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Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best Tacoma dog bite injury law firms
Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you have suffered a dog attack, our Tacoma dog bite injury attorneys are here to help you.
For 30+ years, our dog bite law firm has assisted clients by fighting the legal battles and winning. Let us begin to help you today. Call our Tacoma dog bite injury attorneys at (253) 259-3276 and book your free consultation. Both online and in-person appointments are available.
From 2019 until 2023, there were 55 dog attacks on mail carriers in Tacoma, according to USPS. [1]
Our Verdicts and Settlements
$115,000
Settlement
A 12-year-old child bitten on the arm and hand while playing in a public park in Tacoma.
August 2024
$250,000
Settlement
A 45-year-old jogger was bitten on the face and thigh while running on a Tacoma trail.
June 2025
Types of Injuries Resulting From Tacoma Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in severe injuries and trauma. Ultimately, these animal attacks result in three outcomes: physical injury, emotional injury, or death.
That being said, the most common types of injuries resulting from dog bites include the following:
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Emotional Trauma
- Fractures
- Infections
- Lacerations
- Nerve Damage
- Puncture Wounds
- Scarring
- Sepsis
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a dog attack, talk to our Tacoma dog bite injury lawyers, and we will pursue the liable party to compensate you for your suffering.
Who is Most at Risk For Dog Attacks in Tacoma?
While dog bites can happen to anyone, certain groups of people are significantly more vulnerable due to the nature of their work or interactions with animals. Those most commonly targeted include:
- Children, especially those under 10 years old, due to their small size and inability to recognize warning signs.
- Postal Workers and Delivery Drivers, who frequently enter properties where territorial dogs may act aggressively.
- Home Health Care Providers and in-home service professionals, who often encounter dogs in unfamiliar or poorly controlled environments.
- Elderly Individuals, who may have slower reaction times and limited mobility.
- Joggers, Cyclists, and Walkers may inadvertently trigger a dog’s chase or protection instincts.
Animal control services should be notified after any animal bite in the community.
Legal Grounds for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Tacoma
In Tacoma, dog bite lawsuits are generally based on negligence, strict liability, or violations of local laws concerning pet ownership.
Negligence Laws
If the dog owner fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the bite or attack, they may be held liable for negligence. This includes situations such as failing to leash their dog in public, not controlling aggressive behavior, or not warning others about a known aggressive dog. A victim would need to prove that the owner’s failure to act reasonably directly led to the injury.
Strict Liability Law
Under Washington State law (RCW 16.08.040), a dog owner can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog if the dog has bitten someone before, or if the attack occurs while the victim is legally on public or private property. In this case, the victim does not need to prove the owner’s negligence, just that the bite occurred, and the dog was responsible.
- Violation of Local Laws:
Tacoma has specific ordinances regulating dangerous animals and dog behavior. If a dog owner violates these local laws, such as not adhering to leash laws or allowing a dangerous dog in public, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries. [2] - Dangerous or Vicious Dogs:
If the dog involved in the attack was known to have a history of aggression or was classified as dangerous, the owner may face higher legal responsibility. Under Tacoma’s animal control laws (TMC 6A.10.070), certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggression can be labeled as dangerous. Owners of such dogs are required to comply with stricter rules, such as muzzling or keeping the dog confined, and they may face severe consequences if the dog injures someone.
Potential Liable Parties in a Dog Bite Case in Tacoma
The liability of dog bites usually falls on the dog owners. However, each case can be different, and it usually depends on the circumstances and scenario of each accident. However, proper investigation and evidence can help reveal facts, which can direct us toward the liable party.
The following are the most common parties liable in dog bite cases:
- Business Owners: If a bite attack occurs at a business, such as a store or restaurant, the business owner may be held liable. For example, if the business allowed a dog on its premises without ensuring it was safely secured or supervised, the business could be considered negligent.
- Dog Owner: The owner can be held accountable for any injuries caused by their dog, even if the owner was not negligent. This liability applies regardless of whether the dog had previously bitten someone or was known to be dangerous.
