Dog Bite Laws in Washington State: What You Need to Know

A dog attack happens in an instant, but the physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime. One moment, you’re enjoying a walk, visiting a friend or delivering a package for your job, and the next, you’re in excruciating pain, left with deep wounds, nerve damage, or even permanent disfigurement.

In Washington State, dog owners can be held accountable when their pet causes harm, but many victims don’t realize their legal rights or how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. With an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occurring in the U.S. each year, it’s a far more common — and devastating — injury than people realize.

Our Seattle dog bite attorneys help victims navigate these complex situations. Keep reading to learn what you need to know if you or a loved one has suffered from a dog attack.

Who Is Liable for Your Dog Bite Injuries?

People who are attacked by a dog can demand money for their injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. If dog owners have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, these policies are usually involved in any dog bite litigation.

Compensable damages in dog bite cases typically include:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, antibiotics, rabies treatments)
• Future medical costs (reconstructive surgery, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Property damage

For children who suffer dog bites, compensation may also include future cosmetic procedures to address scarring as they grow. However, most young children have to live with facial and other bodily scars for their entire childhood until they are in their early 20s, when scar revision surgery can be done.

Washington Dog Bite Laws: Defining Dog Ownership

In Washington, the legal "owner" isn't always limited to the person on the dog's registration. Anyone who harbors, keeps, or controls a dog can be held responsible for its actions. This means that even temporary caretakers or those who provide shelter might be considered owners for the purposes of liability in a dog bite incident.

What Is the Dog Bite Rule in Washington State?

Washington State follows what's known as "strict liability" for dog bites, which makes the legal landscape fairly straightforward for victims. Unlike some states that follow a "one bite rule", Washington holds dog owners responsible regardless of whether their dog has previously shown aggressive behavior.

Under RCW 16.08.040, the owner is legally responsible for the victim's damages when a dog bites someone.

The law states explicitly that it doesn't matter if:

• The dog had never bitten anyone before
• The owner had no prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous tendencies
• The owner took reasonable precautions to prevent the bite

This strict liability applies when the victim is:

• In a public place lawfully
• On private property with permission (including the owner's property)

However, there are some exceptions to owner liability:

• If the victim was trespassing on private property
• If the victim provoked the dog (though this can be difficult to prove)
• If the bite came from a police dog performing official duties

The law also extends to damages caused to other animals. For example, if one owner's dog attacks and injures another person's pet, the attacking dog's owner is responsible for veterinary costs and other related damages.

Leash Laws in Washington State

Washington State doesn't have a single leash law that applies everywhere.

Instead, leash requirements vary by location:

• State parks: Dogs must be kept on no longer than 8-foot leashes.
• City and county laws: Many local municipalities have their own leash requirements. For instance, King County requires dogs to be on leashes in all public areas except designated off-leash dog parks.
• Dog control zones: Under RCW 16.10.020, counties can establish special dog control zones in densely populated areas with specific restrictions on dog management.
• Private properties: Schools, shopping centers, and other private establishments often set their own rules regarding dogs.

Even without explicit leash laws in certain areas, all Washington dog owners have a duty to prevent their pets from causing harm. If your dog is known to be aggressive, added precautions are legally required regardless of local leash laws.

In most urban and suburban areas throughout Washington, keeping your dog leashed in public is good practice and often legally required. Dog owners who ignore leash laws face potential liability for bites and any injuries their dogs cause, such as knockdowns or bicycle accidents.

What to Do After a Dog Bite?

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite incident in Washington, taking prompt and proper action can protect both your health and your legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Even seemingly minor dog bites can cause serious infections. Call 911 for severe injuries, especially if the victim is a child or elderly person. Proper medical documentation also strengthens any future legal claim.
• Identify the dog and owner: Obtain the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information. If possible, get vaccination records, particularly for rabies.
• Gather witness information: Collect contact details from anyone who saw the attack or is familiar with the dog's history of aggressive behavior.
• Document everything: Take clear photos of your injuries before treatment and continue documenting the healing process. Photograph the location where the bite occurred, including any relevant factors like broken fences or "Beware of Dog" signs.
• Report the incident: File a report with your local animal control agency (more on this below).
• Save all records: Keep copies of medical bills, prescription costs, lost wages records, and any other expenses related to the bite.
• Contact a professional dog bite attorney: Many victims don't realize they're entitled to compensation beyond just medical bills. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a dog bite claim to recover damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other costs.

Don't downplay your injuries or accept quick settlement offers from insurance companies before consulting with an attorney. Dog bite injuries often have long-term consequences that may not be immediately apparent.

Reporting Dog Bites to Authorities

Reporting a dog bite to local animal control is essential for several reasons:

• It creates an official record of the incident
• It helps protect others from potential future attacks
• It may be required by law in your jurisdiction
• It provides documentation that strengthens your claim

When filing a report, be prepared to provide:

• Your contact information
• Information about the dog and its owner
• Details about when and where the bite occurred
• Description of injuries
• Information about any witnesses

Animal control will typically investigate the incident and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies. They'll also determine if the dog should be classified as "dangerous" under local regulations.

Time Limitations for Filing Dog Bite Claims

In Washington State, you don't have unlimited time to pursue compensation after a dog bite incident. The state has established a specific statute of limitations that governs when you must file your claim.

Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), dog bite victims have three years from the date of the attack to file a legal claim. This window applies to personal injury claims, including dog bites and attacks.

There are instances where this timeline might be extended:

• For minors, the SOL is three years after the child turns 18 years old
• If the victim was physically or mentally incapacitated
• If the dog owner left the state for a period after the incident

However, these exceptions are limited and shouldn't be relied upon without legal advice.

What Happens to Dogs After Biting Someone

Many dog bite victims worry about what will happen to the animal after a bite is reported.

The consequences for the dog depend on several factors:

• The severity of the injury
• The dog's history of aggressive behavior
• Local animal control policies
• Whether the dog is properly vaccinated for rabies

Typical outcomes include:

• Quarantine: Dogs that bite are often quarantined for 10 days at home or at an animal control facility to monitor for signs of rabies.
• Dangerous dog designation: The dog may be officially classified as "dangerous" or "potentially dangerous", requiring the owner to take special precautions like muzzling the dog in public, securing higher insurance coverage, or installing special containment.
• Fines: The owner may face substantial fines, especially if their dog violated leash laws or had previous incidents.
• Euthanasia: In rare cases involving severe attacks or repeat offenders, a court may order the dog to be euthanized humanely.

It's important to understand that filing a personal injury claim against the owner has no direct bearing on whether the dog will be removed or euthanized. That decision is made independently by animal control authorities based on public safety considerations, not your legal action.

Is There a Breed-Based Dog Danger Law in Washington?

Washington state law doesn't label dogs dangerous solely based on their breed. While any dog has the potential to bite, local jurisdictions retain the power to enact breed-specific rules. Dogs and their owners can often bypass these restrictions by demonstrating responsible behavior through assessments like the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.

Serious Dog Attack Injuries Require Serious Lawyers. Call Today.

The complex nature of dog bite cases makes working with a highly skilled attorney essential. At Lehmbecker Law, our Washington dog bite lawyers understand the nuances of these cases and fight to get you the most money possible for your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your rights to compensation.