

Washington Dog Bite Resource Center
A dog bite rarely ends with a bandage and an apology. Washington residents often face follow-up medical visits, a fast-moving insurance adjuster, and a landlord or homeowner looking to shift blame.
Lehmbecker Law has handled Washington personal injury claims since 1986, including dog bite cases brought under RCW 16.08.040, the state's strict liability statute.
The guides below were written and reviewed by our injury attorneys and reflect Washington statutes, municipal dangerous dog ordinances, and homeowners insurance practice as they apply in this state.
Explore Washington Dog Bite Guides

Washington State Dog Bite Laws
How Washington's strict liability rule works, and what it means for a first-time bite.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Washington?
Who can be held responsible for a bite, and the defenses an owner can raise.
Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in Washington
What typically pushes a claim's value up or down.
Can a Delivery Driver Sue for a Dog Bite in Washington?
How the rules apply when the bite happens on the job.
What to Do If a Police Dog Bites You
What changes when the bite involves a police or military dog.
Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
An interactive tool for estimating a claim's potential value.
Case Results
$325K
Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a client who suffered permanent injuries from a violent Rottweiler attack.
$325K
Lehmbecker Law reaches a successful settlement for a client who suffered permanent injuries from a violent Rottweiler attack.
$300,000
Lehmbecker Law secured a settlement for a client injured in an unprovoked dog attack. While visiting a friend, our client suffered a severe dog bite that required extensive medical treatment.
$300,000
Lehmbecker Law secured a settlement for a client injured in an unprovoked dog attack. While visiting a friend, our client suffered a severe dog bite that required extensive medical treatment.
$130,000
Lehmbecker Law secures justice for client mauled by neighbor's Pitbull with history of aggression. Client receives compensation for extensive injuries despite initial challenges.
$130,000
Lehmbecker Law secures justice for client mauled by neighbor's Pitbull with history of aggression. Client receives compensation for extensive injuries despite initial challenges.
$62,500
Our exceptional advocacy leads to a great outcome in a pit bull attack case, securing justice and compensation for the victim.
$62,500
Our exceptional advocacy leads to a great outcome in a pit bull attack case, securing justice and compensation for the victim.
$60,000
After he was bitten by a dog in the leg while delivering a package.
$60,000
After he was bitten by a dog in the leg while delivering a package.
$45,000
Lehmbecker Law secures victory in dog bite lawsuit, delivering justice and compensation to the victim.
$45,000
Lehmbecker Law secures victory in dog bite lawsuit, delivering justice and compensation to the victim.
Testimonials
Get Legal Assistance with Your Dog Bite Case
If you want to call: (425) 455-3186
If you want to email: info@lehmlaw.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the dog owner won’t give me their insurance information?
This is one of the most common reasons dog bite victims contact us.
You may have already tried to work directly with the dog owner to get your medical bills covered, only to have them refuse to provide their insurance information, ignore your calls or messages, or become difficult to deal with.
When you hire our firm, we can contact the dog owner on your behalf and work to identify any applicable homeowners' or renters' insurance coverage. If, after a thorough investigation, we determine that there is no applicable insurance coverage or other viable source of recovery, we may withdraw from the claim without charging you attorney fees. If insurance coverage is available, we can then work with the insurance company to pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
There are several other reasons dog bite victims may decide to contact an attorney after an attack:
- It can be uncomfortable to ask someone you know for their insurance information. If the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, or family member, you may not want to create tension by asking for their homeowners' or renters' insurance policy information yourself.
- You may not know who owns the dog. In some cases, the dog owner leaves the scene or cannot immediately be identified. We can help investigate and use information obtained from animal control, law enforcement, or other available sources to try to identify the owner.
- You may not know what your dog bite claim is worth. Insurance companies may make an early settlement offer that does not fully account for medical expenses, scarring, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or future treatment. An experienced dog bite attorney can evaluate the full extent of your damages and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Lehmbecker Law offers free consultations for dog bite victims. If you have questions about insurance coverage or your potential claim, contact us to discuss your options.


