Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer

Reviewed by Michael Gustafson, founding attorney, Emerald Law Group. Seattle University School of Law, J.D. 2004 (magna cum laude). Last updated September 28, 2026.

Call a Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer

Washington is one of the strictest states in the country for dog owners: under RCW 16.08.040, an owner is liable the first time their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, whether or not the dog had ever shown aggression. Emerald Law Group has recovered compensation for dog bite victims in Seattle, King County and all over Washington state since 2010, including a $460,000 dog bite settlement, and we handle these cases with no fee unless we win. Call a Seattle dog bite lawyer at 206-826-5160 for a free consultation.

Is the dog owner automatically liable for a bite in Washington?

In most cases, yes. Washington’s strict liability statute means you do not have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. If the dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own home, the owner is liable for your damages.

The statute covers bites. Injuries caused by a dog knocking someone down, chasing a cyclist into traffic, or attacking without breaking skin are pursued under ordinary negligence or under the common-law rule that an owner who knows a dog is dangerous is liable for what it does. Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 9.25 also requires owners to keep dogs leashed off their property and to control dangerous animals; a violation is strong evidence of negligence.

What defenses will the owner’s insurance company raise?

Two, mainly. Provocation: RCW 16.08.060 bars recovery if the victim provoked the dog. Insurers stretch this to cover petting, walking past, or a child’s normal behavior; the courts do not. Trespass: strict liability applies only if you were lawfully on the property. RCW 16.08.050 defines lawful presence broadly, including mail carriers, delivery drivers, guests and anyone performing a duty under the law.

Comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005 may also be argued to reduce the recovery. We have handled these defenses many times and know how to answer them with animal control records, witness statements and, where needed, animal behavior experts.

Who pays for a dog bite injury?

Almost always the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not the owner personally. That matters when the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor or relative, which is the most common situation: the claim is made against the policy, and the relationship usually survives. Some policies exclude certain breeds; when that happens we look for umbrella coverage, pet liability endorsements, or a landlord or business that shared responsibility for the dog.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurers paid $1.1 billion on 19,062 dog-related injury claims in 2023, and the average cost per claim rose 82.5% between 2014 and 2023.

What is a Seattle dog bite case worth?

It depends on the injuries, the scarring, the psychological effects and the insurance available. Dog attack cases often carry higher value than their medical bills suggest because of permanent scarring, especially facial scarring in children, and because of the lasting fear of dogs many victims live with. Because of their traumatic nature, dog bite injuries are considered both physical and emotional.  Recoverable damages include:

• Emergency care, surgery, rabies and tetanus treatment, and infection care
• Reconstructive and scar-revision surgery, including future procedures as a child grows
• Therapy for PTSD, anxiety and fear of dogs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, disfigurement and loss of enjoyment of life

Washington does not cap non-economic damages in these cases.

What should I do after a dog bite in Seattle?

1. Get medical care immediately. Dog bites carry a high infection risk; about one in five becomes infected. Harborview, Swedish, UW Medical Center or urgent care can clean the wound and start prophylaxis.
2. Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address and insurance, and the dog’s vaccination status.
3. Report the bite to the Seattle Animal Shelter (Seattle Animal Control) or, outside city limits, King County Regional Animal Services. The report creates an official record and triggers a rabies quarantine and a dangerous-dog investigation.
4. Photograph the injuries the same day and as they heal, and photograph the location.
5. Get witness contact information.
6. Do not accept an early offer or give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurer. Scars and psychological injuries take months to assess.

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

Three years from the date of the bite under RCW 4.16.080. For a child, the clock generally does not start until age 18, but the family should not wait: evidence, witnesses and the animal control file are easiest to obtain right away. If the dog belonged to a government agency or the attack happened on public property with a claim against the City or County, a pre-suit claim under RCW 4.96.020 is required first.

Dog bite injuries we handle

Emerald Law Group represents adults and children bitten or attacked by dogs, including:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial injuries, scarring and disfigurement
• Broken and crushed bones, compound fractures
• Nerve damage and loss of function in the hands and arms
• Infections, including sepsis
• Injuries from being knocked down or chased
• PTSD, anxiety and depression, particularly in children
• Fatal attacks, brought as wrongful death claims

How much does a Seattle dog bite lawyer cost?

Nothing up front. The consultation is free, we advance the costs, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery. No recovery, no attorney fee.

Why choose Emerald Law Group for a dog bite case?

• We handle dog bite cases regularly, not occasionally, and we know how homeowner’s insurers evaluate them.
• Former insurance defense attorneys. We know the provocation and trespass arguments before they are made.
• Children’s cases. We handle court approval of minor settlements and structure recoveries to cover future scar revision.
• Attorneys, not case managers. Michael Gustafson, Donna Mack and Justin Dale handle your case personally.

Case results

Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.

• $460,000 – Dog bite injury
• $1.8 Million – Premises liability
• $1.2 Million – Slip and fall

Frequently asked questions about dog bites in Seattle

Does it matter what breed the dog was?

No. Washington’s statute applies to every dog. You do not have to show the dog was a “dangerous breed” or had bitten before. Read more: compensation for bites by non-dangerous breeds.

What if the owner did not know the dog was aggressive?

It does not matter for a bite. Strict liability applies regardless of the owner’s knowledge. See suing an owner who did not know the dog was vicious.

What counts as provoking a dog?

Hitting, teasing, cornering or hurting the dog. Ordinary behavior such as walking by, reaching to pet, or a small child moving suddenly is generally not provocation. See what behavior is considered provoking a dog.

Can I sue a landlord or a business where the bite happened?

Sometimes. A landlord who knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous, or a business that allowed a dangerous dog on the premises, can share liability. See restaurant liability for a dog bite.

My child was bitten. How is that different?

Children’s cases involve a court-approved settlement, future scar revision as the child grows, and a longer limitations period. The emotional injury is often the largest component of the claim.

Will the dog be put down?

Not because of your claim. A civil claim seeks compensation from insurance. Any decision about the dog is made by animal control under the dangerous-dog rules, separately from the insurance claim.

Talk to a Seattle dog bite lawyer

If you or your child was bitten, knocked down or attacked by a dog in Seattle or King County, call Emerald Law Group at 206-826-5160 or request a free consultation online. We will preserve the evidence, deal with the insurer, and pursue the full compensation Washington law provides.

Emerald Law Group
605 First Avenue, Suite 325, Seattle, WA 98104
524 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402 · 253-367-0967 · Tacoma dog bite lawyer

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