What if a dog bites me on public property?

If you are bitten by a dog on public property in Washington State, you are generally protected by the state’s strict liability dog bite law. This means that you will not have to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in any way in order to recover damages for your injuries. Instead, the owner of the dog will be liable for your injuries as long as the bite happened on public property and you were acting lawfully, such as walking on a sidewalk or in a public park. The owner of the dog can still defend against any legal claim by showing that you provoked the dog, or by providing proof that you were trespassing on their property at the time of the bite. It is also possible that the dog’s owner can argue comparative negligence, which is that both parties are partially responsible for the bite. If you have been bitten by a dog in Washington State, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to advise you on the best course of action, gather evidence, and help you understand your rights under the law and the possible remedies available to you. Your attorney will also be able to help negotiate a settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.

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