The Hornbuckle Firm is Here for You
Walking the streets and parks of Seattle, it’s clear that this is a dog city. And although most human-canine encounters are safe and unremarkable, this isn’t always the case. In fact, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and hundreds of thousands of these victims require medical care.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you have every right to pursue compensation for any damages associated with your injury. The best way to learn about your rights and options is to speak with Stephen Hornbuckle in person. Please call (425) 679-0742 today to schedule your free consultation with our Seattle dog bite lawyer.
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Dog Bite Laws in Seattle
The state of Washington has a dog bite statute on the books that holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets:
The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. (Section 16.08.040)
But even though a dog bite is a form of personal injury, proving fault can be complex. And because the offending animal is someone’s pet, dog bite cases can be very emotional. That’s why it pays to have an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side.
What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Dog
The moments following a dog bite attack can be disorienting, but they’re critical. Your health and safety are your first priority. Victims who receive bites to the face, hands, or fingers should call 911 immediately and seek emergency care. Less severe injuries can be treated with first aid before obtaining additional care.
You should also keep the following tips in mind:
- Avoid pulling away from the attacking dog, as this can trigger an instinct for it to bite down even harder.
- Using water and mild soap, gently irrigate the wound for three to five minutes after being bitten.
- Apply pressure to the wound to decrease bleeding.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and clean dressing.
- Seek medical care.
Once you’ve ensured your immediate safety, try to identify the owner of dog that bit you. Ask the dog’s owner if it is current on all of its shots, and record the owner’s contact information. If you can’t locate the dog’s owner, you may need to be treated for rabies as a precaution.
You should also retain the services of an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. This will ensure your rights are protected. The Hornbuckle Firm holds accountable those who fail to adequately restrain their dangerous dogs, and we will fight aggressively to recover the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, please contact our dog bite lawyer today to schedule your free initial consultation. The Hornbuckle Firm serves clients in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, and we accept cases from all states across the country.
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Please call (425) 679-0742 or contact The Hornbuckle Firm today to schedule your free nursing home abuse and neglect consultation. The firm has litigated cases in Washington, Tennessee, and Texas. We accept cases from all states across the country.
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