Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyer | Lehmbecker Law

A dog bite can change your life in an instant, but you don't have to face the consequences alone. Lehmbecker Law's attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and get you the full compensation you are entitled to.

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Years in Business

1,000+

Of Cases Won

Trusted Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites are not just a traumatic experience; they can cause serious physical and emotional harm. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Tacoma, it is crucial to have a professional lawyer by your side.

At Lehmbecker Law, for decades, we've helped dog bite injury victims receive the compensation they deserve. With nearly 40 years of experience, our team thoroughly understands how to manage the complexities of dog bite claims, ensuring your rights are protected.

U.S. Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites are a significant concern both nationwide and in Washington state. According to DogsBite.org, each year, nearly 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments across the country for nonfatal dog bite injuries.

In 2024, homeowners' insurers paid out a staggering $1.56 billion in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries. This increase in payouts reflects the rising medical costs and the growing size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards over the past decade.

From 2015 to 2024, the average cost per claim has surged by nearly 175%, highlighting the serious financial impact of dog bite incidents.

Why Choose Your Tacoma Dog Bite Attorney at Lehmbecker Law?

When you’ve been hurt in a dog attack, choosing the right lawyer can make a significant difference. At Lehmbecker Law, we understand the emotional and physical toll dog bite injuries take on victims. Here’s why you should trust our seasoned legal team to handle your case:

How Much Is a Dog Bite Lawsuit Worth?

Lehmbecker Law's legal team has successfully recovered substantial settlements for dog bite victims. Below are examples of how we’ve helped people just like you:

$325,000 Settlement for Dog Attack on Morning Walk

A retiree's morning walk turned tragic when he was mauled by a rottweiler, suffering permanent damage to his arm and severe knee injuries. Our team secured a $325,000 settlement, providing compensation for his extensive medical needs and profound suffering.

$130,000 Pitbull Attack Settlement

A 62-year-old woman was mauled by a neighbor’s aggressive pitbull, requiring 23 stitches. We secured $130,000 in 9 months.

$62,500 Neighborhood Pitbull Attack

Our client was bitten by a pitbull during a neighborhood walk, resulting in permanent scarring and PTSD. We obtained $62,500 for her injuries.

$45,000 Backyard Dog Bite Recovery

While gardening, our client was bitten by a neighbor’s dog, causing scarring and nerve damage. We negotiated a $45,000 settlement within 5 months.

What Is the Dog Bite Rule in Washington State?

In Washington, the law imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that dog owners are responsible for the injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has previously exhibited aggressive behavior. However, there are exceptions:

Trespassing: The person bitten was unlawfully on the owner's private property at the time of the incident.
Provocation: The victim intentionally provoked, teased, or abused the dog.
Official duties: Bites from a law enforcement or military dog are exempt if the dog was acting in its official capacity.

What Are Your Steps After a Dog Bite in Tacoma?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tacoma, following the right steps is essential for your health and your legal case. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Regardless of the severity, seek medical attention immediately to prevent infections and document your injuries.

2. Collect Evidence

Take photos of the injury, the dog, and the scene. Gather the dog owner's info, insurance details, and witness names if possible.

3. Report the Incident

File a report with the local authorities, such as the City of Tacoma Animal Control, to create an official record and assist with your claim.

4. Address Emotional Impact

Dog bites can lead to PTSD and emotional distress. Consider therapy to cope with the psychological effects.

5. Consult a Lawyer & File Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

Consult a dog bite attorney to help guide you through the process of filing your claim. Lehmbecker Law offers free consultations to get started.

Should You Sue for a Dog Bite?

The short answer is yes. Pursuing a claim can help you get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, giving you the financial support you need to recover.

What Influences Your Dog Bite Compensation?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a dog bite injury depends on several factors, including:

Injury severity and affected areas
Psychological effects
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Lost wages during recovery
Medical treatment requirements
Need for reconstructive surgery
Ongoing medical care

What Damages Can You Get in a Dog Bite Case?

In a dog bite injury case, victims can recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic damages: These encompass tangible losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future medical care.
Non-economic damages: These account for the intangible impacts of the injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the negative effects on quality of life.

How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for a Dog Bite Injury in Tacoma?

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, there are some exceptions:

For minors, the three-year clock typically begins when they turn 18.
Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines.
Exceptional circumstances could extend or "toll" the statute of limitations.

While you have three years to file, the sooner you act, the better. Evidence can fade, witnesses may forget details, and documentation can become harder to obtain as time passes. To protect your rights, consult with a dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

How Much Time Do I Have to Sue for a Dog Bite Injury in Tacoma?

What Evidence Is Required for a Dog Bite Claim?