- Property Owner: If the dog attack occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable under premises liability laws. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that their premises are safe, including preventing dangerous animals from harming visitors.
- Dog Handler or Caretaker: In some cases, the person in control of the dog at the time of the attack, such as a dog walker, pet sitter, or another caretaker, may be liable for the injuries.
Whoever was responsible for your injuries needs to be held accountable. Our dedicated dog bite injury lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights.
Table of Contents
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Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Attorney
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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Types of Injuries Resulting from Tacoma Dog Bites
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Who is Most at Risk For Dog Attacks in Tacoma?
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Legal Grounds for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Tacoma
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Potential Liable Parties in a Dog Bite Case in Tacoma
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Common Defenses in Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Cases: Provocation and Trespassing
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Compensation Available to Tacoma Dog Bite Victims
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What To Do After a Dog Bite in Tacoma
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Statute of Limitations for Filing a Washington Dog Bite Case
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us - Client Reviews
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Tacoma Resources for Dog Bites
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Get a Free Consultation From a Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyer Today
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FAQs
Tacoma Practice Areas
Common Defenses in Tacoma Dog Bite Injury Cases: Provocation and Trespassing
In Washington State, dog owners are generally held strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
There are specific defenses that dog owners may invoke to avoid liability, particularly in cases involving provocation or trespassing.
Provocation (RCW 16.08.060)
Under RCW 16.08.060, if a dog owner can prove that the injured person provoked the dog, this serves as a complete defense against liability for damages resulting from the bite.
Provocation refers to actions that would reasonably cause a dog to react aggressively, such as teasing, hitting, or tormenting the animal. The burden of proof lies with the dog owner to demonstrate that the victim’s actions directly led to the attack.
Trespassing (RCW 16.08.040 & RCW 16.08.050)
RCW 16.08.040 establishes that a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. However, if the victim was unlawfully on the property, i.e., trespassing, at the time of the incident, the owner may not be held liable.
Entering a property without permission, especially if it’s fenced or has clear signage prohibiting entry, could be considered trespassing, potentially absolving the dog owner of liability.
Compensation Available to Tacoma Dog Bite Victims
The compensation you can get for a dog bite injury depends on the severity of the injury. Moreover, it also depends on the suffering and damages you have to endure, such as economic and non-economic losses.
This might make you entitled to the following compensation types:
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your ability to work in the future, you may be eligible for compensation for the reduced earning potential.
- Lost Wages: If you had to miss work because of the injury or recovery period, you could be compensated for the income you lost during that time.
- Medical Expenses: Covers all costs related to treating the injury, including hospital visits, plastic surgery, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required for ongoing issues caused by the bite.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack. This can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and any diminished quality of life.
- Property Damage: If the bite attack caused damage to your belongings, such as torn clothing or broken personal items, you can seek reimbursement for those losses.
- Rehabilitation Costs: If you require specialized care, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counseling, these expenses may also be covered.
- Scarring: If the bite leaves permanent scars or results in disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional toll of those injuries.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a dog attack results in the death of a loved one, family members may pursue damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Our Tacoma dog bite injury lawyers will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the maximum recompense for your suffering.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Tacoma
The immediate aftermath of a dog bite incident can be traumatizing. However, if you or a loved one has been hurt, you should take immediate action to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Here are the steps that we suggest taking after a dog bite injury:
- Get Medical Help Immediately: Your first priority after a dog bite should always be your health. Even if the bite seems minor, dog bites can cause serious infections such as rabies, tetanus, or bacterial infections. Go to an emergency room immediately to have the wound cleaned and treated.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If possible, determine who owns the dog that bit you. Get the owner’s name, contact information, and details about the dog, such as its vaccination history. If the dog is a stray or the owner is unknown, make note of the dog’s physical appearance, behavior, and the location where the attack occurred.
