This summer I had planned to stay at a friend’s house for a couple weeks while I was in town. But when I arrived and let myself in (she was at work) her boyfriend’s dog attacked me and before I could get out he did serious damage to my face and right arm. I got myself to the hospital, and am now in physical therapy and am faced with extensive reconstructive surgery(s). The boyfriend (now ex) won’t even return our phone calls. My friend wants to help but she doesn’t have near enough money. Short of suing my friend or the ex, what are my legal options?
In Washington, owners of dogs are automatically responsible for injuries caused by bites. There are some exceptions to this rule, but it doesn't sound like they would apply here.
If the ex-boyfriend had homeowners or renter's insurance, it would protect him and hopefully compensate you. Knowing that might make the ex more communicative. Also, having an attorney contact him is often a great motivator. Most cases settle without a lawsuit ever being filed.
You should review the specific facts with your attorney to find out your legal options.
From the facts in your post, I am not sure that anyone is liable for your injuries. You let yourself unannounced into someone's house where the dog apparently lives.
As far as the dog can tell, you were an intruder.
Again, you should review the specific facts with your attorney. Perhaps there is more to your story.
It doesn't have to be messy. Insurance may be available and while you are "technically" suing your friend, it is not exactly like that. I would recommend you contact one of the attorneys who contacted you, we can do a lot for you all at no cost to you until you collect money for your injuries. You can contact any of us at by clicking on our profiles and emailing or calling us. Some of us will drive to you to meet you in person and also talk to you well after business hours. Good luck and you are doing the right thing. Your friend should ultimately understand that.
Christian K. Lassen IIPersonal Injury LawyerPhiladelphia, PA ·
1/3 of all homeowner's insurance claims cover dog bites. Retain a local personal injury lawyer. has the BEST lawyer finder tool to locate an attorney very close to you. Good luck.
I have handled dog bite cases and can tell you that recovery depends upon the assets or homeowners/renters insurance of the dog owner only - not the owner of the property where the dog happened to be (your friend's house). Revised Code of Washington, 16.08.040, holds owners strictly liable for the injuries inflicted by their dogs: “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.”
Many homeowners and rental insurance carriers cover this. I just settled one. Very sorry to hear about this. Get a lawyer fast. We all talk for free with prospective clients.
Most cases are settled "short of suing" anyone, but the threat of a possible suit is what motivates insurers to settle. Your best bet is to contact a local personal injury attorney for a free consultation. He or she can explore the facts with you in more detail, and can explain your options. Sometimes it is necessary to sue or threaten to sue a friend or family member, but this rarely causes "bad blood" because it is the insurance company that pays the settlement.
