Dog Bite Laws in Washington

The rule here: strict liability

Washington is a strict liability state for dog bites. The owner is liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, regardless of former viciousness.

You do not have to prove the dog bit before. The owner cannot win by saying the dog was always gentle.

Owners usually argue that you provoked the dog or were trespassing. Write down where you were standing, because being there lawfully is part of your claim.

Your deadline to file

An adult has 3 years from the biteto file in court.

A claim against a city or county, such as a police dog bite, often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, bring it up on the first call.

Write down the date of the bite now and keep the bite report. See deadlines in every state.

What claims pay and who pays

Washington is not on Triple-I's top-ten list of states by claims, so there is no state average to quote.

Your value starts with your medical bills and lost pay. A scar or a bite to the face raises it. Run your own numbers.

The owner's homeowners or renters policy usually covers the dog. You file with that insurer, and it pays up to its limit.

Ask the owner for the insurance company name and policy number on day one. Learn how the insurance claim works.

Reporting a bite in Washington

If the bite is serious, bleeding won't stop, or you see signs of infection, get emergency care first. Read our dog bite treatment steps.

Report the bite to your local health jurisdiction. The Washington health department notes rabies usually reaches people through animal bites. Learn more about rabies after a bite.

The report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date. Insurers and attorneys both rely on it.