Why Dog Bites Are Getting More Severe and Costly
A staggering 22,658 dog bite and related injury claims were filed across the U.S. in 2024, leading to more than $1.57 billion in insurance payouts.
That’s a 19% jump in one year and 48% over the last decade.
But what’s behind these rising numbers, and what should dog bite victims in Washington know about their legal rights?
90 Million Dogs in the US
Nearly 90 million dogs live in U.S. homes today. While many households treat their dogs as family, dog bites remain a serious and often overlooked public safety issue.
According to national health data, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten each year, and not all bites are minor.
Serious injuries can result in:
- Disfigurement
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Lasting psychological harm, particularly for children
In Washington, victims may be eligible for compensation, but only if they act quickly and know how the law works.
Why Dog Bite Claims Are Surging
Several factors contribute to the dramatic rise in dog-related injury claims:
- Increased pet ownership during and after the pandemic
- Higher medical costs associated with treating dog bite injuries
- Greater awareness of victims’ legal rights
- More aggressive insurance company pushback requiring formal legal action
Nationwide, the average cost per dog bite claim rose from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 in 2024. That's an 18% jump. That rise reflects more serious injuries and a greater push for accountability.
What Makes Washington Dog Bite Laws Unique?
Washington follows a strict liability approach to dog bite claims. That means a dog owner may be automatically responsible for damages if their dog bites someone, even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before, provided the dog was not provoked into attacking and the person bitten was not trespassing. This differs from states with a “one bite rule,” where owners may avoid liability for a first-time incident.
Under Washington State law, a person bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property) can hold the owner liable. The law is beneficial for victims because it relieves them of the burden of proving negligence. However, it doesn’t apply to trespassers or individuals who provoke the dog.
Where Dog Bites Happen in Vancouver, WA
In Southwest Washington communities, such as Vancouver, dog bites frequently occur in everyday public settings where people and pets interact closely. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Off-leash areas at parks such as Dakota Memorial Dog Park or Ross Dog Park
- Sidewalks in neighborhoods, public paths and greenways like the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail or the Columbia River waterfront
- Apartment complexes or neighborhoods where dogs may be unsupervised or unsecured
- Children’s play areas where a curious child may approach an unfamiliar dog
- Delivery situations involving postal workers, food delivery drivers, or service technicians entering a yard or front porch
In these moments, a seemingly friendly dog can become reactive in an instant. And when that happens, the consequences are often serious.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Washington
Knowing what to do after a dog bite can protect a victim’s health and legal rights. The following steps are especially important in Washington:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to infection. Prompt care also documents the injury for insurance and legal purposes.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the dog owner’s name, address, and vaccination records. If the dog was loose or you're unable to identify the dog’s owner, report the incident to Clark County Animal Protection and Control.
- Photograph Injuries and the Scene: Document bite wounds, torn clothing, and the location of the incident. These photos may become crucial evidence.
- File an Official Report: Report the bite to the local health department or animal control to create a record of the incident.
- Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly or deny the claim altogether. Legal guidance can help ensure fair treatment and full compensation.
These steps can make or break a dog bite claim. It’s not always clear whether the dog was provoked, whether a leash law was violated, or how to locate the dog owner. It’s also important to identify any insurance policies that may provide coverage for the attack, such as a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. An experienced dog bite lawyer can take on these investigative and legal burdens, allowing victims to focus on their healing.
Count on Colin Scott When It’s Time to Take Action
In Washington, most dog bite injury claims must be filed within three years of the incident. But this time limit may vary depending on the circumstances, and waiting too long can result in lost evidence, uncooperative witnesses, or insurance denial. It’s important to start the process as soon as possible.
If a dog bite injury has disrupted your life, The Scott Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help. With a proven track record of results across Southwest Washington, Attorney Colin Scott can evaluate the claim, investigate liability, and stand up to the insurance company on your behalf. Our case results include multiple six-figure recoveries for dog bite victims, including a $305,000 recovery for a dog bite attack in Clark County.
Every case starts with a free consultation, and legal fees are only owed if compensation is recovered. Don’t wait to protect your rights and your future by reaching out today. Contact us today.
"Working with The Scott Law Firm has been nothing short of outstanding. From day one, [Colin] brought professionalism, clear communication, and a deep commitment to excellence. His attention to detail, follow-through, and collaborative approach made every step of the process smooth and efficient. [Colin] has been a reliable, insightful, and genuinely enjoyable partner to work with. I’d suggest him to anyone and everyone!" - Caleb S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