Visiting family at Christmas gatherings is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But there’s also unexpected risks–like dog bites. If this has happened to you, you have legal rights that our team at CCD Law can help you with. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us support you through the process.
What Should You Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog at a Family Holiday Gathering?
A dog bite at a family holiday gathering can be difficult to navigate, especially when it involves someone you care about. To make the claims process smoother for everyone involved, here’s what you can do:
- Be respectful – Keep the conversation open and respectful with your family members. Explain that filing a claim is necessary to cover medical bills and other expenses–it’s about getting the care you need.
- Get insurance details – Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. Work with your family member to report the incident to their insurance company. This shifts the financial responsibility to the insurance, reducing any awkwardness between you.
- Document the situation fully – Take photos of your injuries, keep track of medical treatments, and record any time you miss from work. Clear documentation will help speed up the claims process–which will be easier on everyone.
- Be understanding – Dog bites can create tension, especially during the holidays. Focus on your need for medical care and recovery rather than placing blame.
You obviously don’t expect to be in this situation, given that you’re probably familiar with your family’s dogs and their temperament. But the reality is that a crowded holiday gathering can be stressful for even the most well-behaved dog. And while it’s uncomfortable, it’s important to lay out your options.
How Can You Recover Damages After a Dog Bite at a Family Holiday Gathering?
Being bitten by a family member’s dog during a holiday gathering is probably pretty emotionally fraught, but legally speaking, the situation is straightforward: your family member is responsible for your injuries because of Washington’s “strict liability” approach to dog bites.
From there, though, you actually have to file a claim to get the available “damages.” You do this either by filing an insurance claim out of court (probably the best option when a family member is involved) or through a lawsuit.
While you might not want to take legal action against a loved one, it’s important to address the financial impact of the bite. Serious injuries can lead to significant medical bills and other financial losses, and you shouldn’t have to bear those costs alone. That’s the thrust of your damages, but you can potentially recover any or all of the following:
- Medical expenses, covering your hospital visits, surgeries, or medication.
- Ongoing care needs for any physical therapy, rehabilitation, or long-term treatment for permanent injuries.
- Property damages, which covers repair or replacement costs for clothes or other property that was damaged.
- Lost wages, which cover any income you miss out because of time off work or reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering, covering both physical and mental pain.
- Emotional distress, which covers any related anxiety or emotional trauma from the incident.
- Reduced quality of life, covering costs relating to the loss of enjoyment in daily activities or family relationships.
In Washington, you typically have three years from the date of the bite to file a claim. While it may feel uncomfortable, remember that most claims are handled by homeowners’ insurance, not directly by your family member. But it’s still not easy. Our team can not only help you through the claims process, we can make sure things are kept respectful between you and your other family members.
Legal Help After a Dog Bite at a Holiday Gathering in Spokane
Getting bitten by a dog at a family holiday gathering can be painful and stressful. It’s not just about the injury–it can also create tension with loved ones.
CCD Law and our experienced Spokane dog bite lawyers will be there to help you handle the situation calmly and fairly. Our goal is to make sure you get the financial support you need while keeping things as smooth as possible for your family. Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation
