Washington Animal Bite Attorneys

When it comes to Washington dog attacks, what we commonly hear from a number of dog owners is that they never thought their dogs could attack someone. This is the kind of attitude on the part of dog owners that leads to several serious Seattle dog bite injuries. There are certain breeds of dog such as pit bulls, rottweilers, American bulldogs and German Shepherds that we more commonly see are involved in Washington dog attacks. However, it is important for dog owners to be mindful of their pets irrespective or the size or breed of the dog.

An animal control officer was apparently injured in a brutal dog attack when she came to a home after complaints from neighbors that two pit bulls were loose in the neighborhood. The 62-year-old female officer was brutally attacked by the two pit bulls when she went to check the home. She texted her co-worker as she tried to fight off the dogs. Police officers who responded to her call for help shot and killed both the attacking pit bulls.

In Washington State, dog owners can not only face criminal charges if their pets injure another person, but they can also be held civilly liable, irrespective of whether the dog has attacked someone in the past or the owner is aware of the dog’s prior viciousness. Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, plastic surgery and other expenses related to the dog attack.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact a skilled Seattle personal injury attorney with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful information to help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his experienced legal team today.

Source:http://cbs3.com/local/Willingboro.Burlington.County.2.1362779.html

Seattle personal injury lawyers often observe that a number of Seattle dog owners are in denial about their own pets. They don’t believe that their sweet, gentle pets can attack anyone. So they tend not to take precautions such as keeping their dogs on a leash or restrained at home or at a public place. However, this is not responsible dog ownership and can lead to tragic dog attacks.

One such incident occurred recently when a 6-year-old boy was seriously injured after a neighbor’s dog broke free from its chain and jumped a fence. The child was rushed to the hospital with bite wounds. The owner, despite the attack, maintains that his dog “would never bite anyone.” He contends that the 2-year-old pit bull mix is around five kids every day and has “never bit anybody.” However, animal control officers say the dog somehow got out of the yard and attacked the little boy who lives nearby. The dog’s owner may face criminal charges.

In Washington State, dog owners who let their dogs loose or fail to properly restrain them in the yard could be held criminally and civilly liable if the dog escapes, attacks and seriously injures someone. Washington State has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to animal bites, which means the owner is liable for the attack irrespective of whether the dog has been vicious in the past.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Washington dog bite attorneys with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful information to help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.wftv.com/news/22064519/detail.html

Seattle personal injury lawyers have been noticing that more and more cities and counties in Washington State and elsewhere in the nation have started enforcing stricter dangerous dog laws and ordinances. Many local enforcement agencies have begun imposing criminal negligence charges on irresponsible dog owners who let their pets roam around loose in the neighborhood causing serious risk of personal injury or death to members of their own community. Some dog owners do not properly restrain their dogs in their own yard in spite of knowing that they are aggressive or have the tendency to break loose and attack someone.

That’s exactly what happened in one neighborhood recently when five children were attacked by two American bulldogs outside their home. According to a news report in the Asbury Park Press, the children were aged between 9 and 14. The three younger children were playing outside their home when the dogs broke out of a neighbor’s yard, ran up and became aggressive. When the children ran into the home, the dogs followed them. The 14-year-old, in an effort to distract the dogs from his siblings, ran outside.

The dogs bit him on his arms and legs and the teen was hospitalized with multiple puncture wounds. The other children were treated and released. The dog’s owners face a fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. City police said the same dogs were involved in an incident last month when they broke out of their fence and bit another man who was trying to protect his grandchildren from the bulldogs.

In Washington State, dog owners can be held liable if their pets injure another person, irrespective of whether the dog has attacked someone in the past or the owner is aware of the dog’s prior viciousness. Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, plastic surgery and other expenses related to the dog attack.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has educational information to help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.app.com/article/20091224/NEWS03/91224012/0/NEWS03&source=rss

A 12-year-old girl sustained severe dog bite injuries after a friend’s dog brutally attacked her. According to a Fox news report, the girl went to pick up a friend at a house. When she rang the doorbell, the dog sprang upon her and started biting her. The girl’s mother heard her screams for help. She first tried hitting the dog on the head with a brick, but later took a knife and stabbed the pit bull. The dog viciously attacked the girl biting her on her face, jaw, ear, arms, chest and hips.

