If you are the victim of a dog bite in Spokane, you have legal rights. In fact, Washington law provides significant protection for dog bite victims. However, you’ll need to understand your options and how to navigate the legal system if you want to pursue justice.

Monge & Associates has been representing accident victims for over 30 years. We know and understand the rules for holding dog owners accountable, and our Spokane personal injury lawyers will help you prove damages so you can get the money you deserve.

To find out more about how our firm can help you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation and find out more about how a Spokane dog bite lawyer at our firm can help you.

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Attacked By A Dog In Spokane? We Can Help

Washington’s strict liability law holds owners accountable. Contact Monge & Associates for a free consultation today.

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Why Turn to Monge & Associates if You Were the Victim of a Dog Attack

Monge & Associates can provide invaluable support and legal advocacy as you navigate the process of pursuing justice after a dog bite incident. Our team will:

Investigate the incident: We have a team of experts who can help launch an investigation into the incident. We’ll help you prove how the bite happened, who was responsible, and how severe your damages are so you can maximize your compensation.
Make the right legal arguments: We’ve been practicing law since 1993 and have developed in-depth legal knowledge over more than 30 years. We know how to make compelling arguments to maximize your recovery.
Negotiate a settlement: Our team knows the insurance companies representing homeowners in the Spokane area, and insurers know that we’re tough negotiators who don’t back down. Often, we’re able to help you get a fair settlement without having to go to court because we build trial-ready cases and negotiate aggressively on your behalf to get the maximum possible payout.
Go to court to pursue justice: In some cases, insurers won’t settle. When they won’t, our team includes experienced litigators who know how to present compelling claims in court.

Monge & Associates has recovered over $1 billion for clients through both settlements and court verdicts. We understand how to build and present cases that give our clients the best chance at getting paid for the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering and emotional distress damage they deserve.

"I had a great experience working with this law firm from start to finish.

The team always communicated updates, answered my questions, helped with special accommodations and fought for my case. Very polite, transparent and compassionate team. Mina is the best! Couldn't have made it through the last two years without her and the rest of the Monge and Associates team. Thank you so much!"

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"Everyone I spoke with was always very courteous and informative.

Gwen was my client advocate and her efforts to keep in touch with me were awesome. She stayed with me via text, email, and phone to check on how I was feeling, to see if I had any unanswered questions or concerns, and just to reassure me and encourage my sometimes low spirits. She was respectful of my moments of disconnect, but continually let me know I was in good hands. Excellent job, Gwen. You are truly an asset to the firm."

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“A breath of fresh air!

I made one call and Vicky gave me a warm welcoming. I am confident and looking forward to working with you all. I recently let go of my previous law firm to give Monge a shot because my co worker recommended them to me. From the beginning of the conversation to the end, Vicky made me feel more secure in that one call than I’ve felt dealing with my ex law firm. Thank you guys so much.”

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“I had a great experience with Monge & Associates.

I would definitely recommend them to anyone. From the first time I called and Lisa took all my information, she didn’t take any time getting my information in the system and I a had a call within two days. I represented by attorney Cierra Geter and Julie L. was a point of contact as-well with my case. I can say they both had great communication with me and very personable. I felt very comfortable talking to them. I loved the fact they would contact me just checking on me throughout the process.”

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“This law firm has represented me several times and has not disappointed.

Client is always a priority and they will do their best to get you the best results. Thanks to you all for your hard work.”

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How Washington Dog Bite Laws Protect Attack Victims

Washington State establishes the rules for dog bite accidents in RCW 16.08.040. According to the relevant statute:

“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.”

Essentially, this law means that even if a dog has never been aggressive before, if the dog bites and harms someone, the dog owner is responsible for the resulting damages.

This makes Washington a “strict liability state” for dog bites. This is in contrast to the rules in other jurisdictions, where dogs essentially get a “one-free bite” because owners are not held liable for harm their dog causes unless they were negligent or had reason to believe the dog would be aggressive or dangerous.

While you do not generally have to prove the dog owner is negligent to get compensation, you still need to demonstrate that the bite occurred and show the extent of your losses to get the money you deserve to rebuild. Monge & Associates can help you to prove your damages so you can get full and fair compensation from the dog’s owner.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks often cause serious and sometimes even fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries from an attack include:

Puncture wounds: These are deep holes when a dog’s sharp teeth break through the skin.
Lacerations: Jagged cuts or skin tears can result from a dog biting into you, especially if the dog pulls or shakes.
Scarring and disfigurement: When the dog causes major tissue damage, you could be left with serious scars. This can be especially traumatic when the scar is on your face and affects your appearance and your emotional well-being.
Nerve damage: If a dog bites you severely enough to injure nerves, you may experience loss of movement in the area that was affected, as well as numbness or tingling.
Bone fractures: A dog’s tough jaw can break your bones. If the dog attack causes a fall, this can also lead to broken bones.
Crush injuries: Crush injuries occur when a dog applies significant force with their jaw, crushing your soft tissue, bones, and muscles.
Infections: Dogs have bacteria in their mouth that can enter your body through puncture wounds. You could experience fever, pain, swelling, redness, and a systemic bacterial infection that requires prompt treatment.
Ligament and tendon injuries: If you are bitten on the hands, feet, wrists, or other areas with many ligaments, the dog’s bite could injure your ligaments and tendons and affect movement.
Rabies: Rabies is rare, but it is possible that an infected dog could transmit this serious and potentially fatal disease if it bites you.
Emotional distress: An animal attack can be especially frightening, and many people who experience a bite incident find themselves with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues.

These are just some of the most common injuries that bite victims experience. You could also suffer other types of damages as well, depending on the nature of the attack.

Spokane Dog Bite FAQs

Does Washington have a “one free bite” rule for dogs?

No. Washington is a strict liability state (RCW 16.08.040). This means a dog owner is legally responsible for a bite injury the very first time their dog attacks someone, regardless of whether the dog had a prior history of aggression.

What defenses can a dog owner use to avoid paying for a bite?

In Washington, dog owners have two primary defenses against strict liability: trespassing and provocation. If the defense can prove you were trespassing on private property or that you provoked the dog (such as hitting or taunting it), your claim could be denied or reduced.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Spokane?

Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), you generally have exactly three years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations will permanently bar you from recovering compensation.

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Contact a Spokane Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Monge & Associates will help you to pursue a claim against a dog owner, and any other defendants who could potentially be liable, such as a negligent landlord who allowed a tenant to keep a dangerous dog.

To learn more about how we can represent you as you cope with the aftermath of an animal attack, call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a Spokane dog bite lawyer.