To pursue a successful dog bite claim, you need to provide evidence of the following:

Injury and care documentation
Photos of healing stages
Reports from authorities
Witness testimonies
Bite location records
Proof of ownership
Statements on scarring and emotional impact
Proof of income loss
Receipts for expenses

By gathering this evidence early, you strengthen your case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

What's the Average Length of a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

The timeline for a dog bite case varies depending on the complexity of the case. Simple ones typically resolve within a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the defendant’s insurance company, and whether the case proceeds to trial can influence the timeline. Our team works diligently to resolve cases quickly while ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost in Tacoma?

At Lehmbecker Law, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This structure ensures that you have nothing to lose when seeking justice for your injury.

Get Your Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Tacoma

Whether it's a minor dog bite or a serious injury, we are here to help. Our attorneys will provide you with a free initial consultation to assess your case and guide you on the next steps.

Extensive experience: We’ve been handling personal injury cases, including dog bites, for nearly four decades.

No initial fees: We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Spanish speakers available: Our bilingual team ensures that all our clients receive clear communication and support in both English and Spanish.

Tailored client care: Every client is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you get the most out of your claim.

Complete legal assistance: From medical referrals to expert testimony, we provide full support throughout the entire legal process.

Dog Bite? Know Your Rights.

Contact Lehmbecker Law for a free consultation. We'll review your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Our Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Managing Attorney

Verdicts and Settlements

Explore our impressive record of favorable verdicts and settlements, which showcases our success in securing just compensation for our clients.

More Cases

Overcoming Negative Police Report

For a Client Wrongly Put at Fault

Lehmbecker Law overcomes a negative police report and secures the client compensation for his medical costs, pain and suffering, and property damage.

$185,000

For a Victim of DUI Accident in Dram Shop Case

Lehmbecker Law successfully recovers damages for a victim of a DUI accident and holds a bar accountable for over serving.

Lifetime Pension Awarded

For a Roofer After 5-Year Fight

Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a family whose father was seriously injured.

$6M

FOR A CLIENT INJURED BY A VEHICLE WHILE WALKING

Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a family whose father was seriously injured.

$1.8M

FOR A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHO FELL INTO AN UNPROTECTED SHAFT

We also obtained a lifetime pension from worker’s compensation for this injured worker.

$62,500

For a Client Suffered From a Dog Attack

Our exceptional advocacy leads to a great outcome in a pit bull attack case, securing justice and compensation for the victim.

$45,000

For a Client Suffered From a Dog Bite

Lehmbecker Law secures victory in dog bite lawsuit, delivering justice and compensation to the victim.

$5.75M

FOR A GRANDFATHER STRUCK BY A YOUNG DRIVER

Finding a hidden $5M umbrella policy and making a compelling video from the Grandfather’s family helped us settle this case in less than a year.

$2.0M

FOR A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CLIENT INJURED DURING A HEART PROCEDURE

We showed that the physician performed an unnecessary procedure that seriously injured our client.

$1.75M

FOR A WOMAN WITH A PERMANENT LEG INJURY

The insurance company didn’t believe she was that injured. We convinced them.

$2.0M

for an elderly woman who suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery

After being struck in a crosswalk by a delivery van.

$2.0M

for a young woman who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries

After being struck in a crosswalk by a taxicab.

$2.0M

for our client who suffered permanent cardiovascular impairment

After his surgeon attempted to perform an unnecessary procedure.

$1.75M

for our client who was hit in the front driver’s side of her vehicle

As she was driving straight through a green light in Kirkland, WA.

$675,000

for our client after she was hit by a driver failing to yield

While making a left turn.

$460,000

for our client

After being hit by a driver making an illegal U-turn.

$410,000

for our client when a piece of plywood fell onto his knee and punctured it

While working on a construction site.

$326,900

for our client

After being T-boned by a drunk driver.

$250,000

for our client who was crushed under a wall

While working on a construction site.

$250,000

for our client

After he and his dog were hit by a distracted driver who didn’t see them crossing the street.

$250,000

for our client

After his leg was broken in three places during a construction-site accident that occurred while he was working as a carpenter.

$250,000

for our client

After being hit and run side-swiped on the freeway (uninsured motorist claim).

$192,500

for our client

Who violently rear ended while traveling back to his office in the Seattle area.

$150,000

for our client

After being rear-ended while at a complete stop.

$150,000

for our client

after he slowed down to make a turn and was rear ended.

$150,000

for our client

After being hit twice within one year.

$90,000

for our client

After our client exited a restaurant, slipped on a mossy paving stone and fell, resulting in a broken ankle.

$60,000

for our client

After he was bitten by a dog in the leg while delivering a package.