Washington is a famously dog-friendly state. Where there is outdoor seating, you will almost surely find dogs of all shapes and sizes. Though we love our furry friends, dog bites are sadly an inevitability.

Though potentially fatal, even relatively minor bites can leave long-lasting psychological scars. Thankfully, Washington law is favors the victims of dog attacks.

Strict Liability

Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable for the victim’s injuries, even if the dog has never shown aggression before and even if the owner was not negligent. You don’t have to prove that the dog was dangerous or that the owner did anything wrong.

There are a few key details to note:

• The injury must occur while the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property (for example, they were invited onto the owner’s property).
• The person bitten doesn’t need to have provoked the dog for the owner to be held liable.
• This law does not apply to the lawful application of a police dog

See RCW 16.08.040

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

• Medical treatment: Seek medical attention immediately for any dog bite, even if the injury seems minor, to avoid infection or complications.
• Report the incident: Report the bite to local animal control and the police
• Document the injury: Take pictures and document everything related to the bite, including medical records and details of the incident.
• Dog owner’s insurance: Many homeowners or renters’ insurance policies cover dog bites. If you can determine the dog’s owner, you can contact their insurance provider to file a claim. In some cases, personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation if the dog owner’s insurance or assets don’t cover the full costs.]

Statute of Limitations

In Washington, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit for a dog bite, which is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims involving a minor is “tolled” until the child turns 18. This means the clock on the three-year statute of limitations doesn’t start ticking until the minor reaches adulthood.

In order to maximize any potential recovery, seek representation. Call Campbell Barnett at 253-848-3513. For a faster response, email johnf@campbellbarnettlaw.com

John M. Forsythe. Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney