Photo by Ugur Arpaci
The average dog bite lawsuit settlement in Washington State has nearly doubled over the past decade. In 2013, the average was close to $30,000, while by 2023 it had risen to $58,545. But does that mean you will receive that much for your own dog bite case? The answer depends entirely on the unique facts of your situation. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
What Can You Sue For?
Under Washington law, a dog’s owner is automatically responsible for bite injuries. RCW 16.08.040 provides strict liability: if a person is bitten while in a public place or lawfully on private property (even the owner’s own yard), the owner “shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten”. In practice this means you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was vicious or had bitten before (Washington rejects the “one-bite” rule.) As one Washington attorney notes, the law “favors victims of dog bites” by holding owners accountable at all times.
The only exceptions are rare defenses: recovery is barred if the victim provoked the dog (RCW 16.08.060), was trespassing or committing a crime on the property, or if the bite involved a police K-9 in the line of duty (excluded by RCW 4.24.410). Washington also follows pure comparative negligence, so any fault by the victim (e.g. partial provocation) would proportionally reduce the award.
Photo by Florinel ZONE
Landlords May Be Responsible for a Tenant’s Dog
In Washington, liability for dog bites doesn’t always fall solely on the dog’s owner. In some cases, landlords may also be held responsible if a tenant’s dog injures someone. This is especially true if the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
Because Washington follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, a victim does not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression. A prior “one free bite” is not a defense under state law. That means landlords who allow dangerous dogs on their property could be drawn into a lawsuit along with the dog’s owner.
To protect yourself, it’s wise to carry a strong liability insurance policy. Some landlords also choose to restrict or ban dogs on their rental properties to minimize risk.
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An Average Dog Bite Settlement in Washington Is Just That—an Average
There are many factors that influence the outcome of a dog bite lawsuit in Washington. For example, if the dog’s owner can prove that you provoked the animal, you may not be entitled to compensation at all. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney evaluate your case as soon as possible after an attack.
The amount you may recover also depends on the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Insurance companies are only obligated to pay up to the policy’s liability limits. If your damages exceed those limits, the remainder would need to be collected directly from the dog’s owner—which can be difficult if they lack sufficient assets.
Because of these complexities, the “average” dog bite settlement figure in Washington should be viewed only as a rough benchmark, not a guarantee. Every case is unique, and your compensation will depend on the specific facts of your situation, including the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and how the law applies to your claim.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Our experienced dog bite attorneys know how to hold negligent owners accountable and maximize the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your recovery.
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