Washington Dog Bite Attorneys

The Owner Is Liable — Even If This Is the Dog's "First Time"

Getting bitten by a dog is scary, and it often comes with a strange kind of guilt — like you should have been more careful, or like it's somehow not a "real" injury compared to a car accident. It is. And in Washington, you don't have to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous to hold them accountable.

You may be wondering:

• Do I actually have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
• Who's going to pay for my medical bills and scarring treatment?
• Will the owner's homeowner's insurance actually cover this?
• Will anyone actually call me back?

Palace Law has represented injured clients across Washington since 1995, recovering more than $175 million for our clients. Call (253) 544-5935 for a free, 24/7 consultation.

Why Clients Trust Palace Law With a Dog Bite Claim

Dog bite cases hinge on knowing Washington's specific liability law — and on not letting an insurer downplay an injury that's often more serious, and more disfiguring, than people expect.

• We know Washington's strict liability law cold. Under RCW 16.08.040, a dog owner is automatically responsible for injuries their dog causes — regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or had ever shown aggression before. Insurers sometimes act like you have to prove "the owner should have known." In Washington, you don't.
• A dedicated team, not a solo attorney. Every client gets a lead attorney, paralegal, and case manager, so you're never waiting on one person to call back.
• $175M+ recovered for clients since 1995, including a $16 million wrongful death settlement.
• 1,500+ positive client reviews and 30+ years of Washington-specific experience.
• A client-first fee philosophy — contingency-based, with no upfront costs.

Dog Bite Statistics

Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States, with nearly 1,000 treated in emergency rooms daily — this is a far more common injury than most people realize before it happens to them.

Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

Puncture wounds requiring stitches, cuts and lacerations that may need surgery, contusions and bruising, fractures from the force of a bite, nerve damage causing numbness or weakness, infections from bacteria introduced into the wound, and psychological trauma including PTSD.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Washington?

In Washington, the dog's owner is automatically responsible for damages resulting from a bite under RCW 16.08.040 — this is true even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to think it was dangerous. This is a meaningful protection for victims: you don't have to prove the owner was negligent in how they handled or trained the dog, only that the bite happened and caused your injury.

What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?

Seek immediate medical attention, identify the dog and its owner if possible, photograph your injuries and the location of the incident, collect contact information from witnesses, report the bite to animal control or the police, and preserve evidence like torn clothing or medical records.

What Damages Are Recoverable in a Dog Bite Claim?

Medical expenses and treatment costs, lost earnings and earning capacity, permanent scarring and disfigurement, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Scarring and disfigurement claims are worth taking seriously in dog bite cases specifically — facial and hand injuries are common and can carry compensation beyond just medical bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prove the dog was dangerous before to have a case?

No. Washington's strict liability law means the owner is responsible regardless of the dog's prior history. This is a key difference from states that require proving the owner "knew or should have known" the dog was dangerous.

What if the dog bite happened on the owner's property?

You can still recover — Washington's strict liability statute applies regardless of where the bite occurred, as long as you were lawfully present.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Washington?

Generally, three years from the date of the incident, under the same personal injury statute of limitations that applies to most Washington injury claims (RCW 4.16.080).

How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

Your lawyer can help you understand your rights under Washington's strict liability law, gather evidence, negotiate with the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, and pursue compensation — including at trial if a fair settlement can't be reached.

How Palace Law Can Help With Your Dog Bite Claim

With millions recovered for the wrongfully injured in Washington and deep familiarity with the state's strict liability dog bite law, Palace Law gives your case the time and personalized attention it deserves — including scarring and disfigurement claims that are too often undervalued by insurers.

Call (253) 544-5935 to schedule a free consultation.