Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

In Washington, dog owners are typically held responsible for the actions of their pet. Under Washington law (RCW 16.08.080), an owner of a dog may be held liable for damages or injuries caused by their pet. This includes bites—regardless of whether the dog has previously shown signs of aggression. According to the law, an owner of a dog can be held liable for damages up to $25,000 if their dog bites someone, or if their dog causes a “serious physical injury” to another person. In addition, an owner may have to pay the person’s medical expenses related to the bite or injury. In order for the victim to receive compensation, the bite or injury must have been the result of the dog’s negligent behavior. In cases where a victim of a dog bite can prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s “vicious propensities,” they may be able to receive compensation even if the bite was unintentional. Additionally, a victim may be able to recover damages from the dog owner if it is determined that the owner’s negligence led to the bite. Overall, when it comes to dog bite law in Washington, the owner of the animal is typically responsible for financial compensation for injuries caused by their pet. They may also face criminal charges, depending on the extent of the victim’s injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?

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