Dog Bite Attorney

Washington LawStrict Liability Puts the Burden on the Dog Owner

In many states, a dog owner gets "one free bite" — they're only liable once they know the dog is dangerous. Washington doesn't work that way.

The exceptions are narrower than most people assume. The two main ones are trespass (the injured person was unlawfully on the owner's property) and provocation (the injured person provoked the dog). Neither applies automatically — an insurer claiming provocation, for example, has to actually prove it, and "the dog didn't like being approached" doesn't qualify. If an insurer is trying to use one of these defenses against your claim, that's exactly the kind of argument an attorney should be handling for you.

This page provides general information about Washington law and is not legal advice. The rules that apply depend on the specific facts of your situation; contact us to discuss your case.

Be HonestWhen a Minor Bite Doesn't Require a Lawyer

A superficial nip that needed only basic first aid — no stitches, no lost work, no lasting mark — can often be resolved directly with the owner or a minor insurance reimbursement without hiring counsel. We'll tell you plainly if that's your situation.

It stops being a DIY situation when any of these are true:

• You needed medical treatment beyond basic first aid — stitches, antibiotics, reconstructive care, or rabies prophylaxis.
• The bite left scarring, especially on the face or hands.
• You lost time from work or suffered nerve, tendon, or bone damage.
• A child was the victim.
• The owner or their insurer is disputing the claim, offering a quick settlement, or pushing you for a recorded statement.

Any of those is a signal to call before you sign anything.

First 72 HoursWhat to Do Right After a Dog Bite

The legal deadline is three years — but the evidence window is days. Here's what matters right now:

1. Get medical care. Many serious dog bite injuries in the South Hill area are treated at MultiCare Good Samaritan. The medical record documents the injury before it heals.
2. Photograph the wound immediately and again over the following days as bruising and swelling develop fully.
3. File an animal control or police report. This creates an official record and triggers Washington's dangerous-dog assessment process if warranted.
4. Get the owner's information — name, address, phone, insurance. If there were witnesses, get their contact details too.
5. Don't give a recorded statement to the owner's insurer before speaking with an attorney.

Where It HappenedRental Properties, Parks, and Local Liability Scenarios

Where the bite happened can add complexity to who is responsible — and in Puyallup's South Hill area, a few specific settings come up often.

What Happens NextThe Claim Process and What the Dog's Future Looks Like

On the civil side, a dog bite claim typically moves through a free consultation, medical records and evidence gathering, identification of the applicable insurance policy (often the owner's homeowners or renters policy), negotiation with the insurer, and if needed, filing suit in Pierce County Superior Court.

On the animal-control side, Washington law allows a dangerous-dog or potentially-dangerous-dog designation after a bite (RCW 16.08.070–.100), which can trigger registration requirements, confinement rules, or impoundment. A designation can also support a civil claim by establishing a documented history of aggression, even if this was the first actual bite.

We handle dog bite claims on a contingency-fee basis — no attorney fee upfront, a fee only if we recover for you. You work directly with Rob Lloyd and Tim Greene throughout.