If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Washington State, acting quickly and decisively is best. Washington State law provides specific protections for victims of dog bites, but understanding your rights and the immediate steps you should take can make or break your case. These steps ensure you’re in the best position to seek compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Step 1: Get to a Safe Location, Then Seek Medical Attention
Dog bites can lead to severe infections and other complications. Even if the injury seems minor, move away from the dog and seek medical care immediately.
A medical evaluation also creates a record of your injury, which will be essential if you pursue a claim.
- Move Away from the Dog: Keep a distance between yourself and the dog to avoid further injury. If the dog’s owner is nearby, they should secure it immediately.
- Assess Your Injury: Treat the wound immediately, even if the bite doesn’t seem serious. Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and other complications, so do not ignore bleeding or visible injury.
- Clean the Wound: Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water to help reduce the risk of infection. Apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Seek Professional Medical Care: Go to a doctor or hospital, even for minor bites. Medical documentation of your injuries is important evidence in your case. A healthcare provider can also assess risks for infection or recommend treatment, such as antibiotics, tetanus, or rabies shots.
Step 2: Identify the Dog and Its Owner
After ensuring your immediate safety, identify the dog and its owner for any legal claim. Without this information, holding anyone accountable for your injuries or proving the bite’s origin can be challenging. Follow these steps to document the dog and owner effectively:
- Locate the Dog’s Owner: If the owner is nearby, request their name and contact information. Ask if the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly for rabies. This information is vital for your health and any legal actions you may take.
- Document the Dog’s Details: Note the dog’s appearance, including distinguishing characteristics like breed, color, and size. Record any notable markings or behaviors that can identify the dog later if the owner is unknown or uncooperative. Take several pictures.
- Ask Witnesses for Assistance: If the owner isn’t present or refuses to cooperate, seek help from bystanders. Witnesses may have seen where the dog came from or might know the owner. Collect names and contact information from witnesses willing to provide statements. Their testimony can help verify your account of the incident and strengthen your case.
Step 3: Documenting the Incident Thoroughly

You may need to pursue a legal claim, so clearly and thoroughly document the incident and your injuries to ensure you have the evidence needed to support your case:
- Photograph Injuries and the Scene: Take detailed photos of your injuries from multiple angles as soon as possible after the dog attacks. Also, take pictures of where the incident occurred, including contributing factors like a lack of leash or other hazards.
- Gather Witness Information: Get the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of anyone who witnessed the attack. Ask them to recount what they saw and briefly document their comments. Firsthand accounts can clarify liability and provide an unbiased perspective. Ask if they would provide a formal statement or testimony if needed. Knowing who can testify on your behalf will help your attorney build a strong case.
- Document Medical Treatment and Expenses: Keep copies of all medical records related to the bite, including doctor’s notes, prescriptions, and hospital discharge papers, to create a timeline and record of your injuries. Collect bills for every expense related to your injury, including ER visits, follow-up appointments, medications, and physical therapy. Documentation of costs is crucial for calculating compensation. Record other expenses related to the incident, such as lost wages from time off work, transportation costs for medical visits, or any special equipment needed for recovery.
- Update Photos During Healing: Continue to take photos of your dog bite injury to document the healing process, capturing any scarring, discoloration, or lasting effects. This provides visual evidence of the injury’s impact, essential for claims involving pain, suffering, or long-term damages.
Step 4: Report the Incident
Reporting the dog bite to local authorities is helpful for legal protection and public safety. An official report creates a documented incident record to strengthen your case and help prevent future attacks by the same dangerous dog.
Here’s how to report the incident:
- Contact Local Animal Control: Call your local Animal Control authorities immediately to report bites from dangerous dogs. Seattle Animal Control can be reached at (206) 386-7387 (PETS). Animal Control will investigate and verify the dog’s vaccination and licensing status and may take further action if the dog is a risk to others.
- Provide Detailed Information: When filing your report, give specific details about the incident. Include a description of the dog, any identifying information about the owner, and the location and circumstances of the bite. If you have the owner’s address or a vehicle license plate number, this information can help Animal Control follow up more effectively.
- Request a Copy of the Report: Ask for a copy for your records. This official documentation will be evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Follow up on the Investigation: Keep in touch with Animal Control to stay informed about any actions taken. Knowing the outcome of the investigation can be helpful for your case, particularly if the dog has a reported history of aggression.
Step 5: Understand Your Legal Rights Under Washington State Law

In Washington State, dog owners are strictly liable for bites, even if their dogs have never shown aggression.
Understanding these legal protections can help you feel confident moving forward with a potential claim.
- Strict Liability for Dog Owners: Under Washington dog bite law (RCW 16.08.040), a dog owner is automatically liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or while the dog bite victim is lawfully on private property. You don’t need to prove that the owner was negligent or the dog was dangerous. Proving that the bite occurred under these conditions is often enough to establish liability.
- Exceptions and Defenses: There are limited exceptions to strict liability. The owner may not be liable if you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or acting unlawfully during the bite.
- Statute of Limitations: In Washington, you generally have three years from the day of the bit to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation. Don’t wait.
Step 6: Contact a Seattle Dog Bite Lawyer
Hiring an experienced Seattle dog bite lawyer ensures that you have an experienced advocate fighting for your rights and helping you pursue maximum compensation.
A smart Seattle dog bite attorney will offer a free consultation to help you understand whether hiring a lawyer is necessary for your situation. During this consultation, an attorney can assess the strength of your case, explain your options, and clarify when legal representation is needed.
You can handle the claim independently for minor injuries and straightforward dog bite cases. However, if your dog bite injuries are severe, the dog owner disputes the claim, you will be left with scarring, or an insurance company is involved, an attorney’s guidance can be invaluable in securing fair compensation.
Step 7: Explore Your Compensation Options
A dog bite can lead to unexpected medical bills, time away from work, and lasting physical and emotional effects. Washington law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation for these losses. Here’s what you may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover immediate medical costs, such as emergency care, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing treatments related to the bite.
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries or they affect your ability to work long-term, you may be eligible for compensation to cover lost wages and earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bites often cause physical pain, scarring, emotional trauma, and anxiety. Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the lasting physical and emotional consequences the incident has on your life.
Take the Next Step Toward Protecting Your Rights
A dog attack can be a traumatic experience with lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. By acting quickly, documenting thoroughly, and understanding your rights under Washington law, you put yourself in the best position to hold the responsible parties accountable. While handling a dog bite claim independently is possible, hiring an experienced Seattle dog bite attorney can improve your chances of a successful outcome. If a dog has bitten you and you need guidance on your next steps, get legal help. Call or write for a free consultation to evaluate your case and determine the best action.