Even the Friendliest Dog Can Bite — Know Your Rights and the Risks
National Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13–19, 2025) is a timely reminder that any dog can bite, no matter how friendly or well-trained they may seem. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), dog bites are preventable—but they still happen by the millions each year. In Washington State, where dog ownership is high and pet-friendly spaces are common, it’s especially important to understand how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you or someone you care about is bitten by a dog, the aftermath can be painful, traumatic, and expensive. At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we help victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially by holding negligent dog owners accountable under Washington’s strict liability laws. Contact us today to see how a Washington dog bite lawyer can help with your potential legal case.
Understanding the Real Risk: Why Dogs Bite
The first theme of this year’s awareness week is simple but essential: Any dog can bite. That includes dogs that are friendly, trained, or have no prior history of aggression. Most bites occur in familiar settings—often in or near the victim’s home.
Common causes of dog bites include:
- Fear or anxiety
- Possessiveness over toys, food, or territory
- Pain or illness
- Overstimulation in crowded or noisy places
- Unfamiliar interactions, especially with children
Washington State law recognizes this by holding owners strictly liable in most bite cases, regardless of a dog’s history.
Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Washington State
In Washington, RCW 16.08.040 makes dog owners legally responsible when their dog bites someone—regardless of whether the dog has bitten before. Examples of this may include:
- The bite or attack occurred in a public place like a neighborhood or dog park
- The bite occurred at a private business such as a grocery store or brewery
- The victim was lawfully on their own property or someone else’s property when the attack occurred
- The victim was not trespassing
- The victim did not provoke the dog
This strict liability approach ensures that victims don’t need to prove the owner was negligent—they just need to show that the bite occurred under certain conditions.
What to Do If You’re Bitten By a Dog
Even during awareness week, dog bites still happen—and knowing what to do afterward can make all the difference in your recovery and your claim.
Get medical treatment.
Dog bites can lead to serious infections and tissue damage. Seek immediate care and document all treatment.
Identify the dog and its owner.
Get names, contact details, and vaccination records. This helps prevent further harm and supports your claim.
Report the incident.
Contact local animal control or law enforcement to create an official report. This helps document the attack and may prevent future incidents.
Take photos and collect evidence.
Photograph your injuries, the dog, the location, and anything else relevant. Save medical bills, emails, and notes about pain or missed work.
Talk to a dog bite lawyer.
In Washington, cases involving dog bites can become complicated—especially if the owner denies responsibility or their insurance company downplays your injuries.
Why Bite Prevention Week Matters—And What Still Needs Work
Each day of Dog Bite Prevention Week has a theme. On of the themes focuses on owner responsibility and controlling dogs in public places. As Attorney Colin Scott has seen, even seemingly safe environments like breweries, off-leash parks, and neighborhood sidewalks can become dangerous when dogs aren’t properly restrained.
We support efforts like AVMA’s call for:
- Strong leash laws and enforcement
- Public education on responsible dog ownership
- Spaying and neutering pets to reduce aggression
- Age-appropriate training and socialization programs
- Outreach to children about safe behavior around animals
These steps won’t eliminate the risk—but they can help reduce it. And when dog owners fail to take them, legal accountability is critical.
Case Highlight: $305,000 for a Child Attacked by a Dog
At The Scott Law Firm, PLLC, we know how traumatic a dog bite can be—especially for children. In one case, we helped recover $305,000 for a child injured in a serious attack. That case was resolved because we moved quickly, documented everything, and stood firm in negotiations with the insurance company.
Every case is different, and not all will result in that level of recovery. But one thing is always the same: you deserve a dog bite attorney who understands what you’re going through and is committed to fighting for justice and accountability.
If You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog, Don’t Wait to Take Action
Whether you’re reading this during Dog Bite Prevention Week or afterward, remember: your rights don’t expire overnight, but they do have a deadline. This deadline is referred to as the “statute of limitations.” If you wait too long and the applicable statute of limitations expires, your ability to seek financial compensation for your injuries and damages will be lost forever. Therefore, it is extremely important to speak with a qualified dog bite attorney who can identify the applicable statute of limitations in your case.
You might do some research online and think that you have identified the correct statute of limitations. But there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to identifying the correct statute of limitations in personal injury cases. The statute of limitations can vary depending on the circumstances. That is why you should consult with a qualified attorney who can review the facts in your situation and properly identify the amount of time you have to either make a claim or file a lawsuit in order to preserve your ability to pursue a claim in the future.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Vancouver or anywhere in Southwest Washington, you can count on attorney Colin Scott. We’ll walk you through your potential legal options and take care of the details while you focus on healing.
Give us a call or contact us online today for a free case evaluation. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
“I found the Scott Law firm simply by searching the internet. That said, I carefully researched and interviewed three separate firms. I chose Scott Law firm because I felt they were very responsive to my inquiries and because they were very thorough in explaining the process to me and what I should expect. All expectations were met during the six to eight months that they represented me. I feel grateful that I chose the firm that represented me and my needs in the very best way. Thank you Colin and thank you Leslie. I highly recommend this firm.” — Carla B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