Dog Bites
What do you do when a dog bites you?
- Call 911 to get medical help.
- Try to get the owners attention to let them know their dog bit you.
- Call an attorney to get help. Your hurt and in a lot of pain. You don't want to deal with medical bills or the owner of the dog.
What does “dog” mean?
Under Spokane County Title 5-Animals, a “dog” means, “a Canis Familiaris, bred in a great many varieties, including wolf hybrids; to include both domesticated and feral Canis Familiaris.” To see more information: https://library.municode.com/wa/spokane_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5AN
What does “bite” mean?
Under Spokane County Title 5-Animals, an “animal bite” means, “a seizing or clamping with the teeth or jaws of an animal so as to puncture or wound.” The cite here: https://library.municode.com/wa/spokane_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5AN
Is the dog owner liable for your injuries?
According to Washington State, the law does say the dog owner is liable for any and all injuries to you.
Dog bites—Liability.
(1) 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.
(2) This section does not apply to the lawful application of a police dog, as defined in RCW 4.24.410.
Can a dog bite result in an on the job injury?
When you are doing your job and a dog attacks you, you probably have a valid L&I claim.
This type of injury typically happens to workers who deliver mail and/or packages. This also happens now with food deliverers with Uber Eats, pizza workers, and Grubhub. You may have a claim, but be sure to check if you are an employee or a contract worker, which will make all the difference of what benefits you are entitled to.
As long as the delivery driver was doing his/her job when attacked a valid L&I claim should be filed. Contact an attorney for more information.
Besides a valid L&I claim, the injured worker also has a valid right to sue the owner of the dog. Please see above under Liability for dog owners and for more information please see RCW 16.08.080 Dangerous Dogs-Notice to Owners.