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Washington Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

Currently, there are millions of homeless animals roaming the streets of America, and unfortunately, in this day and age, you can still find compounds scattered across the country filled with dogs bred and trained specifically for fighting. Another unfortunate fact is that animal neglect in America is at an all-time high. Sadly, animal awareness is not as widespread as is thought. This is not only a scary situation for abused or neglected animals, but also for the general public there are numerous safety concerns for the individuals who may find themselves in the path of an abused or angry animal.

With nearly 5 million attacks involving dogs and animals each year from minor bites and scratches to vicious attacks resulting in death it should come as no surprise that hospitals around the country collectively report around 1,000 daily emergency visits due to dog-related attacks and bites. While death occurs in less than 100 of the dog bites reported each year, hospitalization stemming from bites is all too common, especially among children aged 10 and under.

Not only are dog and animal bites traumatic and painful but, in addition to the initial damage they inflict, they can also put you at risk for serious bacterial infections. One infection that is becoming commonly referred to as a superbug stems from dog bites spreading the bacteria strain known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Particularly disturbing is the fact that the MRSA form of infection is resistant to many antibiotics. In addition to MRSA, other serious infections can occur from a dog bite, and though an initial wound may not look overly serious, bacteria planted deep into joint and tendon spaces can cause medical dilemmas later on in life.

If you have been attacked or bitten by an animal, seek medical attention immediately following the incident. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, enlisting the services of a Washington attorney experienced in such cases can be greatly beneficial.

In recent Washington dog bite news, the owner of two pit bulls is facing a felony charge of possession of a dangerous dog. His two dogs mauled a 72-year-old woman. The owner now faces 13 years in prison if convicted. The woman suffered severed ears, a crushed arm, and deep bite wounds from head to feet. Police officers then followed chain-of-command orders in place for such cases they shot the two dogs, killing them.

There are specific defenses that an animal owner will use if they are being sued by someone who has been bitten by their pet. Dog and animal bite lawyers know these defenses, and can effectively dismiss them should they come up in court. Some of these defenses are that their animal was properly restrained, and the person who was bitten ignored the restraints, or that adequate warning was posted near the incident. Worst of all defenses is that the victim intentionally provoked the animal, ignored the signs, and entered their property. If these circumstances do not match your case, anger quickly ensues, and having a qualified attorney by your side may be your only chance at obtaining compensation.

The state of Washington is a strict liability state that has rejected the outdated one-bite rule adopted by a handful of other states. A dog and animal bite lawyer will be well-versed in this and other Washington dog bite statutes and laws. They will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog bite case in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under Washington law.

It's highly recommended that you do your best to locate a lawyer who specializes in Washington dog and animal bite law; however, personal injury and lawyers who handle other areas of law can be helpful, too. Keep in mind that successful dog bite and personal injury lawyers should have years of experience and hundreds of successful dog-bite cases to their credit.