Washington DC Dog Bite Lawyer

There are nearly 85 million pet dogs in the United States. While many owners think of their pets as full-fledged family members, the reality is that dogs are animals that can and do bite people. Millions of people across the U.S. sustain dog bite injuries every year. Unfortunately, most of the victims are children – and nearly all bites are preventable.

If you have sustained dog bite injuries in Washington, D.C., you might be left with serious expenses and unsure of your options. The situation can be especially complicated if the dog’s owner is someone you know. However, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for your medical expenses and other related losses. In many cases, the cost of a dog bite is picked up by the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. Contact the dedicated legal team at Marks & Harrison today to learn more in a free case review with a Washington, D.C. dog bite lawyer.

How Is Liability Determined for Dog Bites in Washington DC?

In most cases, the dog bite victim must prove that the dog’s owner was negligent to hold them responsible for bite injuries.

According to Washington, D.C. law, a bite or attack incident occurring while a dog is “at large” is evidence of the owner’s negligence. In this context, a dog “at large” is off its owner’s premises without a leash, tether, or other restraint. However, there are exceptions for dogs roaming around designated off-leash dog parks.

If a dog is not at large when it bites and injures you, you might be able to hold the owner liable if you prove that they were violating a local leash ordinance or knew the dog had a history of biting or other aggressive behavior.

Does DC Follow the “One-Bite Rule”?

Some states follow variations of the “one-bite rule.” The rule effectively puts owners “on notice” once their dog bites someone for the first time.  However, Washington, D.C. does not follow this rule.

The idea behind this rule is that dog owners should not necessarily be liable for bite injuries if they had no reason to think their dog was a danger to others. While it might seem reasonable at first, it is based on an old legal concept that prioritizes the dog owner over the victim. Fortunately, dog bite victims in Washington, D.C. do not need to prove that a dog had previously attacked someone to hold its owner liable.

Animal Control Laws in Washington DC

Washington, D.C.’s animal control laws set the following requirements for dog owners districtwide:

• Owners of dogs over the age of four months must vaccinate their dogs against rabies and distemper viruses.
• Dog owners may not allow their dogs to go at large. If a dog injures a person while loose, the owner may not use their lack of knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies as a defense.
• Owners of dogs over four months old must obtain dog licenses every year and ensure that their dogs wear the licenses while in public spaces.
• Pet owners may not keep seven or more mammals larger than guinea pigs and over the age of four months without an animal hobby permit.
• Pet owners may not leave their animals alone in vehicles in a way that endangers the animal’s safety.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered in a Washington DC Dog Bite Lawsuit?

If you can prove a dog was at large or its owner was otherwise negligent when it bit you, you could recover compensation for losses such as:

• Hospital bills and other healthcare expenses
• Incidental costs for expenses like medical travel
• Lost wages from any time you missed at work
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Subjective losses, such as pain and suffering

Some dog bite victims worry about pursuing compensation if the dog was owned by someone they know. However, there is a good chance that any money you recover for a dog bite would come not from the owner themselves but through their homeowners or renters insurance provider. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you determine and pursue any available methods of compensation.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit in Washington DC?

District law generally gives you just three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner. If you try to sue after the deadline expires, the court will likely throw out your case. As a result, it is essential to hire a local injury lawyer to protect your right to seek compensation after a dog attack in Washington, D.C. A good attorney can help you avoid filing delays and other common mistakes that could hurt your dog bite injury claim.

What Should I Do If I Was Bitten By a Dog?

Here’s what you can do if you suffer a dog bite injury in Washington, D.C.:

• Remain calm and avoid running from or provoking the dog. If the dog is at large, do your best to find a safe, indoor location where you can avoid it.
• Seek medical attention immediately for proper treatment and a formal diagnosis.
• Take photos or video footage of the area where the incident occurred, any visible injuries you sustained, and the dog itself, if possible.
• Keep other types of evidence, including medical records, hospital bills, and the clothing you were wearing when the attack happened.
• Report the attack to Animal Care and Control in as much detail as possible.
• Contact the dog’s owner to let them know about the attack and ask for their insurance details.
• Consult a knowledgeable local dog bite injury lawyer for reliable legal advice.

Contact a Washington DC Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you were attacked by a dog in Washington, D.C., don’t hesitate to get in touch with Marks & Harrison. We can listen to your story and answer your legal questions when you contact us for a free initial consultation with a Washington, D.C. dog bite injury attorney.