How Long Do You Have to Sue a Dog Owner After the Bite in Washington?
A dog bite incident can be a frightening and stressful experience. The incident can be so devastating that it can leave you with severe wounds and emotional scars that can affect the quality of your life. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation if you take legal action within the appropriate amount of time.
“How long do you have to sue a dog owner after the bite in Washington?” Our Tacoma dog bite lawyers at Emerald Law Group frequently receive this and many other questions from victims of dog bite incidents. If you need legal guidance, reach out to our law firm to get your questions answered and learn about your legal options.
Washington’s Strict Liability Statute in Dog Bite Cases
Washington State has a strict liability statute that puts the burden of responsibility on dog owners in case their dogs bite someone. This means that if a dog bites someone in Washington, the dog’s owner will be held liable, regardless of whether they knew the dog had a history of biting or not. Thus, a dog owner can be sued for a dog bite even if their pet did not bite anyone before. This statute ensures that dog owners take proper precautions when handling their pets and prevents people from getting away with dog bite incidents.
How Long Do You Have to Sue a Dog Owner After the Bite in Washington?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for suing a dog owner after the bite in Washington is three years from the date of the incident (RCW 4.16.080). This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit against the dog owner to seek compensation for damages you incurred as a result of the bite. If you attempt to file a lawsuit after the three-year period, it is highly likely that your case will be dismissed.
What Evidence Do You Need After a Dog Bite Incident?
If you were bitten by a dog in Washington, you need to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case and recover the compensation you deserve. This includes photographs of the injuries, any medical reports, witness statements, and photographs of the location of the incident. All of these can be used as evidence to support your claim.
You might want to seek legal counsel immediately after a dog bite incident to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries. A lawyer will help you gather all available pieces of evidence and present them to the insurance company or the judge in the most convincing manner possible.
Were You Bitten by a Dog? Contact Emerald Law Group
If you were bitten by a dog in Washington, you have three years to sue the dog owner after the incident. However, it is important to act quickly and start building your case as soon as possible. Our results-driven and dedicated lawyers at Emerald Law Group can help you file a lawsuit against the dog owner on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve. Call 206-826-5160 to receive a free case review with our lawyers.
Source:
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.080
