Can I sue the owner of a dog for my emotional distress?

In Washington, you can potentially sue the owner of a dog for emotional distress if the dog has caused a personal injury and the owner was negligent or careless in controlling or managing the animal. Generally, as long as you can prove that the owner had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities or recklessness and that you have suffered distress or another form of injury as a result of their negligence, then this may be a valid reason to file a lawsuit. The state of Washington follows a “one bite rule,” which means that if a dog has previously bitten someone, the owner is held responsible, even if they had no indication of the animal’s dangerous nature beforehand. Additionally, if it can be proven that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog or managing any potential risks, then they may still be held responsible for any emotional distress that the victim experienced. It is important to note that emotional distress is difficult to quantify, and evidence supporting your case must be presented that a reasonable person would find serious or significant. It is recommended to contact a personal injury lawyer or seek medical help or counselling services, in order to build a stronger case for any potential suit.

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Can I sue the owner of a dog for my emotional distress?

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