Dog bites
Dog bite claims
Most bites come from a dog the person knew: a neighbor's, a friend's, a relative's. The claim is usually paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not by the owner.
People often wait to call because they don't want to hurt a neighbor. Insurance exists for exactly this, and most owners are relieved to learn their policy covers it. We deal with the insurer so you don't have to deal with the owner.
A bite can mean stitches, an infection, nerve damage or a scar on the face or hands, and the costs often show up months later: scar revision, physical therapy, counseling for a child who is now afraid of dogs. The file has to account for those before anyone settles.
The file
What goes in the file
The animal control report
The report, the dog's history and any earlier complaints about it.
Photos over time
The wound on the first day and every few weeks after, so the healing and the scar are on record.
The owner's insurance
The homeowner's, renter's or landlord's policy that covers the dog.
Care that comes later
Scar treatment, therapy and counseling, priced before the claim closes.
Questions
What people ask after a bite
The dog belonged to a friend. Do I have to sue them?
Almost never. The claim goes to their insurance company, and most settle without a lawsuit. We can talk to your friend's insurer without you having to talk to your friend.
My child was bitten. Is that handled differently?
A child's claim usually needs a court to approve the settlement, and the money is protected until they're older. We handle that part too.
I was knocked down by a dog, not bitten. Is that a claim?
It can be. A dog that knocks someone over can cause broken bones and head injuries, and the owner's insurance may cover that the same way.
Bitten by a dog you know? Talk to us; it usually isn't their money.
Tesfaye takes most of these cases from the Everett office. The first call is free.
No fee unless we recover money for you. Case costs, like records and expert reviews, come out of the recovery; if there is no recovery, you owe neither.