Washington enforces personal injury laws that protect victims. The laws include provisions associated with animal attacks. The objective of these laws is to protect residents from dangerous dogs. The state doesn’t utilize the one-bite ruling used often throughout the country. Washington uses the strict liability ruling.
What is Strict Liability?
Essentially, this ruling holds pet owners accountable when their dog attacks a human. It doesn’t matter if the pet owner believes that the dog isn’t dangerous. Under these provisions, the dog must be quarantined for a period of at least twelve days to determine if it is infected with the rabies virus. Next, the veterinarian evaluates the animal to determine if it poses a threat to society. Victims who were attacked by dangerous dog breeds should contact a personal injury attorney in Spokane Valley, WA now.
Harboring Dangerous Animals
In the state of Washington, harboring a dangerous animal is a crime. Any pet owner who maintains possession of a dog that was deemed dangerous previously are in violation of the law. If the animal attacks for a second time, the state could take possession of the animal and order euthanization. Additionally, the pet owner will face criminal charges and are held strictly liable for all expenses incurred as a result of the attack.
The Absence of a Cap
The state of Washington doesn’t have an existing cap that restricts the value of economical or non-economical damages in a lawsuit. In dog attack cases, the victim could request a higher than average settlement for pain and suffering. If the pet owners committed a crime, it is more likely that the settlement could be astronomical. The major factor that plays a role in calculating the settlement is the severity of the victim’s injuries. If they sustain a permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of limb, the court could increase the settlement value. View website for more info about the personal injury attorneys in Spokane Valley, WA.
Dog attack victims may require additional treatment, according to the devastating effects of these occurrences. For this reason, they may need ongoing therapy. When the settlement is calculated, the court reviews these requirements and present a total cost. To review these concepts more thoroughly, contact a personal injury attorney in Spokane Valley, WA by visiting Jcooney.com now.
