Do I need to prove negligence in a dog bite case?

In a dog bite case in the state of Washington, the person who has been bitten typically does not need to prove negligence. This is known as a “strict liability” state and the owner of the dog is typically held responsible for any damages or injuries caused by their dog even if the dog was provoked or was not known to be a dangerous breed. The person who has been bitten must be able to prove that the injury and damages occurred due to an incident involving the dog in question. The owner of the dog may be held financially responsible for medical bills, pain and suffering, or any other costs that are associated with the injury. In a few rare instances, a dog owner may have a defense against liability. Examples of this may include if the dog was provoked by the person who was bitten, or if the person who was bitten was trespassing on the owner’s property. In general, it is wise to contact an attorney who specializes in dog bites to discuss your legal rights and questions. An attorney can provide detailed information about the specific laws in Washington that pertain to dog bite cases and advise you as to what evidence you should provide and what is necessary to prove negligence. Knowing your rights and understanding the laws around dog bites may help you receive the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured by a dog bite.

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