What to Do If a Police Dog Bites You

Being attacked by a police dog can be one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable. Unlike domestic dog bites, police K-9 encounters often result in severe injuries due to the specialized training these animals receive in bite-and-hold techniques. When a police dog bite occurs, victims often face not just physical trauma but also confusion about their rights and legal options.

While police dogs serve important law enforcement functions, from tracking suspects to detecting illegal substances like drugs or explosives, their use must be reasonable and justified. When K-9 units cause unnecessary harm or are deployed with excessive force, victims have the right to seek compensation.

Our Seattle dog bite attorneys are here to explain what steps you should take after a police dog attack, as this can make a crucial difference in protecting your interests and pursuing a potential claim.

Police Dog Attack Statistics

The reality of police dog encounters is sobering. It's been reported that K-9 units are responsible for approximately 3,600 emergency room visits annually. These bites often resemble shark attacks rather than typical domestic dog bites, causing more hospital visits than any other use of force by police. Most concerning is that many victims of police dog bites were unarmed, non-threatening, or not even suspected of any wrongdoing.

A particularly troubling aspect of police dog attacks is that many canines will continue biting despite commands to stop from their handlers. In these cases, police officers must physically pull the dogs off victims, often resulting in more severe injuries. While rare, some police dog attacks have even resulted in fatalities.

1. Know When Police Dog Use Is Justified

Law enforcement officers can legally use K-9 units as tools for various legitimate purposes, including:

• Tracking and apprehending fleeing suspects
• Detecting illegal substances
• Searching for evidence
• Protecting officers during dangerous situations

However, this authority isn't unlimited. Police must have reasonable justification for deploying a K-9 unit, similar to other types of force. The use must be proportional to the situation and necessary under the circumstances.

2. Understand the Limits of Police Dog Use

Police dogs are considered a significant use of force, and their deployment must be reasonable under the circumstances.

The courts evaluate several factors to determine if K-9 force was excessive:

• The severity of the suspected crime
• Whether the suspect posed an immediate threat to officers or others
• If the suspect was actively resisting arrest or attempting to flee
• Whether officers issued clear warnings before releasing the dog
• The duration and intensity of the bite
• Whether less violent means could have achieved the same goal
• If the suspect was already subdued or surrendering when bitten

For example, using a police dog against a detained, compliant suspect would likely constitute excessive force. Similarly, allowing a K-9 to continue biting after a suspect has surrendered goes beyond reasonable force.

3. Record Your Injuries

If you've been bitten by a police dog, taking immediate action to document your injuries is crucial:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
2. Take clear photographs of all wounds before treatment
3. Continue photographing injuries throughout the healing process
4. Keep detailed notes about pain levels and limitations
5. Save all medical records and bills
6. Document any work missed due to injuries
7. Keep a journal about how the injuries affect your daily life

Remember that police dog bites often cause deep tissue damage that isn’t immediately apparent, making thorough medical documentation essential for your case.

4. Collect Evidence

Securing official documentation is vital for any potential legal action:

• Request a complete copy of the police report
• Obtain incident reports from responding officers
• Collect witness statements and contact information
• Secure any available video footage
• Get copies of K-9 unit deployment records
• Request the police dog's training and incident history
• Preserve any torn or bloodied clothing as evidence

Don't rely on law enforcement to maintain these records — gather your own copies as soon as possible.

5. Hire Our Professional Dog Bite Attorneys

Don't hesitate to immediately contact a knowledgeable dog bite attorney after a police dog attack. These cases involve complex legal issues spanning both civil rights law and dog bite statutes.

An attorney can:

• Evaluate whether excessive force was used
• Determine all potential claims and liable parties
• Handle communications with law enforcement
• Preserve crucial evidence
• Calculate full damages
• Navigate governmental immunity issues
• Meet critical filing deadlines
• Negotiate with insurance companies

Washington State Dog Bite Statutes

Washington State law holds dog owners liable for any injuries caused by their dogs (RCW 16.08.040). However, this generally doesn't apply to law enforcement agencies unless their K-9 dog injures an innocent bystander or a crime victim or if the police department lacks a proper K-9 use policy.

It's important to note that all states have laws protecting police dogs. In Washington State, harming a police dog is defined as a Class C felony. However, if the police dog is used in a manner considered to be “excessive force”, then a lawsuit can be filed against the officers, the police department, and the municipality. These lawsuits can seek significant damages for your injuries and the violation of your constitutional rights.

Can I Press Charges for a Dog Bite?

If you've been injured by a police dog, you may have the right to sue the police department under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983. This federal law allows individuals to seek compensation for excessive force, which can include police dog attacks that violate your Fourth Amendment rights. While success is not guaranteed, significant financial awards are possible.

You may be able to bring claims against the police department, the K-9 handler, the city or municipality, other involved officers, or the government entities responsible for K-9 training.

How Lehmbecker Law’s Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You

At Lehmbecker Law, we understand the devastating impact of police dog bites and bring years of experience handling these complex cases. Our Seattle attorneys combine deep knowledge of civil rights law and dog bite claims to build strong cases for our clients. We begin with a free consultation to understand your situation and outline potential strategies.

We work with leading K-9 training experts, thoroughly investigate every aspect of the incident, and handle all communications with law enforcement and insurance companies.

Our legal team is capable of securing fair compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Loss of income
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

You Are Not Alone. Call Today to Get the Protection You Deserve.

If you've been bitten by a police dog, you need comprehensive legal representation to protect your rights. These cases involve complex intersections of civil rights law, dog bite statutes, and governmental immunity. The injuries can be severe, the emotional trauma lasting, and the legal challenges significant.

Lehmbecker Law's Washington State dog bite attorneys understand what you're going through and know how to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. Let our experience with dog bite cases work for you while you focus on recovery.