The girl has been severely disfigured and, according to her mother, fears she is “not going to be pretty anymore.” The girl is also in a lot of pain from the dog bites and will have to go through plastic surgery to fix the severe scars. The family is apparently going through tough financial times already. The dog owner has been cited with a code violation for allowing a dog to run free. He may also face criminal charges.

Dog bite victims not only go through physical pain and suffering, but they also bear a lot of expenses including medical costs and fees related to medication, cosmetic surgery and even psychological counseling. Victims who have suffered injuries because of negligent dog owners can seek compensation to cover most or all of these expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful information to help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/pit-bull-122209

Washington dog bite incidents can turn fatal very quickly. A recent incident, where a 49-year-old woman was fatally bitten in the neck by an Alaskan Malamute, shows that dog attacks can happen to an individual of any age and can involve any breed of dog, even those that are normally considered playful or friendly. According to a news report, the woman was visiting friends when the dog bit her. She died one hour later at a local hospital.

Neighbors and even experts say they are shocked by this fatal dog attack. One neighbor said the dog never seemed dangerous or vicious to her. A veterinarian said Malamutes generally have a “very good temperament.” Experts believe that pit bulls and rottweilers are more likely to bite than Malamutes. According to a study done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 60 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the United States between 1981 and 1995.

Washington State has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners whose animals attack and injure another person can be held liable for the actions of their pets. The only exception to this law is when a dog attacks someone who is trespassing or trying to commit a crime on the owner’s property. Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, plastic surgery and other expenses related to the dog attack. Wrongful death claims may be filed where fatalities are involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.fox43tv.com/dpps/video/Dog-bite-caused-womans-death_3132795

A former UPS driver has filed a dog bite lawsuit against renowned NFL star quarterback Joe Namath alleging that Namath’s three dogs attacked and injured him when he was making a delivery to his house. According to a news report in the Palm Beach Post, the three dogs – a German Shepherd, Weimaraner and a Labrador Retriever – attacked him causing serious personal injuries. The victim is seeking at least $15,000 for damages associated with his injuries suffered in the attack.

County officials declared the Lab as a “dangerous dog” during one of the hearings, but did not pursue action against the two other dogs. Namath has been required to keep the Lab inside the house. The dog cannot leave Namath’s yard without a leash or a muzzle and must be caged when guests visit. The Lab also cannot be taken to public places or even a dog park. Namath maintained that all three of his dogs are friendly and that he has signs warning visitors about dogs.

In Washington State, several cities have passed dangerous or vicious dog laws making regulations more stringent for those dogs that have already attacked or bitten someone or has shown aggressive tendencies. These laws are extremely important for the safety of our communities. Negligent dog owners should be held responsible for the actions of their pets and that’s exactly what Washington State’s “strict liability statute” says. Dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused to innocent victims whether the attack occurs in private or public property and irrespective of whether the owner has knowledge of the dog’s prior viciousness.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.palmbeachpost.com/accent/pets/namath-sued-by-former-ups-driver-over-dangerous-137948.html?cxtype=ynews_rss

The single biggest occupational hazard faced by postal workers in Washington State and elsewhere in the country is being bitten by a dog. Although it may sound like a cliché, the dangers that postal workers and delivery people face are very real when it comes to being injured in vicious dog attacks.

According to a CBS news report, a 48-year-old female postal worker was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after being attacked by dogs while on her regular route. The woman’s supervisor said she had at least 15 puncture wounds. The woman was at a home when two dogs that jumped a fence or broke through it, suddenly attacked her. The dogs bit the woman on the chest and all over her legs. This attack happened despite the fact that the postal worker used the two cans of dog spray that she had with her. The dog owner said he felt “terrible” and didn’t know how the dogs got out.

It is absolutely important for homeowners to restrain their dogs at all times. It doesn’t matter what breed their dog is, it’s responsible dog ownership to do so. In such cases, homeowners can be held financially responsible for all medical expenses and other costs if letter carries, delivery personnel or other workers who are legally on their property get attacked by their dogs. A postal worker getting attacked by dogs is definitely not a rare occurrence. According to the United States Postal Service, (USPS), in the year 2001, for the first time in more than a decade, the number of dog bites reported by letter carriers exceeded 3,000. That number increased to 3,800 in 2002.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://cbs4.com/local/Postal.post.office.2.1373371.html

Seattle personal injury lawyers are extremely concerned after coming across reports in Washington and elsewhere in the country, about several dog attacks involving the elderly. According to a recent news report, two pit bulls attacked a 73-year-old woman and her small dog. The woman was apparently walking her dog in her apartment complex parking lot when the two loose pit bulls attacked the smaller dog. The woman, who tried to save her little, dog, was knocked to the ground and brutally attacked by the pit bulls. Passers by helped get the dogs off the woman. The dogs’ owner told officials that the pit bulls had broken a 6-foot wooden fence and escaped by jumping over a 3-foot wrought iron fence.

