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A dog bite can leave more than physical scars â it can be a deeply traumatic event, especially when the victim is a child. In Yakima, where families often enjoy outdoor spaces and neighborhood walks, even a momentary lapse in a dog ownerâs responsibility can lead to devastating consequences. Children, because of their small size and natural curiosity, are especially at risk, often approaching dogs with innocent trust, only to be met with aggression. The injuries can be severe, requiring surgery, leaving permanent damage, and causing lasting fear. At Lehmbecker Law, our Yakima legal team helps dog bite victims of all ages hold negligent owners accountable. We use our decades of experience to fight for the financial support needed for medical care, lost income, and lasting pain and emotional impacts.
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Recovering from a dog attack is about more than treating the visible injuries youâve suffered. Many of our clients also struggle with anxiety, fear of animals, and other psychological effects long after the wounds have healed. Our experienced Yakima attorneys understand these challenges and work to secure compensation that addresses every part of your recovery â physical, emotional, and financial.
With decades of experience handling Washington injury cases, we know the law and how to investigate these incidents. We know how to hold insurance companies responsible and navigate the strict liability rules that protect victims under Washington State law.
Every year, millions of Americans suffer injuries from dog attacks, with an estimated 4.5 million people bitten by the nearly 90 million dogs kept as pets nationwide.
The financial burden from these incidents is growing quickly. In 2024, homeowners' insurance providers paid out $1.57 billion for dog-related injuries. These include dog bites plus dog attacks where the canine knocks the victim down. Claim costs jumped 18.3% to an average of $69,272, and the total number of claims rose 18.9% to 22,658 across the country.
Washington ranks among the top states for reported bites, with postal workers, delivery drivers, and children at the highest risk. The state ranks 19th nationwide for reported bites. In 2023, postal carriers reported 108 attacks, and Seattle ranked 27th nationally with 11 dog bite cases involving mail carriers that same year.
When youâre facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional injuries from a dog attack, you need more than just an average law firm. You deserve to have an aggressive legal team in your corner that fights for every dollar you deserve. Hereâs what makes us different:
Here are some of the results our attorneys have achieved for dog bite victims:
Our client received $300,000 within nine months after being severely bitten on the arm by a friend's dog. The unprovoked attack, which occurred under a coffee table, resulted in a deep wound requiring 22 stitches and significant trauma.
We secured $130,000 in nine months for a 62-year-old woman who suffered six severe bites from her neighbor's pit bull. The dog, known for its aggression, mauled her when she approached the door, leading to emergency medical care and 23 stitches.
Our client was awarded $62,500 after a pitbull burst through a gate during her neighborhood walk and bit her thigh. Despite low medical expenses, she sustained permanent scarring and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for which we obtained compensation for both physical and emotional damages.
We negotiated a $45,000 settlement within five months for our client, who was bitten on the thigh and shin by a neighbor's dog while gardening in her own yard. She suffered permanent scarring and nerve damage from the incident.
Washington uses a strict liability system, which means owners are generally responsible whenever their dog bites someone, even if the dog had never bitten before and showed no prior aggression. This means that you donât have to prove the pet owner was negligent to have a successful claim.
However, there are specific situations where the law limits liability:
Even when one of these exceptions applies, victims may still be able to pursue a claim if the owner failed to take reasonable safety measures, such as leashing or restraining a known aggressive dog.
Your immediate actions can protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation:
Even minor puncture wounds can lead to infections or nerve damage. Seek professional treatment immediately and follow all recommendations.
Photograph your injuries, the location, and anything related to the incident. Get the dog ownerâs contact information and vaccination records.
Contact Yakima Animal Control or local authorities to create an official report. This helps document the attack and may prevent future incidents.
Many victims â especially children â experience fear, nightmares, or anxiety after an attack. Document these symptoms and seek counseling if needed.
Our exceptional personal injury lawyers can identify available insurance coverage, manage communications with adjusters, and build a case while you focus on healing.
Some victims hesitate to file a claim, especially when the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor. But most cases are covered by homeownerâs or renterâs insurance, not the ownerâs personal finances.
Filing a claim can help cover:
Without legal action, these expenses often fall solely on the victim, even though the law protects you.
Victims of dog bites in Washington can pursue two main types of damages:
Economic damages cover financial losses like:
Non-economic damages account for:
Settlements vary widely based on the severity of the bite, the emotional impact, and any permanent injuries. Cases can resolve for tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, with more severe or disfiguring attacks falling at the higher end of that range.
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. While that may sound like plenty of time, waiting can weaken your case â evidence can disappear, and witnesses can become harder to find or their memories may fade over time.
For minors, the three-year statute of limitations doesnât end until three years after their 18th birthday, when they turn 21 years old. Cases involving government employees or property may also have shorter timelines, making it critical to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Successful claims rely on strong documentation, including:
Our attorneys work with medical professionals and other experts to make sure your case captures the full impact of the attack.
Cases with straightforward facts and clear liability may resolve in a few months, while more complex matters involving serious injuries or disputed circumstances can take a year or more. Sometimes, the case has to wait until the dog bite victim is done with medical treatment.
We work diligently to move cases forward while making sure we donât settle for less than you deserve.
At Lehmbecker Law, we represent clients on a contingency basis:
Call Lehmbecker Law today for a free consultation â weâll protect your rights and fight for full compensation.
Nearly 40 years of experience: Weâve handled thousands of Washington injury claims, including complex dog bite cases.
No upfront legal costs: We work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay when we secure an insurance settlement. No upfront cost to determine if the dog owner has insurance. If not, we withdraw at no cost. If they do, our contingent fee agreement applies.
Accessible support: We maintain open communication â call, text, or email us anytime.
Bilingual team: Spanish-speaking clients can work directly with our staff without language barriers.
Comprehensive guidance: Beyond legal action, we help coordinate medical care and manage insurance communications.
Contact Lehmbecker Law today for a free consultation and let us fight for your recovery and your future.
