Dog Bite Injuries in Washington: What You Need to Know

Barden & Barden – Spokane Personal Injury Attorneys

Dogs are often called “man's best friend,” but dog bites and attacks happen more often than many people realize. In Washington, thousands of residents each year suffer injuries ranging from painful lacerations to serious trauma that affects daily life. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, scarring, and emotional distress.

At Barden & Barden in Spokane, our experienced dog bite attorneys help victims across Eastern Washington understand their rights and pursue fair reimbursement. We know Washington dog bite laws and the Spokane community. Contact us at 509.315.8089 for a consultation about your specific situation.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Washington? (The Short Answer)

n most cases, the person who owns the dog is responsible — not the landlord.

Washington law holds dog owners legally responsible if their dog bites someone who was:

• In a public place, or
• Lawfully on private property (such as a guest, delivery driver, neighbor, or contractor).

This is known as strict liability. The owner is responsible even if the dog had never shown signs of aggression before.

What about landlords? Washington courts have been clear: a landlord is usually not responsible for injuries caused by a tenant's dog — even if the landlord knew the dog lived there or had a history of aggression. Once the property is rented, the tenant has control over the dog.

A landlord might be involved only in rare situations, such as if they actually owned or cared for the dog, had direct control over it, or the bite happened in a common area the landlord still controls (like a shared hallway).

Practical takeaway: The responsible parties are usually the tenant who owns the dog and anyone actively caring for or controlling the dog at the time. Their insurance is typically the source of payment.

How Money Is Typically Recovered After a Dog Bite or Attack

Most people are surprised to learn that money is usually recovered through insurance, not directly from the dog owner's personal savings.

The most common sources are:

• Homeowner's insurance (if the dog owner lives in their own home), or
• Renter's insurance (if the dog owner rents).

These policies often cover:

• Medical treatment and follow-up care
• Lost income from missed work
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life

The process usually starts with an insurance claim, not a lawsuit. Many cases resolve at this stage after medical records, bills, and documentation of the impact on daily life are submitted.

If the insurance company minimizes the injury, argues fault, or delays payment, a lawsuit may be needed — but even then, insurance is still typically the source of any settlement.

Most dog bite cases in Washington resolve without going to trial.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Spokane or Washington

Taking the right steps immediately protects your health and strengthens your case:

• Seek medical attention right away (visit a Spokane urgent care or emergency room to treat injuries and prevent infection).
• Gather the dog owner's name, contact information, and rabies vaccination records.
• Collect witness contact details.
• Document everything: photos of your injuries, the scene (Spokane park, sidewalk, neighborhood, etc.), and the dog if possible.
• Report the incident to Spokane Police or Animal Control.

Let Barden & Barden handle the legal side while you focus on healing.

Common Injuries from Dog Attacks

Dog bites in Spokane and across Washington can cause life-changing harm, including:

• Severe lacerations requiring stitches
• Serious infections that may need hospitalization
• Nerve damage leading to lasting pain or loss of function
• Dismembered fingers or partial paralysis
• Chronic pain and permanent scarring (sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery)
• Emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, or PTSD

Children are especially vulnerable. Young kids in Spokane parks or neighborhoods may approach dogs out of curiosity, resulting in deep injuries that affect growth and emotional well-being.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to the CDC, about 4.5 million dog bites occur nationwide each year, with roughly 885,000 requiring medical attention. In Washington, hundreds of injury claims arise annually, including many in the Spokane area.

Why Contact Barden & Barden?

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dog in Spokane or anywhere in Washington, we can help you understand who is responsible and how reimbursement typically works in your case.

We focus on shifting the financial burden away from you and onto the insurance coverage that exists for these situations. Time matters — evidence and deadlines are important.

Call Barden & Barden today at 509.315.8089 to schedule a consultation. We're here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.