- Report the Incident to Authorities: File an official report with Tacoma Animal Control or the local police department. Reporting the bite ensures that the incident is documented and helps establish a record of the dog’s behavior, especially if it has been aggressive in the past.
- Document the Incident Thoroughly: Gather as much evidence as you can related to the dog bite. Take clear photos of your injuries from multiple angles, as well as any torn or bloodied clothing. Photograph the location of the attack and the dog, if possible.
Write down a detailed account of the incident while it is still fresh in your memory, including the time, date, and location. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact information so they can provide statements if needed.
- Consult Our Dog Bite Lawyers: Speak with our experienced Tacoma dog bite injury attorneys to understand your legal rights and options. We will help you determine who is liable for your injuries and guide you through the process of filing a claim.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Washington Dog Bite Case
In Washington State, the Statute of Limitations for filing a dog bite case is three years from the date of the incident. This means victims must initiate legal action within this timeframe to seek compensation for their injuries. If you fail to file your claim before the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, leaving you without a legal remedy, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the strength of your case.
This time limit is set by RCW 4.16.080, Washington’s general personal injury statute. The countdown begins on the date of the dog bite, so acting quickly is essential to preserve your rights. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence, untraceable witnesses, and weakened claims.
Certain exceptions can alter the Statute of Limitations. For example:
- If the victim is a minor, the three-year period typically starts once they turn 18.
- In rare cases, the statute may be extended if the responsible party is out of state or cannot be located.
Given the strict nature of these deadlines, consulting with our experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible will ensure that all legal requirements are met. This allows your dog bite attorney to gather evidence, document your injuries, and build a strong case while ensuring your claim is filed on time.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us - Client Reviews
Tacoma Resources for Dog Bites
Local Hospitals:
If you have been bitten by a dog, you need immediate medical attention. Our clients in Tacoma recommend the following options:
St. Joseph Medical Center – Level II Trauma Center
(253) 426-4101
1717 South J Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
Tacoma General Hospital – Level II Trauma Center
(253) 403-1000
315 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
*Note: We do not endorse these hospitals or medical facilities. These are suggestions made by our clients in Tacoma.
Get a Free Consultation From a Tacoma Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Being the victim of a dog attack can impact your life in many ways. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a dog attack, you know the pain, stress, and medical bills that come with this type of incident. Our local Tacoma dog bite injury attorneys will defend your rights vigorously.
Together, we can get justice and compensation that you are entitled to, so let us begin today. Call our experienced dog bite attorneys and book your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Start by collecting key evidence, such as photographs of your injury and surveillance video of the dog attack, if available. You should also keep medical records, witness statements, and any incident report that you filed with law enforcement or animal control.
The liability of a dog bite case usually falls on the dog owner, caretaker, etc. However, it depends on specific cases and whether or not the person who got bitten was trespassing. In either case, liability usually falls on dog owners, caretakers, dog daycare facilities, etc.
Start by writing down a detailed account of the incident, including time, date, location, movement, etc. Take photos of your injuries, keep medical records, receipts of expenses, days lost at work, and witness information for their statement.
Start by seeking immediate medical attention and calling 911 to alert your local animal control (in case of a stray/rabid dog) or law enforcement. Also, start gathering key evidence, as mentioned before. Then, speak to an experienced attorney to file a bite claim.
An experienced Tacoma dog bite lawyer can help manage the legal matters on your behalf. They can gather evidence, communicate with insurance, and represent you in litigation or negotiations. Thus alleviating you from the burden of legal procedures.
Sources:
[1] Dog Attacks on Mail Carriers Decline in Spokane, Washington, But Still Not at Zero – Washington newsroom – About.usps.com. (n.d.). https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/wa/2024/0530-dog-attacks-on-mail-carriers-decline-in-spokane.htm
[2] Animal Control Complaints. (n.d.). https://www.cityoftacoma.org/residents/animal_control___pet_licensing/animal_control/animal_control_complaints
Our Tacoma dog bite attorneys are prepared to advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
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