What to Do If Your Neighbor’s Dog Bites
A skilled attorney can fight for maximum compensation
Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, and when it’s your neighbor’s dog, or someone you consider to be a friend, the situation can become even more stressful. Whether the injury is minor or severe, you need to understand your rights and the steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect yourself and the ones you love.
An experienced Vancouver dog bite lawyer at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC can offer clear guidance on what to do after a dog bite incident and how to seek compensation. Attorney Colin Scott has handled many cases like yours, fighting for the best possible outcome. That includes $305,000 for a child victim of a dog bite.
What should I do if my neighbor’s dog bites me?
The first thing to do after a dog bite is to ensure your safety and get medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor, dog bites can cause infections that may worsen if left untreated. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, then apply a clean bandage. If the bite is severe or you’re unsure about the dog’s vaccination status, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
You should also document the incident. Take photos of your injuries (not just on the day of the attack but throughout the healing process), write down the names and contact information of any witnesses, and ask your neighbor or friend to report the incident to their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. It’s also important to obtain the dog’s vaccination records, especially for rabies. Washington state requires dogs to be vaccinated for rabies and knowing the vaccination status can determine whether you’ll need post-exposure rabies treatment.
Can I sue my neighbor if their dog bites me?
The answer is yes, but the reality is that in most cases you are not attempting to collect money directly from your neighbor. Instead, most of the time you are attempting to recover money from their insurance company.
How do I prove my case if I was bitten by a dog?
Washington follows a “strict liability” law for dog bites. This means the dog owner is liable even if their dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
However, there are two key defenses dog owners may use in the State of Washington: If the bite victim was trespassing or if the bite victim provoked the dog, then facts supporting either of these situations may provide a complete defense.
Whose insurance covers dog bites?
In many cases, dog bite injuries are covered by homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. For example, if your neighbor’s dog bit you, their homeowner’s insurance may cover the loss including medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, scarring and other damages related to the attack. It’s important to ask your neighbor for their insurance details to file a claim. Or you might be able to obtain this information through Animal Control after reporting the attack.
How do I file an insurance claim for a dog bite?
Filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite involves several steps. The first and most important step in our view is to consult with a personal injury lawyer who is familiar with these cases and has the track record to prove it.
The first thing your attorney will probably do is contact your neighbor’s insurance company and provide them with some basic details of the attack. They may also provide some preliminary photographs of your injuries. Police reports, Animal Control reports, and/or witness statements may also be given to the insurance company to show what happened.
Once the claim is opened, the insurance company will investigate the case and attempt to settle or “adjust” the claim. The insurance company may also interview the victim of the attack, the dog’s owner, and any witnesses who were present.
Keep in mind the insurance companies are not on your side and will do whatever they can to pay out as little as possible. You are also at a disadvantage when dealing with the insurance companies directly. That is why we recommend consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through this process and ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that you are treated fairly.
How can a lawyer help me after a neighbor’s dog bite?
Being bitten by a neighbor’s dog is a serious matter, and the consequences can be long-lasting. Dealing with insurance companies and legal claims can be overwhelming, especially when you or a loved one is recovering from injuries. Vancouver dog bite attorney Colin Scott and The Scott Law Firm have helped many people in this situation before and we can work hard to build a strong case on your behalf.
In addition to your injuries, attorney Colin Scott understands the emotional and financial toll a dog bite can have on an individual or family. That’s why he works on a contingency fee structure, so you only pay if he wins and recovers money on your behalf. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite case and to discuss your legal options moving forward.