Seattle Dog Bite Attorneys

Washington Dog Bite Law

Washington has some of the most straightforward dog bite laws in the country. Under state law, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone. This means that a victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression.

Important aspects of Washington dog bite law include:

• Strict Liability Standard: Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
• Location Matters: The law applies if the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property.
• No “One Bite Rule”: Unlike some states, Washington does not require proof that the dog previously showed dangerous tendencies.
• Applies to All Breeds: Liability is not limited to certain types of dogs.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, compensation may be reduced or denied. A knowledgeable Seattle dog bite attorney can evaluate your case and determine how the law applies to your specific situation.

Proving a Dog Bite Claim

Although Washington follows a strict liability rule, building a strong case still requires evidence. Your attorney will work to establish key elements, such as:

• The identity of the dog and its owner
• The circumstances of the attack
• The extent of your injuries
• Proof that you were lawfully present

Evidence may include medical records, photographs, witness statements, and expert testimony. A thorough investigation is essential to maximizing your compensation.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents

Dog attacks often occur due to preventable circumstances. Understanding the causes can help establish liability in a claim.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Failure to properly restrain or leash a dog
• Inadequate fencing or unsecured yards
• Lack of training or socialization
• Negligent supervision around children
• Allowing aggressive dogs to roam freely

When dog owners fail to take reasonable precautions, they put others at risk. Holding them accountable is a key step in preventing future incidents.

Common Injuries in Dog Bite Accidents

Common injuries may include the following:

• Puncture Wounds: A dog’s sharp teeth can puncture the skin, causing deep wounds that may result in infections or other complications. These puncture wounds can penetrate muscles, tendons, and bones, requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Lacerations and Scarring: Bites often result in severe cuts and tears to the skin, leading to permanent scarring. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore the affected area’s appearance and function.
• Nerve Damage: Dog bites can damage nerves, resulting in temporary or permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected areas.
• Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can easily enter the body through bite wounds, leading to infections like cellulitis, sepsis, or even tetanus and rabies in rare cases. These infections can require prolonged medical treatment and, in extreme situations, may be life-threatening.
• Broken Bones: Larger or more aggressive dogs may exert significant force during an attack, leading to broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or legs. Fractures often require surgery, casting, or physical therapy to heal.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, dog bite victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Accident Claim?

These damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes both current and future medical costs that are related to the dog bite injury. Compensation can cover emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing care required for recovery.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both the time you’ve already missed and any future loss of earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
• Pain and Suffering: Dog bites can cause substantial physical and emotional pain. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to account for the non-economic damages that impact a victim’s quality of life. This can include compensation for anxiety, depression, and diminished enjoyment of life.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face, could lead to considerable psychological distress. Compensation may be granted for the emotional trauma and embarrassment associated with permanent physical changes.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: In severe injuries, long-term rehabilitation or therapy may be required to restore function and improve quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling may all be covered under a dog bite accident claim.
• Property Damage: In some instances, personal property, like clothing, eyeglasses, or electronic devices, may be damaged during a dog attack. Victims may be qualified to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
• Punitive Damages: In certain situations, if the dog owner’s behavior is particularly reckless or egregious—such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam without restraint—punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to penalize the dog owner and deter similar manners in the future.

What If I Was Attacked By an Off-Duty Police Dog?

If a police dog bites you outside of its legal application, you can also file a claim or lawsuit. The language of the code governing the legal application of police dogs is very ambiguous, stating that "[a]ny dog handler who uses a police dog in the line of duty in good faith is immune from civil action for damages arising out of such use of the police dog or accelerant detection dog." If you are suing for injuries inflicted by a police dog, you must prove that the dog's handler acted in bad faith, which can be as tricky as it is ambiguous. This could mean that the handler encouraged the dog to attack you when it was not necessary or that the police dog was being used to intimidate you as part of an unlawful investigation; however, this is very difficult to prove on its own, and especially so when suing a government entity. 

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in Seattle Today

At CZ, we understand the trauma and long-term effects that a dog bite can have on you or your family. We are here to provide legal assistance and seek justice for victims of dog bites. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling these types of cases and can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. 

Our Seattle dog bite attorneys strive to give our clients personalized attention, so if you need help with a dog bite case, contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we'll build an effective strategy and endeavor to get you the compensation you need to heal.

To schedule a free initial consultation, call our Seattle dog bite lawyers at (425) 585-4009. We accept cases throughout Washington, including Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Wenatchee, and Pierce County.