Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyer
Tacoma dog bite lawyers fight for maximum compensation while you recover from attacks and serious bite injuries across Pierce County.
Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Victims
Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured by dog attacks. Even a single bite can cause deep lacerations, nerve damage, infections and permanent scarring. In Washington, dog owners are strictly liable when their animal attacks someone who is lawfully on public or private property. However, insurers often try to blame the victim or downplay the injuries.
Our Tacoma dog bite attorneys know how to hold negligent owners accountable. We gather evidence such as animal control reports, witness statements, veterinary records, prior bite history and leash law violations to prove your case. We work with medical and plastic surgery experts to document your injuries and calculate the cost of future care.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Tacoma or anywhere in Pierce County, call us today for a free consultation. We will fight to recover all damages you deserve, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and disfigurement. Contact us at (206) 737‑1421 or visit 1120 Pacific Ave Suite 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. We can meet in person, by phone or video, and we never charge attorney’s fees unless we win.
Learn more about our other practice areas in Tacoma, including personal injury, brain injury and spinal injury claims.
Contents
Understanding Washington’s Dog Bite Law
Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means that a dog owner is responsible for injuries their animal inflicts, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggression before. You do not have to prove that the owner was negligent—only that you were legally on public or private property when the attack occurred and that the dog bit you.
Dog attacks can cause life‑changing injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations that damage muscles, nerves and tendons.
- Infections and diseases such as rabies, cellulitis and sepsis.
- Nerve damage and loss of sensation, particularly in the hands, arms and face.
- Scarring and disfigurement requiring reconstructive or plastic surgery.
- Emotional trauma like post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and fear of dogs.
Our lawyers will work with your doctors to document every aspect of your injuries and seek compensation for all medical care, lost income and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Injuries
Most dog attacks are preventable. They often occur because owners ignore safety rules or fail to control their animals. Common scenarios include:
- Loose or roaming dogs whose owners do not secure them with a leash or fence.
- Dogs with a history of aggression that owners fail to warn visitors about.
- Dogs protecting food, toys or territory who attack people approaching their property.
- Improper training or lack of socialization leading to unpredictable behavior.
- Owners violating leash laws in parks, trails or neighborhoods.
If a dog injured you because its owner failed to follow the law, we will investigate and hold them accountable. Contact our team to learn more about your rights.
Damages Available in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bite injuries can require extensive medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and long‑term rehabilitation. Washington’s strict liability law (RCW 16.08.040) allows victims to recover compensation from dog owners and any other responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for economic and non‑economic damages such as:
- Emergency medical care, hospitalization and surgery
- Plastic and reconstructive procedures for scarring and disfigurement
- Prescription medications, physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages, lost future income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress from trauma
- Permanent disability or reduced quality of life
- Property damage related to the attack (e.g., torn clothing, broken devices)
In egregious cases, punitive damages may be available to punish malicious conduct. Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, so your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault—for example, if you provoked the dog. However, our attorneys will investigate the facts, build a strong case and pursue every dollar you deserve.
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"Just wanted to say thank you to Jed and his team at Strong Law. Not only was I happy with the outcome, but the entire process as a whole. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone. Thanks again."
“Unbelievable work!”
"I had a claim involving my own insurance company. I tried to negotiate with them, and they completely denied my claim – two times. I then hired Strong Law, and the change was instant. The insurance company immediately began negotiating, and Jed was able to secure an unbelievably good settlement. I will never again attempt to take-on an insurance company without Strong Law in my corner. Thank you!"
“I got justice and awesome compensation.”
"I hired Strong Law after my car accident. Jed and his team worked hard on my case. They were professional and compassionate through my surgery and as I recovered, and they were awesome on communication. I got justice and awesome compensation. I would recommend Strong Law to anyone in my situation."
How We Help With Your Dog Bite Claim
How We Help With Your Dog Bite Claim
When you hire Strong Law, our Tacoma dog bite attorneys get to work immediately so you can focus on healing. We will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the attack and identify all responsible parties
- Gather evidence such as animal control reports, police reports, photos, medical records and witness statements
- Document your injuries, scarring and emotional trauma with the help of medical experts
- Calculate economic losses (medical bills, future treatment, lost wages) and non‑economic damages (pain, suffering, disfigurement)
- Communicate with insurance adjusters, prepare a demand package and negotiate for full compensation
- File a lawsuit and litigate in court if insurers refuse to pay a fair amount
We represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation. Contact our Tacoma office at (206) 737‑1421 or visit us at 1120 Pacific Ave Suite 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. You can also find us on Google Maps to schedule your free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Attack
What you do immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact your claim and your health. We recommend the following actions:
- Move to a safe area and call 911 if you or anyone else has been seriously injured
- Wash the wound with soap and water and seek prompt medical care to prevent infection and document your injuries
- Identify the dog and its owner and obtain contact information, address and insurance details
- Report the bite to Pierce County animal control or local authorities and request a copy of the report
- Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, torn clothing or damaged property and note any warning signs or lack of fencing
- Keep copies of medical records, receipts and correspondence with insurers
- Avoid giving recorded statements or posting about the incident online
Finally, contact our Tacoma dog bite lawyers as soon as possible. We will deal with insurance companies and help you get the medical care and compensation you need.
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries
A dog’s jaws and teeth can cause a range of injuries, from superficial wounds to life‑threatening trauma. Some of the injuries our Tacoma dog bite lawyers see include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations that can lead to severe bleeding and infection
- Crush injuries to muscle, bone and tendons, sometimes causing nerve damage
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery and leaving permanent scarring
- Infections such as rabies, tetanus, sepsis or MRSA that require aggressive treatment
- Nerve injuries causing loss of sensation or mobility in the affected limb
- Emotional trauma including post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety around animals
No matter how minor your injuries may seem initially, it’s important to seek medical attention and follow all recommended treatment. Early documentation helps us connect your injuries to the attack and pursue full compensation.
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How Strong Law will handle your case
Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish facts and liability.
Determine the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Engage in discussions with the opposing party or insurance companies to reach a fair settlement outside of court.
If negotiations fail, proceed to court where legal arguments and evidence are presented before a judge or jury for a final decision.
Insider experience
We Know How Insurance Companies Operate
Before founding Strong Law, attorney Jed worked as in-house counsel for GEICO, defending the very insurance companies we fight today. That experience gives us an edge when negotiating — and a strategy when litigation is necessary.
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You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There’s no obligation to hire us after your consultation — and no hidden fees along the way.
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Our team doesn’t just handle your case — we’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the process with care and clarity.
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We’ll review your case at no cost and explain your options clearly. Our goal is to help you recover physically and financially — and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Tacoma Dog Bite FAQs
Tacoma Dog Bite FAQs
Do Washington’s strict liability laws apply to all dog bites?
Yes. Under RCW 16.08.040, Washington imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their animals. It doesn’t matter if the dog has never bitten before or the owner had no reason to suspect aggression. You may still recover compensation even if the dog was on a leash. The only exceptions are when the victim was trespassing or deliberately provoked the dog.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Washington?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including dog bites, is three years from the date of the injury. Claims involving a government entity require a notice of claim within 90 days. To preserve evidence and meet deadlines, contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, reconstructive procedures, physical therapy), lost wages and future earnings, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring or disfigurement, and other damages. In cases of malicious or reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Washington’s strict liability law still applies, but your compensation may be reduced if you intentionally provoked the animal or were trespassing. Our attorneys will investigate the facts and defend you against accusations of provocation to maximize your recovery.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?
Our law firm represents dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also offer free consultations to answer your questions and evaluate your case.
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