How much compensation can I get for a dog bite?

When it comes to dog bites in Washington, there are a few rules that will determine how much compensation can be sought. First, as in all states, Washington operates on a “strict liability” system, meaning the owner of the dog is liable for any damages caused by their animal. This includes any medical bills or lost wages that result from the injury. In most cases, the court will award an amount of damages that is covering the actual losses sustained by the injured person, such as medical bills and lost wages. Additionally, the court may award punitive damages to the victim, which are intended to punish the dog owner and to deter future behavior that is reckless in nature. The amount of compensation that a person can receive will ultimately be determined by the court, as all cases differ. Generally speaking, the average amount of compensation is between $15,000 and $50,000. Other factors may be taken into consideration, such as the severity of the injury, the victim’s age and the owner’s financial status. Injuries from a dog bite can be traumatic, and the law in the state of Washington recognizes this. People who suffer from dog bites can seek compensatory and punitive damages from the animal’s owner, to help them recover from the incident both medically and financially.

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How much compensation can I get for a dog bite?

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