Dog Bites

If you are bitten by another's dog, there are statutory and common law methods of getting compensation for your injuries. Washington dog bite liability law states that when an owner's dog bites someone else - and the victim is legally in a public area, or legally on the owner's land - the owner is strictly liable for any injuries the dog might cause. 'Strict Liability' means that, regardless of how cautious or conscientious the owner was, and regardless of any aggravating behavior by the victim, the owner is responsible for monetary damages. Washington holds dog owners to a increased standard of care because dog bites have a high potential to cause significant injury or death, especially in children.

16.08.040

The strict liability standard only applies to actual bites from a dog; other injuries caused by a dog (like being knocked over or scratched) are held to the traditional negligence standard. Additionally, strict liability may not apply to a dog bite if the victim intentionally provoked the dog, or was trespassing on private property.

16.08.060