Washington’s Dog Bite Laws
Washington is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites and animal attacks, which means that a dog owner may be held liable for injuries their dog causes, even if the animal had no history of aggression. According to state law, dog owners are responsible for any bite that occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully present on private property.
The law does not require the victim to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog was known to be dangerous. However, there are specific circumstances in which liability may be limited, so it is helpful to work with a dog bite attorney from the beginning of your case.
How to Hold a Dog Owner Liable
Taking legal action against a dog owner involves gathering evidence and presenting a compelling case. While you need to recover from a serious injury, this complicated process can become outright overwhelming. Let our Bellevue dog bite attorneys take care of everything for you.
Holding a dog owner liable for injuries caused by their pet usually includes these steps:
- Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries and the location where the bite occurred. If possible, photograph the dog and write down its breed.
- Report to Animal Control: Filing a report with local animal control authorities can help document the incident. In Bellevue, Regional Animal Services of King County responds 24/7 to reports of dangerous animals; the office can be called at 206-296-7387, but 911 should be used if there has been a serious injury or the animal is still posing an imminent threat.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your wounds seem minor, you should see a doctor. You may need a rabies vaccination. Also, medical records serve as evidence of the extent of your injuries and the care required when filing a claim later.
- Gather Witness Statements: If any witnesses were present at the time, their accounts could strengthen your claim, so write down their contact information.
- Contact an Attorney: A skilled dog bite lawyer from Carpenter & Zuckerman can help prepare your case by collecting additional evidence, handling communications with insurers, and so on.
Reasons Dog Owners Might Have Reduced Liability
Although Washington’s strict liability laws favor victims, there are instances where a dog owner may argue to reduce or eliminate responsibility for a bite. We can see if any of these situations apply to your case and plan around them accordingly.
The most common reasons why a dog owner might have reduced liability in a dog bite case include:
- Trespassing: A dog owner may not be held liable if the victim was unlawfully on private property and had been warned about the dog, such as through adequate signage around exterior gates.
- Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog through teasing, hitting, or otherwise aggravating it, the owner may be able to shift some liability.
- Self-Defense by the Dog: If the victim injured either the dog or the owner, causing the animal to act in self-defense, the victim might be found greatly liable.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites & How Compensation Can Help
Dog bites can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological effects, such as:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
- Infections
- Soft tissue damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Compensation from a dog bite claim can help address the financial and emotional burden of such injuries by covering the related costs. Our attorneys know how to calculate the damages owed to you and pursue every cent. For example, you might be able to seek compensation that helps pay for medical expenses, medical costs, and lost wages or income. We also factor in your pain and suffering, which can be calculated as non-economic damages.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
The hours and days after a dog bite can feel chaotic, especially if you are worried about infection, scarring, or how to pay for treatment. Having a simple plan can make it easier to protect both your health and your legal rights. Taking a few organized steps can also create a strong record of what happened, which is helpful if you decide to pursue a claim later.
After you have received emergency care, try to write down everything you remember about the incident while it is still fresh. Include the date, time, and exact location in Bellevue, such as whether it happened on a neighborhood sidewalk, at a park like Downtown Park or Crossroads Park, or inside a residential building. Note any conversations you had with the dog’s owner or others at the scene, and keep copies of discharge papers, prescriptions, and receipts related to your treatment and travel.
It is also useful to avoid discussing fault or posting about the attack on social media until you have spoken with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters sometimes review online posts and may try to use casual comments against you. Instead, keep your information in a private file and share it with a dog bite attorney in Bellevue who can help you decide on the next steps. That way, you stay in control of the information being shared about your case and can make decisions based on clear legal guidance rather than pressure from an insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Washington?
In Washington, most dog bite claims are subject to the general personal injury statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the ability to pursue your claim in court. Because calculating the exact time limit can depend on the facts of your situation, including the age of the person who was bitten, it is wise to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can after the incident.
Can I Bring a Claim If My Child Was Bitten by a Dog?
Yes, a claim can usually be brought on behalf of a child who has been bitten by a dog. Children often suffer deep emotional and physical effects from dog attacks, so documenting medical care and counseling is especially important. A parent or legal guardian typically acts on the child’s behalf during the legal process, and any settlement may require additional paperwork or court approval to protect the child’s interests.
Do I Need to Report a Dog Bite to Authorities?
Reporting a dog bite helps create an official record and can alert local authorities to a potentially dangerous situation. In Bellevue and the rest of King County, animal control agencies can investigate, issue warnings, or take other steps to prevent future incidents. A report can also support a later injury claim by confirming key details, such as the date of the attack, the location, and information about the dog and its owner.
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in Bellevue Today
Dog bite claims can be difficult, especially when navigating Washington’s laws and dealing with insurance companies. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our Bellevue dog bite attorneys are here to make the process simpler for you from start to finish. With our experience and resources, we are always prepared to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
Working with a local team means you have lawyers who are familiar with King County courts, Bellevue neighborhoods, and the way insurers typically handle dog bite cases in this area. We can meet with you in person or virtually, review any letters or forms you have received, and outline a plan that fits your circumstances. From the first call, we focus on answering your questions in clear terms and relieving as much stress as possible so you can focus on your recovery.
We offer free consultations to discuss dog bite cases. Call (425) 470-5741 to request one with our Bellevue dog bite lawyer.
