Archive for strict liability

What to Do Legally After a Dog Bite Injury in Washington State

What to Do Legally After a Dog Bite Injury in Washington State

Dog bites can cause more than just physical pain. They often result in infection, scarring, emotional trauma, and medical bills that quickly add up. In Washington State, the law holds dog owners strictly liable when their pet attacks someone without provocation—even if the dog has never shown aggression before.

Washington’s dog bite statute, RCW 16.08.040, makes this clear: if a dog bites a person who is lawfully in a public or private place, the owner is liable for the damages. This applies whether the incident occurs in a public park, on a sidewalk, or at someone’s home.

Victims do not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent. Unlike other types of injury claims, Washington law imposes strict liability. That means the owner is responsible simply because the bite happened. This is true even if the dog had never bitten before or wasn’t known to be dangerous.

Victims should take immediate steps after a bite:

  • Seek medical attention — even minor-looking bites can get infected.
  • Report the incident to local animal control or the police.
  • Document everything — take photos of the injuries, the location, and the dog if possible.
  • Get witness statements and identify the dog’s owner.

Insurance may cover some or all of the damages. Homeowners or renters insurance often includes liability coverage for dog bites. But victims may need to file a claim or even a lawsuit to receive full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Dog bite claims must be filed within three years of the date of the incident under Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations. Failing to act in time can result in losing the right to recover any damages.

Some cases involve additional factors, like children who were bitten or attacks by dogs labeled as “dangerous breeds.” Washington courts generally apply the same legal rules regardless of breed, but owners of dogs with known aggression may face more scrutiny.

Being bitten can have long-term consequences. Beyond physical injuries, many people experience anxiety, PTSD, or fear of animals after an attack. Mental health care and therapy can be part of the compensation sought in a legal claim.

Dog owners, too, should understand their obligations. Keeping dogs properly leashed, fenced, and under control at all times isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a legal responsibility. Violating leash laws or failing to control a dog can strengthen a victim’s case in court.

Each dog bite case is unique. But Washington law is clear: victims have rights, and owners are accountable.

E‑Bike and E‑Scooter Lithium Battery Explosions – Product Liability and Consumer Danger

E‑Bike and E‑Scooter Lithium Battery Explosions – Product Liability and Consumer Danger

E-bikes and e-scooters are everywhere — from city streets to delivery fleets to suburban garages. But behind the convenience lies a growing legal risk: lithium-ion battery fires. These devices have sparked lawsuits across the country, including in Washington, where injured riders and homeowners are beginning to hold manufacturers accountable for fires, burns, and property damage caused by defective or poorly made batteries.

What happens when your mode of transportation becomes a fire hazard? Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, explode, or ignite when they’re overcharged, punctured, exposed to high temperatures, or manufactured with internal defects. For some, the danger doesn’t appear until the scooter is parked inside a home, or the battery is charging silently in a garage.

The central legal issue is product liability. Were the batteries properly tested? Did the manufacturer issue appropriate warnings? Was the charger included with the device UL-certified? These questions determine whether a manufacturer or retailer is responsible for injuries caused by thermal runaway — the chemical reaction that can trigger an explosion or fire in faulty batteries.

Is the manufacturer always liable? Not always — but in many cases, they are. If a battery was defectively designed, poorly assembled, or lacked safety mechanisms, that’s grounds for strict liability. Retailers may also be responsible if they failed to warn customers, sold devices without proper certifications, or ignored safety recalls. In some cases, victims may also have claims against importers or shipping companies, especially when the product was sourced from overseas and sold in the U.S. market.

Do riders have any responsibility? Riders may be accused of misusing the device, overcharging the battery, or exposing it to moisture. But most e-bike and scooter owners use these devices exactly as intended. When something explodes during routine use — or while charging overnight — the courts often side with consumers, especially when no clear warning was provided.

What evidence helps in a battery fire case? Photos of the damaged device, the charging area, and any remaining packaging can be critical. So can surveillance video, receipts, and the device’s instruction manual. In many cases, the battery itself is sent to a forensic lab for testing. Attorneys often bring in battery experts or electrical engineers to reconstruct what went wrong and why.

Why does this matter to homeowners and tenants? E-bike battery fires can cause serious structural damage. If your insurance claim is denied or underpaid, a product liability claim may be your best path to full compensation — not just for physical injuries, but for property loss, temporary relocation, and emotional trauma.

As micromobility devices grow in popularity, the need for legal accountability grows with them. Cities may adopt stricter regulations. But for now, the burden often falls on individual consumers to fight back after an injury — and make sure dangerous products are pulled from the market before someone else gets hurt.