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"I worked with Bill Pickett and he was willing to fight, and fight hard for me as his client and is the reason I was able to walk away with a win. Would recommend to anyone and everyone, incredibly professional and knowledgable."
Maureen
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The Serious Impact of Dog Bites
While dogs are often regarded as loyal and beloved companions, unprovoked attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional harm. Dog bite injuries can range from minor punctures to life-altering trauma, often requiring both immediate and long-term medical attention.
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: These injuries, caused by a dog’s teeth breaking through the skin, often lead to severe infections, such as cellulitis or sepsis, if not treated promptly. Deep lacerations may require stitches, skin grafts, or even surgical intervention to heal properly. In some cases, victims are left with permanent scars that impact their self-confidence and quality of life.
Nerve Damage: When a dog bite penetrates deep tissue, it can damage underlying nerves, causing loss of sensation or chronic pain in the affected area. For some victims, nerve injuries can impair mobility or functionality, particularly if the hands, arms, or legs are involved. Rehabilitation or specialized therapies are often necessary for recovery.
- Fractures and Bone Damage: Powerful bites from large or aggressive dogs can result in broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or face. These injuries frequently require surgical intervention, such as the placement of metal plates or screws, and prolonged physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
- Facial Injuries: Bites to the face are especially traumatic, often causing severe disfigurement or loss of functionality in areas like the mouth, nose, or eyes. Victims may require multiple reconstructive or plastic surgeries to restore appearance and functionality, along with psychological support to cope with the aftermath.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical wounds, dog bite victims, particularly children, often suffer from lasting emotional effects. They may develop a lifelong fear of dogs, anxiety in social situations, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy or counseling is often critical to addressing these mental health challenges.
At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we understand the profound impact dog bites have on victims and their families. Our team works closely with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries, estimate long-term care costs, and ensure your claim accurately reflects the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Long-Term Effects of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries often go beyond the immediate physical damage, leaving victims to face long-term challenges such as:
- Chronic Pain: Deep tissue damage and nerve injuries can lead to ongoing discomfort, requiring pain management therapies or surgeries.
- Emotional Trauma: Many victims, particularly children, develop lasting fears of dogs or other psychological effects, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Functional Impairment: Severe bites to the hands, legs, or face may limit mobility, dexterity, or even basic daily activities, impacting quality of life.
- Social and Professional Impacts: Scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face, can affect victims’ confidence and interactions in both social and professional settings.
At Larson Griffee & Pickett, we factor these lasting effects into your compensation claim, ensuring you receive support for both immediate and future needs.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Dog attacks often stem from preventable circumstances, such as negligence or irresponsible pet ownership. Common causes include:
- Failure to Restrain: Unleashed or poorly secured dogs pose serious threats to pedestrians, neighbors, and visitors.
- Aggressive Breeds: Owners who fail to train or control dogs known for aggressive tendencies increase the risk of attacks.
- Encouraging Aggressive Behavior: Some owners provoke aggression in their pets through improper training or neglecting to correct dangerous behaviors.
- Lack of Supervision: Leaving dogs unsupervised around children, visitors, or other animals heightens the risk of incidents.
- Improper Socialization: Dogs that are not adequately socialized may become fearful or reactive in unfamiliar situations, leading to bites.
If you or a loved one were injured due to a dog owner’s negligence, our team will thoroughly investigate the incident and build a strong case to secure fair compensation.
Understanding Washington’s Dog Bite Laws
In Washington State, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means:
- Liability Without Proof of Negligence: Victims do not need to prove that the owner acted negligently. If the dog bit someone, the owner is legally responsible for damages.
- Exceptions Apply: Liability may be reduced or eliminated if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the attack.
Our experienced Yakima dog bite attorneys will explain your legal rights under Washington’s laws and help you navigate the claims process.
Get Started
Some attorneys will settle dog bite accidents early in the process because they feel it is not worth their time.
At LGP Law, our Yakima lawyers take every case seriously – from start to finish – to ensure you get everything you deserve.
Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent their pets from causing harm. When they fail to uphold this duty, legal action may be necessary to ensure accountability. Examples of negligence include:
- Ignoring Local Leash Laws: Allowing a dog to roam freely in public spaces can endanger others.
- Failing to Address Aggressive Behavior: Owners who ignore signs of aggression or fail to train their pets properly put others at risk.
- Permitting Repeated Incidents: If a dog has previously bitten someone, owners must take additional precautions, such as muzzling or confinement, to prevent further harm.
- Neglecting Proper Supervision: Allowing dogs to interact unsupervised with visitors, children, or other animals often leads to preventable attacks.
Larson Griffee & Pickett’s attorneys are experienced in investigating and proving instances of owner negligence. We work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Dog bite injuries often result in significant financial and emotional challenges. We work tirelessly to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work and reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term trauma.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Damages for permanent scars and the costs of reconstructive procedures.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, additional damages may be awarded to hold the owner accountable and deter similar behavior.
How Larson Griffee & Pickett Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, but our team
provides comprehensive legal support to ease your burden.
Here’s how we help:
1. Thorough Investigation
We gather key evidence, including photographs of your injuries, animal control records, witness statements, and medical documentation, to build a strong case.
2. Establishing Responsibility
Our attorneys identify all liable parties, which may include the dog’s owner or other individuals responsible for the animal at the time of the attack. We also look for patterns of prior aggression or violations of local leash laws.
3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Many dog bite claims are resolved through the pet owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. We handle all communication and negotiations to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses.
4. Pursuing Litigation
If the insurance company refuses to offer reasonable compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and a strong record of favorable outcomes.
Get Started | Free Consultation
Some attorneys will settle dog bite accidents early in the process because they feel it is not worth their time.
At LGP Law, our Yakima lawyers take every case seriously – from start to finish – to ensure you get everything you deserve.
Why Choose Larson Griffee & Pickett?
Our clients trust us because we deliver compassionate, effective representation tailored to their unique needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
1. Experienced Legal Advocates
With extensive experience in personal injury law, we have a deep understanding of dog bite cases and the strategies needed to secure maximum compensation.
2. Personalized Attention
We prioritize clear communication and client-focused service. Our team takes the time to understand your story and provides updates throughout the process.
3. Proven Results
With numerous successful settlements and verdicts, we’ve supported clients in recovering financially and restoring their confidence for the future.
4. No Upfront Costs
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if we achieve a favorable result. This ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation.
Preventing Dog Bites
While our team is here to assist after an injury, prevention is always the best approach. You can reduce the risk of dog bites by:
- Educating Children: Teach kids to respect dogs, avoid unfamiliar animals, and never approach a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Using Leashes: Pet owners should always leash their dogs in public to maintain control.
- Socializing Dogs: Properly socialized dogs are less likely to react aggressively in unfamiliar situations.
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Avoid approaching dogs that are growling, snarling, or showing other signs of fear or aggression.
- Reporting Aggressive Dogs: Notify animal control about loose or dangerous dogs to help prevent future incidents.
Get Started | Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you shouldn’t have to face the challenges alone. Larson Griffee & Pickett’s experienced dog bite attorneys in Yakima are here to advocate for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. Focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process to help you move forward with peace of mind.