In Washington, state laws require all pet owners to follow restrictions when it comes to owning dogs. Despite how well the dog behaves on its own, some conditions can lead them to attack. It is the responsibilities of the pet owner to mitigate these risks. The following is information about how a personal injury law firm in Whidbey Island, WA can help with a dog attack case.
Follow Legal Avenues for Reporting the Attack
The victim has two choices for reporting the dog attack. They can call the county animal control officer directly and report the attack, which could lead to immediate action. However, if the victim requires more extensive medical treatment, their doctor can contact the animal control officer on behalf of their patient.
Determine If the Victim Broke the Law
Victims that broke the law prior to the attack won’t receive any compensation for their injuries. Any condition that indicates that the dog’s actions were justified result in a dismissal of the injury case. This includes but isn’t limited to trespassing, breaking and entering, animal abuse, or deliberately provoking the animal in any way.
Common Requirements After a Dog Attack
If the animal control officer cannot acquire a vaccination record for the dog, the owner must surrender it to a vet for a quarantine. The quarantine period lasts twelve days to see if the dog exhibits signs of rabies. The vet will also evaluate the dog’s temperament to determine if they are naturally aggressive.
Using a Strict Liability
The attorney can use a strict liability if the dog was involved in previous attacks. This indicates that the pet owner was aware of risks and didn’t mitigate them appropriately. This liability requires the owner to pay for tort-based rulings along with the victim’s expenses.
In Washington, state laws enforce requirements for pet owners. These laws are in place to lower the risk of a dog attack. They can lower the probability of humans sustaining serious injuries due to the failures of the owner. Victims of these attacks can contact a personal injury law firm in Whidbey Island, WA directly or click here for further details.
