Personal Injury

Washington Dog Bite Lawyer.

A dog attack can leave victims with serious injuries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. In Washington, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets—even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. If you or a loved one has been bitten, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Moran Kelley PLLC, we help dog bite victims hold negligent owners accountable and recover the damages they deserve.

We can help.
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Dog bites can cause severe injuries, including puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, and psychological trauma. We fight for compensation to cover medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and emotional distress.

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Insurance companies often downplay dog bite claims, offering low settlements or shifting blame to the victim. We handle all negotiations and legal proceedings to fight for fair compensation.

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Washington state has strict liability laws, meaning a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog—regardless of prior behavior.

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If a settlement isn’t offered, we are prepared to take your case to trial and aggressively advocate for your rights.

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Do I Have a Dog Bite Case?

Washington’s dog bite law (RCW 16.08.040) makes dog owners liable for bite injuries in most situations. You may have a case if:

  • The dog bite occurred

    The dog bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.

  • The bite resulted in serious injuries

    The bite resulted in serious injuries, including deep wounds, fractures, or permanent scarring.

  • The dog owner failed

    The dog owner failed to control their pet in public areas or ignored leash laws.

  • You were not trespassing

    You were not trespassing or provoking the dog when the attack occurred.

Dog bite injuries can lead to infection, nerve damage, emotional trauma, and long-term disability. Seeking legal representation can help you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Dog Bite FAQs

  • Who is responsible for a dog bite in Washington?

    Washington is a strict liability state, meaning the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries their pet causes, even if the dog had no history of aggression.

  • What compensation can I recover in a dog bite case?

    A dog bite injury claim may include:

    • Medical bills and reconstructive surgery
    • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering for physical and emotional trauma
    • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

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

    Washington law allows three years from the date of the attack to file a dog bite injury claim. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

  • What if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?

    Many dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s insurance, meaning compensation may come from an insurance company rather than the dog owner directly.

  • How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?

    We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.

Get the Legal Help You Need

If you were injured in a dog attack in Washington, you may be entitled to compensation.