Injuries and Seeking Compensation
Dog attacks can result in punctures and lacerations, crushing wounds, fractured bones, and disfiguring scars. Children are especially vulnerable to emotional trauma after being attacked by an animal.
People injured in dog attacks generally have the right to seek compensation if the dog owner’s negligence contributed to its attack, if the owner violated dog leash or restraint laws, or if the owner kept a dog with a known history of aggressive behavior toward people.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
As with any personal injury case, the most essential part of successfully prosecuting a dog attack is to report the incident and secure evidence as quickly as possible. This includes the identities of the owner and dog, witness identities and reports, the particular circumstances surrounding the attack, as well as photographs and medical documentation of your injuries. If you have suffered a dog attack injury, call Emery | Reddy for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how we may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
Is Your Dog Attack Claim a Third-Party Claim or a Washington State L&I Claim?
Third-Party Claim
A third-party claim is one in which someone other than your employer or co-worker is responsible for your injury. If you have been injured on the job due to someone else’s actions or negligence, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a third-party claim, which combines your Washington state L&I claim with a personal injury claim using the same facts.
Unlike workers’ compensation payments, there is no limit to the amount of compensation an injured worker may seek in third-party damages. Third-party claims are private matters and are typically litigated directly with the Washington State Superior Court.
If your dog attack injury leaves you out of work for an extended period of time, you may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, and lost wages. The Dog Attack Attorneys at Emery | Reddy may be able to help you receive the benefits to which you are entitled.
Washington State L&I Claim
A Washington state L&I claim results from a workplace injury or industrial disease. An L&I claim is monitored and managed by an L&I Claims Manager who sees the process through from initial claim filing to closure. If all goes as planned, your claim is accepted by L&I and you will receive certain benefits.
When you are injured or contract certain types of illnesses at work, you are entitled to certain workers’ compensation benefits. You can file an L&I claim in Washington state through the L&I website’s File Fast tool, by calling the L&I office at 877.561.3453, or at your doctor’s office. After you file, it is imperative that you call an experienced L&I attorney to help you navigate the L&I claims process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Medical benefits: L&I medical benefits will cover all medical costs associated with your claim. This can include doctor appointments, treatments, surgeries, occupational therapy, and prescription medications.
- Time-loss benefits: If you are approved for time-loss benefits, you may receive compensation for lost wages and vocational rehabilitation.
- Damages for pain and suffering: L&I award amounts vary widely and typically fall into three categories:
1. L&I disability pension: A life-long benefit awarded to injured workers who will never be able to return to any gainful employment due to a severe or life-threatening injury.
2. Permanent partial disability (PPD) award: A one-time sum paid to injured workers when their L&I claim is closed. The worker can re-enter the workforce following a PPD award.
3. Claim resolution settlement agreement (CRSA): An L&I settlement option where all parties agree to close an injury claim for a specified amount. When agreeing to this settlement type, the injured worker exchanges all future benefits, except medical, for the payment.
We understand that many families depend on the income of an injured worker, and our L&I and Personal Injury Attorneys are dedicated to winning the benefits and compensation you are entitled to by law. Our practice was founded on a commitment to advocating for workers’ rights, and we are proud of our record protecting the injured and disabled. Call us today for a Free Case Review with an experienced Intake Specialist and learn how Emery | Reddy may be able to help. No fee unless we recover for you.
