When a Bite Changes Everything
Edmonds Dog Bite Attorneys
A dog bite can happen without warning—during a walk near the Edmonds Bowl, along SR-104, or in a neighborhood by the ferry terminal. If you’re searching for an Edmonds dog bite lawyer, we’ll guide you through the next steps and protect your claim. From coordinating medical treatment to explaining how insurance applies, we take on the paperwork and insurer calls so you can focus on recovery.
First Steps After a Bite
See a doctor immediately and follow medical instructions closely. Report the bite to animal control or other local authorities when appropriate, and gather the dog owner’s name and contact details. Take photos of your wounds, torn clothing, and the location where it happened. Save every receipt for medications or clinic visits—these details strengthen your claim and help us show the full impact.
How Insurance Usually Applies
Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance—even when the incident happened off their property. At
Certa Farrish Law Group, we review policies, communicate with adjusters, and make sure medical bills, wage loss, and scarring are properly documented. If fault is contested, we gather witness accounts, request nearby camera footage, and use scene details to clarify what happened.
Proving Fault and Measuring Damages
Washington law holds owners accountable when their animals cause harm. To establish liability, we review leash rules, prior complaints, and the level of control the owner had over the dog. Damages may include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. For scarring, we encourage regular photo updates to show how healing progresses. Whether the bite happened near Five Corners or on paths around Yost Park, we tie local conditions into the evidence to make the case stronger.
Real-Life Support for Recovery
A dog bite can interrupt far more than a single afternoon. Missed work, canceled plans, and extra trips to Swedish Edmonds for treatment add up quickly. We stay in touch, answer your questions, and gather medical records so you don’t have to chase down every office. By managing the details, we help you focus on healing without added stress.
Answers to Common Dog Bite Questions
Do I sue the dog’s owner directly, or is there usually an insurance claim first in Edmonds?
Most cases start with an insurance claim—typically homeowner’s or renter’s coverage tied to the owner. We notify the carrier, present evidence, and pursue a fair resolution; if coverage is denied or low, we’ll discuss other options.
My child was bitten near the Edmonds Bowl—are there special rules or considerations for minors?
There are extra considerations for medical care, scarring documentation, and how funds are handled. We guide families on photographing injuries over time, saving school absence notes, and making sure any settlement protects the child’s long-term needs.
How do I document scarring from a dog bite so insurers take it seriously?
Use consistent lighting and angles in your photos, add dates, and keep a simple healing journal noting pain, itching, or movement limits. Follow-up visits and referrals (dermatology or plastic surgery) help show the medical basis for future care.
Will my medical bills be covered while my claim is pending?
Often, early bills run through health insurance; the liability carrier may later reimburse. Keep all EOBs and receipts. If there’s applicable medical payments coverage under a homeowner’s policy, we’ll coordinate it so treatment isn’t delayed.
What’s the typical time limit for an Edmonds dog bite claim?
Many injury claims have a general three-year window, but camera footage, witness memory, and records can fade sooner. Early reporting and photos strengthen your case—reach out and we’ll outline next steps today.
