What if the owner of the dog wants to settle outside of court?

In the state of Washington, it is possible for the owner of a dog that has bitten someone to settle the case outside of court. Since the law regarding dog bites is quite clear, the owner may choose to negotiate a settlement with the victim. This could include compensation for medical expenses, as well as any other damages that the victim may have sustained. The owner may also be willing to submit to a few conditions in order to avoid more serious legal action. These could include a leash law, putting the dog in a muzzle in public, and even obeying the state’s vaccination requirements for the pet. In exchange, the victim may agree to not proceed with a lawsuit against the owner. It is important to remember that any settlement that is negotiated outside of court is not legally binding. The victim still has the right to file a lawsuit if they feel that the compensation offered is insufficient or not appropriate. If both parties cannot come to an agreement, the matter may proceed to a court of law where a judge will rule on the case.

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