Dog Bite Settlement Calculator: How Much Are Your Dog Attack Injuries Worth?

Real Dog Bite Settlement Amounts: Examples from Our Case Files

The average dog bite settlement falls within the $30,000 to $50,000 range, but the actual value of an individual claim can be significantly higher or lower, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Our attorneys have successfully represented numerous dog bite victims in Washington State, securing substantial settlements that reflect the true impact of these traumatic incidents.

$325,000 Settlement for Attack During Morning Walk 

Our client suffered devastating physical and psychological injuries after an unprovoked attack by a rottweiler, during which he was violently taken to the ground and mauled, sustaining a deep forearm wound requiring emergency surgery and extensive therapy. Out for a long walk, which was part of his regular exercise routine, our client was about two blocks from home when he noticed a woman walking her dog.

As they passed each other without exchanging a word, the dog suddenly lunged at our client and grabbed his right arm with its mouth and teeth. The dog bit down through his heavy coat with crushing force and began shaking its head violently. Our client fought back to get the dog to let go, but couldn’t pull away; the dog jerked him violently and dragged him to the ground, knees first. His head also hit the ground. 

The attack caused permanent damage to his arm, leaving visible deformity, scarring, numbness, and weakness, along with serious orthopedic injuries to his knees and hip — particularly his right knee, which now requires ongoing treatment and may need replacement. Once an active retiree, mobility and independence have been significantly impaired, and he now lives with chronic pain and a deep fear of dogs that impacts his daily life.

$300,000 Settlement for Unprovoked Living Room Attack

Our client was visiting a friend when, without provocation, the friend's dog lunged from under a coffee table and latched onto her arm. The dog refused to release until it was physically removed by the owner. The attack resulted in a severe forearm laceration requiring 22 stitches. We secured a $300,000 settlement within nine months of the incident, ensuring our client received fair compensation for both physical and emotional trauma.

$130,000 Payout for Pitbull Attack

When our 62-year-old client knocked on her neighbor's door, she had no idea she would be facing a life-threatening situation. A pitbull with a history of aggression charged through the open door and attacked her repeatedly, inflicting six severe bite wounds on her arm and leg that required emergency care and 23 sutures. Our legal team secured a $130,000 settlement nine months after this terrifying ordeal.

$62,500 Recovery for Neighborhood Pitbull Attack

Our client was enjoying a walk in her neighborhood when a pitbull burst through a gate and attacked her, latching onto her thigh with its powerful jaws. Though the physical injuries required minimal treatment, the attack left her with permanent scarring and significant psychological trauma, including PTSD symptoms that prevented her from walking in her neighborhood. Despite modest medical expenses, we secured a $62,500 settlement that acknowledged both the physical and emotional impact of the attack.

$45,000 Settlement for Backyard Gardening Attack

While gardening in her own yard, our client was attacked by a neighbor's dog that ran from a garage and bit her on both the thigh and shin. Although medical expenses were minimal, she suffered permanent scarring, numbness, and developed intense fear that prevented her from enjoying her own yard. We successfully negotiated a $45,000 settlement within five months, recognizing that fair compensation extends beyond medical bills to include lifelong physical and emotional consequences.

Factors That Impact Dog Bite Settlement Values in WA

Several key variables determine the potential value of your dog bite case:

Economic Damages

• Medical costs: All expenses for treating injuries, including emergency care, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
• Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries, calculated by multiplying daily wage by missed days
• Property damage: Reimbursement for belongings damaged during the attack (clothing, glasses, phones, etc.)

Non-Economic Factors

• Psychological impact: Mental and emotional trauma from the attack, ranging from temporary stress to severe PTSD or dog phobias
• Bite location: Attacks to the face, hands, or visible areas typically result in higher settlements due to functional and cosmetic implications
• Scarring/disfigurement: Permanent visible scarring significantly increases settlement values, especially facial scarring
• ‍Victim age: Children typically receive higher settlements due to greater psychological impact and longer-lasting consequences

Legal Factors Influencing Dog Bite Settlements in WA

Beyond the specific details of your injury, several legal factors influence settlement values:

• Statute of limitations: In Washington State, you have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be.
• Dog bite liability laws: Washington operates under a "strict liability" standard for dog bites, meaning owners are legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggressive tendencies. This means that Washington does not follow the “one free bite” rule that some states still follow. This law strengthens victims' claims compared to states requiring proof of the dog's dangerous propensities. The only exception is for police dogs performing official duties.

Ways to Calculate Dog Bite Settlements

Apart from the direct-value method used in our calculator, there are a few other methods:

Multiplier Method

This formula multiplies economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) by a factor of 1.5-5 based on injury severity. Simple but flawed for dog bites, as it undervalues cases with minimal medical costs but significant trauma or scarring.

Hybrid Severity-Based Method

This approach sets a baseline psychological trauma value, then adds points for factors like scarring and bite location. Unlike multiplier methods, it recognizes dog bites often warrant substantial compensation even with minimal medical costs, better reflecting how Washington's strict liability cases are actually valued.

Per Diem Method

This calculation assigns a daily rate to your pain and suffering, then multiplies it by the number of days you experienced pain. If you suffered for 90 days and a daily rate of $150 is assigned (often based on your daily wage), the pain and suffering component would be $13,500 ($150 × 90 days), which would be added to your economic damages.

Structured Settlement

Rather than receiving a lump sum, this approach provides periodic payments over time. A $100,000 settlement might be structured as $20,000 upfront for immediate expenses and $1,333 monthly for 60 months. This method can be beneficial for catastrophic injuries requiring long-term care.

Settlement Negotiations

Most dog bite cases are resolved through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company, considering factors like evidence strength, injury severity, insurance policy limits, and litigation costs. A skilled dog bite attorney can often secure significantly higher settlements than victims negotiating alone.