, which may also be available to cover some of your medical bills. Every state is different, and determining the options for financial recovery is best done with the help of a lawyer or other legal professional.

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What if the owner of the dog refuses to pay for my medical bills?

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