Personal injury
Dog bite and animal attack lawyer in Silverdale
A dog bite or animal attack can leave scars, nerve damage and fear that lasts long after the wounds heal. We help injured people and their families understand their options, including when the owner is a friend or neighbor.
- 4.5 on Google, 55 reviews
- Led by a Marine Corps veteran
- Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason Counties
- Office in Silverdale
Personal injury
An animal does not need a history of aggression to hurt someone
Most pets never attack anyone. But any dog, and sometimes a cat or other animal, can bite or attack, and the injuries can be serious: deep wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, emotional trauma and, in the worst cases, death.
An animal does not need a prior history of aggression to injure a person, and a claim does not depend on one either. Owners are responsible for the actions of their animals, and most attacks are preventable.
Kitsap Law Group represents people bitten or attacked in Silverdale, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Port Orchard and throughout Kitsap, Jefferson and Mason Counties. Our trial lawyers take every animal attack case seriously.
- Dog bites on sidewalks, trails and private property
- Attacks on children
- Injuries from being knocked down or chased
- Free consultation to review your case
Helping children and families stay safe
Most pets are friendly, but any cat or dog can bite. Teaching children how to approach animals calmly, and to ask the owner before petting, can prevent many injuries. When an attack does happen despite those precautions, the responsibility rests with the owner who failed to control the animal.
If you or a loved one was injured in a preventable animal attack, contact Kitsap Law Group. We will hear your story and help you understand the path toward recovery.
What we handle
What responsible owners are expected to do
Owners can take simple steps to protect their animal and the people around it. When an attack happens, we look at whether the owner took steps such as:
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Restraining the animal in public
Using a leash or other control when the animal is off the owner's property.
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Containing the animal when unsupervised
Keeping it indoors, fenced or otherwise secured when no one is watching it.
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Warning others
Telling visitors and neighbors when the animal has shown aggression before.
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Recognizing warning signs
Noticing when the animal is becoming agitated and alerting the people nearby.
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Keeping the animal calm
Avoiding situations that are likely to provoke or frighten it.
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Taking extra care around children
Children are at particular risk of being bitten, often in the face and neck.
Our approach
How we handle animal attack claims
Some people hesitate to bring a claim because the owner is a friend or neighbor who feels terrible about what happened. We understand how sensitive that can be. In many cases, a claim can be directed to the owner's homeowner's insurance or other liability coverage, so any recovery does not come out of the owner's pocket, if that is how you want to proceed.
Free consultation
We listen to what happened, look at photos and medical records and explain how a claim like yours generally works in Washington.
Identify the owner and coverage
We confirm who owned or was keeping the animal and which insurance may apply.
Document the injuries
We track medical treatment, scarring, any future care and the emotional effects of the attack.
Pursue the claim
We present the claim to the insurer and are prepared to go to court if a fair resolution is not offered.
Who handles it
Attorneys who handle personal injury
Animal attack claims are handled by attorneys whose practices include personal injury and trial work in Washington courts.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What should I do after a dog bite?
Get medical care, since bites can become infected quickly. Find out who owns the dog and whether its vaccinations are current, report the bite to local animal control, and photograph your injuries as they heal. Keep all medical records and bills.
Does the dog have to have bitten someone before for me to have a claim?
No. An animal does not need a history of aggression to injure a person, and a claim does not depend on one. An attorney can explain how the facts of your case may be viewed.
The owner is my neighbor. Will a claim ruin our relationship?
We understand that concern. Often a claim can be made against the owner's homeowner's insurance or other liability coverage, so any payment does not come directly from the owner. We will talk through what you are comfortable with before taking any step.
My child was bitten. What should I know?
Children are at a higher risk of serious bites, often to the face, and may need follow-up care for scarring and emotional effects. We help families document both the physical injuries and the longer-term impact.
What about attacks by animals other than dogs?
Cats and other animals can also cause serious injuries. The same questions apply: who was responsible for the animal, and what could have been done to prevent the attack.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Washington sets deadlines for injury claims, and waiting can make evidence harder to gather. An attorney can confirm the deadline for your situation.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. There is no charge to meet with us about a dog bite or animal attack and learn your options.
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