People have the right to walk, jog or run anywhere they please as long as they do not trespass on private property. This means that people also have the right to assume they will be safe when doing so. While they mind their own business, people should not have to worry about being bitten by a dog. Unfortunately, people who own pets are not as careful about preventing this. Each year, more than 4.5 million people across the United States are bitten by dogs. Consequently, a lot of dog owners are being sued for personal injury.
A Dog Bite Attorney in Bremerton, WA has been representing clients who have suffered dog bite injuries and bite injuries from other animals as well. If a person becomes the unfortunate victim of such an attack, he or she certainly has a personal injury case. However, it is important to recognize the legal rules in those cases. In the State of Washington, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury. It is necessary for the plaintiff to remain mindful of how quickly three years can pass.
Since Washington is a state which employs the comparative fault rule, plaintiffs should understand that the lawyers for the defendant will most certainly try to prove that they were partially at fault. This comparative fault means that whatever portion of the dog bite injury the defense can prove was the plaintiff’s fault (for example, provoking the animal), that amount will be reduced from the amount that the plaintiff will recover. The State of Washington also employs the “strict liability” rule, which means the dog owner is responsible for what his or her animal does, even if it is the first time the animal has bitten.
Naturally, the dog owner will do everything to prove the plaintiff shared in his or her injury. The Law Offices of Anthony C. Otto have been offering personal injury solutions for clients in the Bremerton, WA area with over 35 years of experience. If an individual has indeed been bitten and needs a Dog Bite Attorney in Bremerton, WA, he or she can contact him. He or she can visit the website.