
Dog Bites / Attacks
A LAW FIRM WHERE WRONGS ARE MADE RIGHT
Thousands of dog bites and attacks occur in Washington every year. Unfortunately, many of these injuries require extensive surgery. What makes this statistic even more frightening is that children are often the victims, and they may suffer psychological or emotional injuries in addition to permanent physical scarring.
DOG OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
Dog owners in our state have clear responsibilities to control and supervise their animals. They are liable for bites inflicted by their dogs while the victim is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner. Dog owners can be liable even if the dog has no history of viciousness or if owners have no knowledge of such viciousness.
When dog owners do have knowledge that a dog is vicious or dangerous, they must take extra precautions to protect the public from the dog, such as the following:
- Registering the dog as dangerous
- Keeping the dog in a securely enclosed and locked structure
- Keeping the dog restrained and/or muzzled when it is outside
- Displaying a sign warning people of the dangerous dog
- Maintaining adequate insurance coverage for injuries caused by the dog
EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS ARE VITAL TO YOUR WASHINGTON DOG BITE CASE
When a dog attack causes serious personal injury, it is important that you promptly obtain the assistance of an attorney experienced in dog bite and animal attack cases. Your attorney can secure the evidence and obtain witness statements that will be necessary to prove liability. Statutes of limitations limit the amount of time you have to bring a claim, so legal action should be taken quickly to protect your rights. The lawyers at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have handled numerous dog attack cases and recovered substantial damages for the victims.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WASHINGTON LAWYERS
If you or a loved one has suffered injury as a result of a dog bite or attack, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, now at (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a FREE case review. Our initial consultation is free of charge and we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.
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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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