For many, pets are cherished as family members, receiving devoted care, including regular exercise, affection, and proper nutrition. Ideally, all pet owners would show this level of commitment. Sadly, some fail to provide their animals with the same attention and responsibility.
Negligent owners may allow their pets to roam freely without leashes, neglect vaccinations or routine veterinary care, or even mistreat them, which can result in aggressive behavior. If you or a loved one is injured by such an animal, a Seattle Dog Bite Attorney can assist in holding irresponsible owners accountable and pursuing compensation for your injuries.
At Kobes Legal PLLC, we advocate for dog bite victims, fighting to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Here are six ways a pet owner can be negligent, potentially causing injury to another person:
Failing to Restrain the Pet
Not using a leash or keeping the pet in a secure area, allowing it to roam freely and attack or injure someone.
Ignoring Known Aggressive Behavior
Knowing a pet has a history of aggression or biting, but failing to take precautions, such as muzzling or warning others.
Inadequate Training or Socialization
Not training the pet to behave properly around people or other animals, leading to unpredictable or harmful actions.
Neglecting Proper Supervision
Allowing the pet to interact with strangers, especially children, without closely monitoring its behavior, resulting in an attack or injury.
Violating Local Laws or Ordinances
Disregarding leash laws, containment requirements, or other regulations designed to prevent pet-related injuries.
Failing to Maintain Pet Health
Not keeping up with vaccinations (e.g., rabies) or allowing the pet to carry diseases or parasites that could harm others through bites or contact.
Here are four situations in which you may be able to file a lawsuit after being injured by a dog:
- Owner’s Negligence: If the dog owner was negligent, such as failing to restrain the dog, ignoring its known aggressive behavior, or not complying with local leash laws, you can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
- Strict Liability Laws: In states with strict liability dog bite laws, you can file a lawsuit against the owner for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the owner’s negligence or the dog’s prior behavior, as long as the attack was unprovoked and you were lawfully present (e.g., not trespassing).
- Premises Liability: If the injury occurred on the owner’s property due to inadequate containment (e.g., a broken fence or no warning signs about a dangerous dog), you can file a lawsuit based on the owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment.
- Violation of Local Ordinances: If the owner violated local laws, such as failing to vaccinate the dog for rabies or allowing it to roam in a prohibited area, and this led to your injury, you can file a lawsuit based on their failure to comply with regulations.
Even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, our team is here to evaluate your case with care and clarity.
Based on recent data from reliable sources like the Northwest Insurance Council, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Washington State Animal Welfare Assessment report, here are key dog bite statistics specific to Washington State. Note that comprehensive statewide tracking of all dog bites is limited (many go unreported), so available data focuses on insurance claims, postal worker incidents, investigations by animal control agencies, and trends. Fatalities in Washington appear to be rare. dogsbite.org
Key Statistics for Washington State (2024 Data Unless Noted)
- Insurance Claims for Dog-Related Injuries: 439 claims settled by home insurers, totaling $38.9 million in payouts (more than double the previous year’s costs). Average claim: approximately $88,610. nwinsurance.org
- Dog Attacks on U.S. Postal Workers: 126 incidents, ranking Washington 15th nationally. Top cities: Seattle (12), Spokane (8). nbcrightnow.com
- Dog Bite Investigations by Animal Control Agencies: Median of 25 investigations per agency (from a survey of 50 agencies; interquartile range: 11–100). Trends from 2023 to 2024: 39% of agencies reported an increase, 27% no change, 20% unsure, 14% decrease. cms.agr.wa.gov
- Fatalities: 0 reported in 2024 (based on available records; national average is 30–50 annually, but Washington typically sees 0–1 per year). dogsbite.org
For context, national figures (2023–2024) include about 19,000–19,200 dog bite insurance claims totaling over $1.1 billion, and around 6,000 USPS attacks. about.usps.com
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
Holding a pet owner accountable requires clear evidence. Our firm investigates:
The Incident Scene: We thoroughly examine the location where the dog bite occurred, documenting environmental factors, any violations of leash laws or containment rules, and gathering photographic or video evidence to establish negligence.
