Federal Way Dog Bite Attorney

Professional Dog Bite Lawyers Serving Federal Way Residents

At Lehmbecker Law, we've built our reputation on providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to dog bite victims in Federal Way and throughout Washington State. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases, including dog bite claims.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that follow a dog attack. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you receive full and fair compensation while navigating the complexities of Washington's dog bite laws.

Dog Bite Statistics in the United States and Washington

Dog bite incidents remain a significant concern nationwide, with approximately 4.5 million Americans suffering bites annually from the nearly 90 million dogs in U.S. households.

The financial consequences are substantial — homeowners insurance companies paid $1.57 billion for dog-related injury claims in 2024, with the average claim cost jumping 18.3% to $69,272 while total claims increased by 18.9% to 22,658.

In Washington State, which ranks 19th nationally for dog bite incidents, 108 mail carrier attacks were reported in 2023, while Seattle, which Federal Way is associated with, ranked 27th nationally, with 11 postal worker incidents.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law's Dog Bite Attorneys?

When selecting legal representation for your dog bite case in Federal Way, you need attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and the personal challenges you're facing. Our team at Lehmbecker Law offers:

Examples of Lehmbecker Law’s Dog Bite Settlement Results

Our Federal Way dog bite attorneys have secured substantial compensation for attack victims:

$300,000 Dog Attack Settlement

Our client was visiting a friend when the friend's dog suddenly attacked from under a coffee table, latching onto her arm and refusing to let go. The severe bite required 22 stitches. We secured $300,000 within 9 months for her injuries and trauma.

$130,000 Pitbull Attack Recovery

A 62-year-old woman was mauled by her neighbor's pitbull when she knocked on their door. The dog with a history of aggression inflicted six severe bites requiring emergency care and 23 stitches. We obtained $130,000 in 9 months.

$62,500 Neighborhood Attack Payout

During a neighborhood walk, our client was attacked by a pitbull that burst through a gate and bit her thigh. Despite minimal medical costs, she suffered permanent scarring and PTSD. We secured $62,500 for her physical and emotional damages.

$45,000 Backyard Bite Settlement

While gardening in her yard, our client was bitten on the thigh and shin by a neighbor's dog that ran from their garage. She suffered permanent scarring and nerve damage. We negotiated $45,000 within 5 months for her lasting injuries.

Washington's Strict Liability for Dog Bites

Washington State maintains a strict liability approach to dog bite incidents, providing strong protections for victims. Under this law, dog owners are held fully responsible when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown previous aggressive behavior. You don't need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or was negligent.

However, there are several important exceptions to Washington's strict liability law:

1. You provoked the dog: If the owner can prove you provoked the dog through taunting, teasing, or physical harm, they are not liable.
2. Official police duty: Strict liability doesn't apply when a law enforcement dog bites someone while performing official duties, even if the person bitten was innocent.
3. Unlawful presence: Dog owners are not liable if their dog bites a trespasser.

It's important to note that even if one of these exceptions applies, you may still have a case based on negligence if you can prove the owner failed to take reasonable precautions with their dog.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Federal Way

The actions you take immediately following a dog bite can impact both your health and your legal claim. Here's a step-by-step guide to protect yourself after a dog attack:

1. Immediately Get Medical Attention

Your health is the priority after a dog bite. Even minor bites can cause serious infections like rabies or tetanus. Visit an emergency room or doctor immediately, and follow all treatment recommendations. Proper medical documentation will strengthen your case while protecting your health.

2. Gather Evidence

Gather evidence immediately to support your claim. Take photos of injuries and the location, collect contact information from the owner and witnesses, and note details about the dog, including breed and vaccination status. This documentation establishes liability and provides crucial evidence.

3. File an Official Report

Create an official record by contacting Federal Way Animal Services or local police. Request a copy of the report for your records. This documentation not only supports your claim but also helps protect others by triggering an investigation and possible quarantine of the animal.

4. Manage Psychological Effects

Dog attacks often cause psychological harm, such as anxiety, fear of dogs, or PTSD. Seek counseling to address these impacts and document your symptoms. Emotional suffering is compensable in Washington State personal injury claims and should be taken seriously.

5. Consult with an Attorney & File a Dog Bite Claim

Contact an experienced Federal Way dog bite lawyer promptly after receiving medical care. We'll help gather evidence, identify compensation sources, including homeowners' insurance, and handle all communications with insurers. We'll prevent you from making harmful statements and represent you through settlement negotiations or trial if necessary.

Is It Worth It to Sue for a Dog Bite?

Many dog bite victims wonder whether pursuing legal action is worthwhile. In most cases, the answer is yes. Dog bites often result in medical expenses, including emergency treatment, plastic surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. However, we have found that even small bites are worth pursuing. Without legal action, these costs fall entirely on you.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Dog Bite in Federal Way?

Key factors affecting compensation include:

• The severity and location of your injuries
• Emotional trauma and psychological impact
• Whether permanent scarring or disfigurement occurred
• Lost income due to recovery time
• The extent of necessary medical treatment
• Whether plastic surgery is required
• The need for future medical care

What Damages Can You Get in a Dog Bite Case?

Dog bite victims in Washington can recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic damages include quantifiable financial losses such as:

• Past and future medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, and therapy
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage (torn clothing, broken glasses, etc.)
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Post-traumatic stress and anxiety

Even relatively minor dog bites can settle for tens of thousands of dollars, and severe attacks requiring reconstructive surgery and causing permanent disfigurement can result in settlements exceeding $200,000. Our Federal Way dog bite attorneys work diligently to document all aspects of your damages to maximize your compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Federal Way?

In Washington State, including Federal Way, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe, or you'll likely lose your right to seek compensation.

However, there are exceptions:

• For minors, the three-year clock typically doesn't start until they turn 18.
• Cases against government entities may have much shorter notice requirements.
• Special circumstances might toll (pause) the statute of limitations.

While three years may seem like ample time, building a strong dog bite case requires prompt action. Evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories fade, and crucial documentation becomes harder to obtain as time passes. We recommend consulting with a Federal Way dog bite attorney as soon as possible after your injury.

What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite Claim?

Building a successful dog bite case requires comprehensive evidence. Our attorneys help clients gather:

• Documentation of injuries, treatment, and prognosis
• Images of healing stages
• Animal control or police reports
• Statements from those who saw the attack
• Documentation of the bite site
• Dog ownership and vaccination records
• Evidence of the dog's past aggressive behavior
• Testimony on scarring, future care, or psychological impact
• Proof of lost wages
• Records of out-of-pocket costs

The stronger your evidence, the more likely you'll receive fair compensation for your injuries. Our Federal Way dog bite attorneys know exactly what documentation to gather and preserve to build the most compelling case possible.

How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take?

The timeline for resolving a dog bite claim in Federal Way varies based on several factors. Simple cases with clear liability and well-documented injuries may settle within 6–9 months. More complex cases, especially those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties, can take over a year or longer to resolve.

At Lehmbecker Law, we work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while never sacrificing fair compensation for speed. We keep you informed throughout the process, so you always understand the status of your claim and the expected timeline.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

At Lehmbecker Law, we represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or hourly fees. Our payment comes solely from a percentage of the compensation we secure for you.

This arrangement offers several advantages:

• Access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
• Alignment of our interests — we only get paid when you do.
• Freedom to focus on recovery rather than legal expenses.

We also offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options without any obligation.