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Attacked by an animal? Fight back with the law on your side.

When someone's beloved pet turns on you without warning, the trauma of such a surprise attack can leave severe physical and emotional scars.

A dog mauling can leave the victim with broken bones and disfigurement that requires stitches or plastic surgery, not to mention years of psychological problems from the emotional trauma of the incident.

More than 4.7 million dog bites occur annually, and 1 out of every 6 dog bites require medical attention. In most cases, the victim is a young child.

If you or a family member has been injured in a Washington dog bite attack you might be facing:

• Ongoing medical bills
• Physical therapy
• Reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery
• Psychological counseling to deal with emotional trauma
• Temporary disability and loss of income

Thankfully, Washington State law is favorable to victims of dog bite incidents, instituting a strict liability law. This means that the owner is strictly liable for the actions of the animal whether or not the dog showed previous signs of being violent.

If you or a family member has been the victim of a dog mauling, you have the right to sue for damages. To talk to an experienced Washington dog bite attorney today. Call the family lawyers of Monro Law Firm at 425-335-3237 or toll free at 866-976-6433.

We work to protect the rights of the injured and can help you get the compensation you deserve following a traumatic dog attack.

Dog bites cause psychological damage

The effects of a traumatic dog bite go far beyond the physical disfigurement apparent to others. The emotional trauma can last long after the physical scars have healed. If you've been the victim of a dog attack, you may be dealing with emotional scars such as:

• Nightmares
• A lifetime fear of dogs
• Tremors
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorders from leftover scarring

Children are particularly susceptible to the mental effects of a dog attack, as their brains may not be able to fully comprehend the incident. They may require counseling and may deal with the emotional trauma of the attack for the rest of their lives.

It is important to note that these emotional scars may not be apparent until months after the event. Do not allow anyone to pressure you into settling before you know the full extent of damages.

Bystanders who are dealing with emotional trauma from watching the accident may also be eligible for some compensation, as may be an owner of another pet injured in the attack.

You are entitled to cosmetic surgery

Make no mistake: Reconstructive surgery is not simply a luxury for vanity's sake. Cosmetic surgery to repair a disfigured appearance caused by a dog mauling is not only desirable; it is your right.

It is also the responsibility of the dog owner to pay for the surgery, or multiple surgeries depending on the extent of the wounds.

Unfortunately, you may still have some physical scarring even after surgery.

How do I respond if it was a friend's dog?

Quite often, the dog that attacked the victim belonged to a family member or friend. This can make for strained relationships, but you owe it to yourself not to dismiss the incident. If the owner is a family member or friend, they will quite likely want to do what they can to ease your pain.

You should know that if you pursue a case you are not asking your friend to pay the damages out of their own pocket. Homeowners' or renters' insurance will frequently pay the expense for doctor's bills, therapy and reconstructive surgery.

An experienced Washington injury attorney can help you and your friend determine what insurance or other financial asset best covers the incident.

What if the dog is chasing my livestock?

With numerous farms dotting the western Washington landscape, dog bite incidents don't always refer to a human victim. In some cases, the dog may have chased or harmed another animal, such as cattle, sheep, chickens or even another dog.

The owner of the injured animal is eligible for compensation in the amount of damages done. The owner also has the right to shoot a dog that is chasing his livestock.

The Monro Law Firm, P.S., Inc. advocates for clients in Washington State communities such as Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Arlington, Marysville, Everett, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Tacoma, Renton, Bellevue, Redmond, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Kent, Federal Way, Puyallup, Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia, Oak Harbor, Spokane, Yakima, Richland, Pasco, Kennewick and thorughout Snohomish County, King County, Skagit County, Pierce County, Clark County, Lewis County, Kittitas County, Ferry County, Colville County, Whatcom County, Spokane County.  Providing personal injury representation ranging from auto accidents, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, police pursuit injuries and brain injuries.

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Library for Animal & Dog Bite:

• Why Do Dogs Bite? Understanding Canine Attacks in Washington State.   
  The dog bite lawyers of the Monro Law Firm explain here why dogs behave aggressively and why you should be represented by a qualified dog attack attorney.
• Most Dog Bites in Washington Are Not Accidental.   
  With 800,000 people per year seeking medical treatment after a dog attack, you know there is a problem, says Snohomish dog bite attorney Stephen K. Monro.
• The Emotional Toll of Dog and Animal Attacks is High   
  At The Monro Law Firm our attorneys have been helping personal injury clients, including victims of dog and animal attacks. Contact us today at 866.976.6433
• State laws favor dog bite victims.   
  Washington State takes dog bites seriously. We have strict liability laws that hold the owner responsible for the dog’s actions in nearly every situation. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a Washington dog bite, you deserve compensation. Call an experienced Washington dog bite attorney today at 425-335-3237 or toll free at 866-976-6433.

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Frequent Questions for Animal & Dog Bite:

• I have other properties that I own where tenants are leasing them, am I responsible for their dogs bites other people?
• If someone's dog has bitten me, my child or someone I know do we have the right to compensation?
• If a dog has bitten me, my child or someone I know, who should I call?