A dog bite can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one in Federal Way or anywhere in Washington state, call or text our office for a free dog bite consultation with attorney David Ranz. Learn your rights and discuss your options, so you can make an informed decision about seeking compensation.
In 2020, insurance companies paid $854 million for dog bite claims. Dog bite claims account for about one-third of annual insurance company payouts.
Work With An Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
When you call attorney David Ranz, an experienced dog bite lawyer in Federal Way, he can:
- Help you protect your rights to compensation
- Provide trusted advice about your dog bite case
- Give prompt answers to your questions
- Free up your time so you can focus on recovery from your dog bite injuries
- Make the situation easier; let David and his team know what you need
Recovery from a Dog Bite Can Take Months and Cost Thousands of Dollars
16,991 dog bite claims were filed in 2020, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average insurance company payout for a dog bite claim was $50,245.
Dog bite claims may cover:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Prescription medications
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Emotional trauma, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood swings
- Humiliation, anger, anxiety, fear
- and more
Dog bite injuries and dog attack injuries in greater Federal Way, Washington can be significant. Talk with Federal Way attorney David Ranz to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
What To Do If You or a Loved One Is Bitten or Attacked by a Dog
- Speak with the dog’s owner, get their contact information, and ask whether they have med pay insurance. (Learn more about med pay insurance in the Frequently Asked Questions section below.)
- Take photos of the dog, the scene where the dog bite or attack happened, and your injuries
- Talk with witnesses to the attack and get their contact information
- Get medical treatment promptly and follow your treatment plan
- Report the dog bite to animal control
- Get proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination and information about the dog’s history
- Make notes about how the bite or attack happened and how it’s impacted your life
- Talk with an experienced attorney about your dog bite for advice about whether to file a claim
- Keep copies of all medical bills and related expenses
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Who is Responsible When a Dog Bites Someone?
Washington state law is clear and strict regarding dog bites. If a dog is not provoked, the dog owner is responsible for controlling it. It doesn’t matter whether the dog is typically well-behaved.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for My Dog Bite Case?
You pay nothing out of pocket. Our fee is paid out of your settlement. If you don’t get a settlement, you pay nothing. The first step is to contact us for a free case evaluation so we can discuss your case. With that information, you’ll have a clear idea of whether to have Ranz Injury Law represent you or handle it yourself.
Should I be Concerned about Catching Rabies from a Dog Bite?
If you are concerned, talk with your health care provider. Statistically, the risk of contracting rabies from a dog bite in Washington State is extremely low.
My Friend’s Dog Bit Me; What Should I Do?
Call or text for a free case evaluation. Your friend’s homeowner or business insurance policy may include coverage. See below for more about getting your medical bills paid.
Who Will Pay My Dog Bite Medical Bills?
Who pays your medical bills depends on the insurance you have. These are the three most common scenarios.
- Some homeowner and business insurance policies include med pay. If the dog owner’s policy includes med pay, it will be the first in line to pay your medical bills. Don’t worry if the dog owner is reluctant to give you their insurance policy information; they will provide it to us on your behalf.
- If you have medical insurance, it will be second in line to pay your dog bite medical bills. Medical insurance companies routinely deny dog bite claims when working directly with dog bite victims. Your Ranz Injury Law dog bite recovery team will ensure that you receive all the benefits and compensation you are entitled to.
- Third in line for paying dog bite medical bills is third-party billing, also called treatment on a lien. In this case, your providers agree to be paid after you settle your case. Most providers only agree to third-party billing if a respected attorney firm like Ranz Injury Law handles the dog bite case – after all, they won’t get paid until your case settles, and it won’t settle until you complete all of your treatment – that could be several months.
Contact us today for a no-charge conversation with a lawyer about your dog bite.
Citations
- Insurance Information Institute – Insurance claims for dog bites
- Washington State Department of Health – Rabies facts
- King County – Animal Control Response
- Pierce County – Animal Control
- WoofDog – Dog Bite Statistics in the U.S.
More Information About Dog Bites
- State Farm Insurance – Dog bite prevention information for dog owners
- National Canine Research Council – 81% of dog bites do not require medical treatment
- Canine Journal® – What to do if your dog bit someone
- Petpedia – Dog bite statistics.