Spokane Dog Bite Attorney

Representing Those Who Have Been Injured Due to Dog Owner's Negligence 

When an innocent interaction with a man's best friend takes a painful turn, it can result in lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Maxey Law Office, our dog bite attorneys in Spokane stand by your side to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve after a dog bite. Our experienced personal injury team understands the complexities of dog bite cases in Spokane and is dedicated to fighting for your rights.

Washington law takes dog bite incidents seriously, and Spokane enforces city ordinances to protect public safety. Dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has not shown aggression before. Each locality may have different reporting requirements, but in Spokane, incidents involving animal bites should be promptly reported to the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS). Reporting helps your case and may prevent future attacks in your neighborhood. Our firm is familiar with Spokane’s legal landscape and can guide you through each step of the claim process.

Call Maxey Law Office today at (509) 652-3330 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our dog bite attorney in Spokane.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-altering. These injuries can include:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: A dog's sharp teeth can cause deep puncture wounds and painful lacerations that may require stitches or even surgery.
• Infections: Dog bites can present harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as cellulitis or even more serious conditions like rabies.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe bites can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, causing physical and emotional pain.
• Nerve Damage: Bites near nerves can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in extreme cases.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can have a lasting psychological impact, leading to anxiety, depression, and a fear of dogs or public spaces.

In Spokane, medical providers assess not only the immediate wound but also the risk of serious infection or transmission of diseases. Receiving prompt care protects your health and creates critical documentation for your claim. Beyond physical trauma, emotional and psychological effects might require support from local counselors or therapists. Many clients find it difficult to return to parks, walk in their neighborhoods, or resume daily activities—consequences that can impact your quality of life. Understanding the full scope of these injuries with our dog bite attorneys in Spokane matters when you are considering a claim.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in Dog Bite Claims in Washington State?

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Washington State, you may be qualified to pursue compensation for various damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes costs for immediate medical treatment, surgeries, follow-up care, and even rehabilitation.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress induced by the dog bite, including any resulting disfigurement or scarring.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries require time off work for recovery, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
• Future Medical Costs: If the dog bite leads to long-term consequences requiring ongoing medical attention, you can seek damages for these anticipated expenses.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological impact of a dog bite can be significant. Compensation can be sought for the emotional trauma experienced.
• Property Damage: In cases where personal belongings were damaged during the incident, you may be able to recover costs for repairs or replacements.

Understanding How Washington Law Handles Dog Bite Liability With Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Spokane

State law in Washington applies a strict liability standard for dog bites. Under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) section 16.08.040, a dog owner usually takes responsibility for injuries their pet causes, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any danger. Injury victims do not need to prove the owner acted negligently—only that the bite occurred and caused harm. Spokane’s local ordinances also require dog owners to follow leash laws and maintain control over their animals, especially in public places like Riverfront Park or residential neighborhoods. These laws add another layer of accountability, protecting people who want to enjoy public areas safely. Navigating these regulations can make a difference because violations—such as letting a dog run off-leash in a restricted area—may strengthen your claim. Our experience with dog bite cases in Spokane helps you understand how these laws apply and what steps to take next.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite in Spokane

What you do in the aftermath of a dog bite can have a major impact on your health and any future claim. Spokane’s animal services and healthcare providers follow specific procedures for reporting and treating animal injuries. After an incident, make your safety your priority: move away from the animal and seek medical care right away, even for minor wounds, as infection risk remains high. Reporting the bite to SCRAPS allows local authorities to investigate, track the dog’s vaccination status, and keep public spaces safer. Gathering information is also important—try to collect the owner’s contact details, the dog’s breed or description, and the exact location of the attack. Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene for documentation. If there are witnesses, ask for their statements and contact information. These steps protect you and your community and create a thorough record that can support your claim. Acting quickly also helps ensure compliance with all city and state requirements relevant to Spokane dog bite incidents.

Understanding Time Limits for Dog Bite Claims in Washington

Washington imposes a legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, on personal injury claims, including dog bites. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim in civil court. If you wait too long, you may forfeit your right to recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, or related damages. Spokane’s local courts follow these state timelines, and delays can complicate your case, as evidence becomes harder to gather and witnesses’ memories may fade. Filing within the correct timeframe gives you the best chance of building a strong claim and securing fair compensation. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, starting the process early protects your interests. If you are unsure how the deadline applies or have questions about your specific situation, our team of dog bite attorneys in Spokane can help explain the next steps. Staying informed about these timelines allows you to act confidently and helps ensure you do not miss vital legal opportunities.

Call us today at (509) 652-3330 and learn how our legal team can assist you with your dog bite case.