Tacoma 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.
Under RCW 16.08.040, a dog owner in Washington 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 $460,000 for a dog bite victim, and our Tacoma office at 524 Tacoma Ave S handles bite and attack cases across Pierce County with no fee unless we win. Call a Tacoma dog bite lawyer at 253-367-0967.
Is the dog owner automatically liable in Washington?
For a bite, in most cases yes. You do not have to prove the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. Injuries caused by a dog knocking someone down or chasing a cyclist are pursued under ordinary negligence or the common-law rule for owners who know their dog is dangerous. Tacoma Municipal Code Title 17 requires dogs to be leashed off the owner’s property and sets rules for dangerous and potentially dangerous animals; a violation is strong evidence of negligence.
What defenses will the insurer raise?
Provocation under RCW 16.08.060 bars recovery if the victim provoked the dog; insurers stretch that to cover petting, walking past or a child’s normal behavior, and the courts do not. Trespass: strict liability applies only to people lawfully on the property, which RCW 16.08.050 defines broadly to include mail carriers, delivery drivers and guests. Comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005 may also be argued. We answer these defenses with animal control records, witness statements and, where needed, animal behavior experts.
Who pays for a dog bite in Tacoma?
Almost always the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not the owner personally, which is why claims against a friend, neighbor or relative’s policy rarely damage the relationship. Some policies exclude certain breeds; we then look for umbrella coverage, pet liability endorsements, or a landlord or business that shared responsibility for the dog. The Insurance Information Institute reports that homeowners insurers paid $1.1 billion on 19,062 dog-related injury claims in 2023.
What should I do after a dog bite in Tacoma?
- Get medical care immediately. About one in five dog bites becomes infected. MultiCare Tacoma General, St. Joseph Medical Center, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital or urgent care can clean the wound and start rabies and tetanus prophylaxis.
- Identify the dog and owner, including the dog’s vaccination status and the owner’s insurance.
- Report the bite to Tacoma Animal Control (through the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County) or, outside city limits, Pierce County Animal Control. The report creates an official record and triggers a quarantine and dangerous-dog review.
- Photograph the injuries the same day and as they heal.
- Get witness contact information.
- Do not accept an early offer; scars and psychological injuries take months to assess.
What is a Tacoma dog bite case worth?
It depends on the injuries, the scarring, the psychological effects and the insurance available. Recoverable damages include emergency and surgical care, future scar-revision surgery (especially for children), therapy for PTSD and fear of dogs, lost wages, and pain, suffering and disfigurement. Washington does not cap non-economic damages.
How long do I have to file?
Three years from the bite under RCW 4.16.080. For a child the clock generally does not start until age 18, but evidence and the animal control file are easiest to obtain right away. A bite by a government-owned dog or on public property with a claim against the City or County requires a pre-suit claim under RCW 4.96.020.
How much does a Tacoma dog bite lawyer cost?
Nothing up front. Free consultation, costs advanced, fee only from the recovery.
Dog bite 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
Does the breed matter?
No. Washington’s statute applies to every dog. See bites by non-dangerous breeds.
What counts as provoking a dog?
Hitting, teasing, cornering or hurting the dog. Ordinary behavior is not provocation. See what behavior is considered provoking a dog.
Will the dog be put down because of my claim?
No. A civil claim seeks compensation from insurance; decisions about the dog are made by animal control separately.
Talk to a Tacoma dog bite lawyer
Call Emerald Law Group at 253-367-0967 or request a free consultation online. Related: Tacoma personal injury lawyer, Seattle dog bite lawyer.
Emerald Law Group – Tacoma
524 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
253-367-0967
