Legal Question in Personal Injury in Washington

injured by dog

I was riding my bike when 3 dogs chased me causing a crash where I knocked unconscious with a concussion with soft tissue injury and muscle/neck pain.This has been an on going problem which I contacted the property owner about but to no avail.The property owner says the dogs belong to her daughter who lives on the property in a seperate house.The daughter has no insurance and is basically broke.Can I file a claim against the property owners insurance even though the dogs are not hers?


Asked on 1/25/09, 1:08 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Kornfeld Robert B Kornfeld, Attorney at Law, Inc., P.S.

Re: injured by dog

Hi

In answer to your question, it depends.

1. If you can show that the owner of the property on which the daughter's house sat knew of the dangerous dogs and was warned, then you'll have a case against the owner of the property if you can show notice and if you can show the daughter's house is on the owner's property and not a separate piece.

2. If you can show there is insurance, then you'll have coverage including some modest med pay.

Feel free to call or email to discuss.

web address is kornfeldlaw.com

Rob

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Answered on 1/25/09, 1:15 pm
Robert Kornfeld Robert B Kornfeld, Attorney at Law, Inc., P.S.

Re: injured by dog

Hi

In answer to your question, it depends.

1. If you can show that the owner of the property on which the daughter's house sat knew of the dangerous dogs and was warned, then you'll have a case against the owner of the property if you can show notice and if you can show the daughter's house is on the owner's property and not a separate piece.

2. If you can show there is insurance, then you'll have coverage including some modest med pay.

Feel free to call or email to discuss.

web address is kornfeldlaw.com

Rob

Read more
Answered on 1/25/09, 1:15 pm
Robert Kornfeld Robert B Kornfeld, Attorney at Law, Inc., P.S.

Re: injured by dog

Hi

In answer to your question, it depends.

1. If you can show that the owner of the property on which the daughter's house sat knew of the dangerous dogs and was warned, then you'll have a case against the owner of the property if you can show notice and if you can show the daughter's house is on the owner's property and not a separate piece.

2. If you can show there is insurance, then you'll have coverage including some modest med pay.

Feel free to call or email to discuss.

web address is kornfeldlaw.com

Rob

Read more
Answered on 1/25/09, 1:16 pm
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: injured by dog

I am sorry to hear of your injury. It's sad that someone would be so reckless with their dog, much less three of them! I hope you are successful against the property owner to prevent anyone else being hurt the same way. If nothing else, you should call animal control so other people are protected.

If your discussion with the property owner happened before the injury, or you can otherwise show that the property owner knew the dogs he allowed to be kept on his property were dangerous, then you can make a claim against the owner.

Besides, it's awfully easy for him to now claim that dogs belong to someone else. Contact me directly if you'd like further assistance.

At your service,

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Answered on 1/25/09, 1:26 pm


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