What is strict liability for a dog bite?
Strict liability is a legal tool used to hold dog owners responsible for their pets’ actions. In Washington State, dog owners are strictly liable for any damages that their dog causes, no matter who the victim is. Under the state’s strict liability law, the owner is liable for the full amount of any injury or property damage that their dog causes, regardless of if the dog had a history of aggression or not. This strict liability means that regardless of what precautions the owner has taken beforehand, such as training or restraining the dog, they cannot argue that they took reasonable care to prevent their dog from causing injury or property damage. An owner may be liable even if their dog had never shown aggression before. This is why it is important for dog owners to be aware of their dog’s behavior and to keep their dog restrained to avoid potential harm. The strict liability law for dog bites applies to all dog owners. Even if the owner is not present when the injury is caused, they are still liable for any damages. This is because the owner has already taken on the responsibility for the safety of their pet and anyone who may come in contact with it. The strict liability law for dog bites in Washington encourages all owners to take full responsibility for the actions of their dog, and reinforces the importance of dog training and restraint.
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