Witness Statements: Our team interviews eyewitnesses, neighbors, and others who may have observed the attack or the dog’s prior aggressive behavior, ensuring their accounts are preserved and corroborated.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation: We collect detailed medical reports, treatment histories, and expert evaluations of your injuries, including long-term impacts like scarring, infections, or psychological trauma, to quantify damages accurately.
The Dog’s History: This includes reviewing veterinary records, prior bite incidents, breed-specific behaviors (if relevant under state laws), and any animal control complaints to prove the owner knew or should have known about the risk.
Owner’s Responsibility and Insurance: We investigate the pet owner’s compliance with local ordinances, licensing, and insurance policies, identifying potential sources of compensation such as homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
Expert Consultations: When needed, we collaborate with animal behaviorists, veterinarians, or reconstruction experts to build a compelling case linking the owner’s actions (or inactions) to the bite.
Immediate action is crucial. Here’s what to do:
1- Ensure Safety: Move away from the dog to prevent further attacks. If the dog is aggressive, avoid sudden movements and stay calm.
2- Clean the Wound: Rinse the bite area with clean water and mild soap for at least 5 minutes to reduce infection risk. Avoid scrubbing the wound.
3- Control Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding. Elevate the affected area if possible.
4- Assess the Injury: Check the severity of the bite. Look for deep punctures, tearing, or signs of infection like redness or swelling.
5- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a doctor or urgent care, especially for deep wounds, heavy bleeding, or bites to the face, hands, or feet. A healthcare provider may recommend a tetanus shot or antibiotics.
6- Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or authorities to report the bite. Provide details about the dog and its owner, if known.
7- Document the Incident: Take photos of the injury and note details like the date, time, location, and circumstances of the bite for legal or insurance purposes.
8- Identify the Dog’s Vaccination Status: If possible, confirm whether the dog has a current rabies vaccination. This may affect medical treatment decisions.
9- Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus, and seek medical care if these occur.
10- Consult a Legal Professional: Contact an attorney if your bite involves significant medical bills, lost work time, permanent scarring, or if the owner disputes liability. We can investigate, negotiate with insurers, and file a lawsuit if needed. Early involvement maximizes your recovery.
Following these steps can strengthen your case.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Washington?
The dog owner is strictly liable, unless you were trespassing or provoked the dog. Find more on Washington State liability here... RCW 16.08.040
Does homeowner's insurance cover dog bites?
Yes, typically, but policies vary. The owner's/renter's insurance usually pays for claims. In fact, dog bites are one of the most common claims brought against homeowners’ insurance policies.
What if the dog has no history of aggression?
Washington doesn't require proof of prior bites; strict liability applies.
Can I sue if a dog bites my child?
Yes, and the statute may be tolled until the child turns 18. Strict liability still holds.
What evidence do I need for a claim?
Photos of injuries, medical records, witness statements, and details about the dog/owner.
How much is the average settlement?
The average dog bite claim nationally is around $50,000, but settlements in Washington can range from $30,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on severity.
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Brett Kobes is more than just an attorney — he’s a dedicated advocate shaped by real-world experience, military discipline, and a relentless pursuit of justice. A U.S. Army veteran and West Point graduate, Brett brings integrity, compassion, and strategic focus to every case he handles.
After earning both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration in Washington, Brett founded Kobes Legal PLLC to serve injury victims with a fresh approach: one built on trust, personal attention, and hospitality-driven representation.
We proudly serve clients across Washington, Arizona, and Florida — offering big-firm experience with small-firm care.
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- ^Birth Injuries
- ^Bicycle Accidents
- ^Car Accidents
- ^Construction Site Accidents
- ^Distracted Driver Accidents
- ^Dog Bites
- ^Lyft/Uber Accidents
- ^Medical Malpractice
- ^Motorcycle Accidents
- ^Pedestrian Accidents
- ^Rear-End Accidents
- ^Slip & Fall Injuries
- ^Traumatic Brain Injury
- ^Truck Accidents
- ^Worksite Injuries
- ^Wrongful Death