What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim is three years. This means that a person injured by a dog bite has three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. After that time, the claim is barred and cannot be pursued in court. The three-year statute of limitations is stated in the Washington State Revised Code four-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death (RCW 4.16.080). According to the code, this statute of limitations applies to injury or death caused by any animal, including a dog bite. However, it is important to note that there are certain exceptions that may apply in certain cases. For example, children under the age of eight may not know the extent of their injury until later, so their parents or guardians may have up to four years to file a claim. Additionally, if the dog owner cannot be found, then the statute of limitations may be extended. In any case, it is important to remember that the statute of limitations to file a claim is three years, so it is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the injury. Consulting a qualified attorney can help ensure that you are protected and your claim is filed within the legal timeline.

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