The elderly victim was taken to a local hospital. She sustained puncture wounds to her left arm and forearm. The small dog suffered bite wounds and muscle damage to its neck and left front leg. The dog has apparently made it through surgery. The pit bulls’ owner has not yet been cited pending a police investigation.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, pit bulls and rottweilers, as a breed, account for more than half of all fatal dog attacks in the country. A number of cities in the country are either attempting to ban these breeds of dogs from their jurisdictions or trying to impose stricter rules and regulations on individuals who own or want to own these breeds of dogs. All cities in Washington State have strict leash laws and dog owners who do not comply with leash laws or dangerous dog regulations can be held liable for any animal attacks or injuries. In Washington State, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused whether their animal attacks someone on the owner’s property or on public property.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack, please call the experienced Seattle dog bite lawyers with The Bernard Law Firm to schedule your FREE consultation and evaluation of your dog bite claim. We will make sure your rights are protected and that the negligent dog owner is held accountable. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about Washington dog bite cases, with useful, educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options. Please contact Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.azfamily.com/outbound-feeds/yahoo-news/2-pit-bulls-attack-Phoenix-woman-and-her-dog-78889382.html

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries that require extended hospitalization, leading to major medical expenditure. Many dog bite victims also require plastic or cosmetic surgery to cover deep scars or bite wounds. Many Washington dog attacks and others elsewhere are so violent that even adult victims suffer severe personal injuries and emotional trauma as a result.

A news report in the Herald Progress, details a vicious dog attack recently, which left a 41-year-old woman with major injuries. The victim apparently was visiting the homeowner and entered the yard, when two American bulldogs suddenly and viciously attacked her. Animal control officials say this woman was almost mauled to death by these two animals. She sustained severe bites to her head and legs and lost a lot of blood. She was also severely disfigured and her bodily functions will reportedly, not be normal for a while. She may require extensive plastic surgery as well, officials say. The dog owner apparently did not have county dog licenses for the animals and was also running a childcare center from that same home.

Washington State has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners whose animals attack and injure another person can be held liable for the actions of their pets – irrespective of whether they were aware of their animals’ prior viciousness. The only exception to this law is when a dog attacks someone who is trespassing or trying to commit a crime on the owner’s property. Dog bite victims may seek compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, cosmetic surgery, psychological therapy and other related expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer at The Bernard Law Group. We always offer FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultations for Seattle dog bite victims. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about Washington dog bite cases with useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options. Please contact Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

A deaf teenage student, who was in her high school campus, was injured after a police dog bit her, the Associated Press reports. Police officers apparently responded to a security alarm at the high school in the early morning hours and saw someone running inside the building. The officers then released the police dog after the person failed to respond to a verbal warning. The dog then bit the 16-year-old student who suffered a puncture wound. The student later told officials that she fell asleep in the school after missing her bus the previous afternoon.

Different police departments have different protocols when it comes to how they use their police dogs. In this particular case, it would be important to look into whether the police officers were justified in their use of the dog. Did they suspect that the person they were pursuing was armed and dangerous? What caused them to let the dog loose on this deaf student? It is fortunate that the dog did not cause more serious injuries to the student. Depending on the facts of this case and the validity of her excuse (that she was in the school because she fell asleep) this student may have a case against the police department.

Dog bite victims in Washington State may file a personal injury claim against dog owners. In this case, the dog owner would be the police department or the city that runs the police department. Any claim against a governmental agency must be filed promptly because of statute of limitations. An experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer will be able to better explain to victims their legal rights in a dog attack case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington dog attack, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Group at info@bernardlawgroup.com or 1-800-418-8282. We will promptly schedule a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation and case evaluation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure about dog bite cases, which has useful educational information that will help you understand your legal rights and options as a victim. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source:http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=830727