A dog attack happens in seconds. The trauma? That lasts far longer. You’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills piling up, time off work, and insurance companies trying to pay you as little as possible. Here’s what matters: under Washington’s strict liability law, dog owners are responsible for the harm their animals cause. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
At Herschensohn Law, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for personal injury victims across Washington State. Our Kent office serves Federal Way residents, and we understand the physical and emotional toll these attacks take. We handle every aspect of your case while you focus on healing.
No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.
Why Choose Herschensohn Law
Local Legal Expertise
We’ve handled premises liability cases throughout King County. We know Federal Way’s neighborhoods, parks, and trails where attacks commonly occur. Our team knows how to investigate incidents at places like Steel Lake Park or along the Hylebos Creek Trail.
Proven Track Record
Our firm secured $2.7 million for a woman who sustained a permanent back injury in an accident. The jury award consisted solely of pain and suffering damages. Every case is different, but we fight aggressively for maximum compensation.
Comprehensive Case Management
From gathering medical records to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle everything. You’ll have direct access to attorney Zach Herschensohn, who has published appellate victories and understands Washington’s comparative negligence law inside and out.
No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Zach has been extremely helpful in my case, we were in a car accident in an Uber and he has given me so much direction and hope. He’s very professional and experienced and I have faith that he is the right way to go especially to get a fair settlement and get all the medical bills covered.” – Ashly Halverson
Understanding Dog Bites in Federal Way
According to the World Animal Foundation, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people in the United States annually. Approximately 885,000 of those victims seek medical attention. Washington State ranked 19th nationally for dog bite incidents, with 108 mail carrier attacks reported in 2023.
Federal Way’s mix of residential neighborhoods and outdoor spaces creates plenty of opportunities for dog encounters. Popular walking areas near Celebration Park, Dumas Bay Centre, and the Inter-Urban Trail see regular foot traffic. Unleashed or aggressive dogs pose real risks in these spaces. The city’s growing population means more dogs. More dogs mean more potential for incidents.
High-risk locations for dog bites in Federal Way include:
- Steel Lake Park – Heavy pedestrian and dog traffic creates conflicts
- Hylebos Creek Trail – Narrow paths limit escape options during encounters
- Shopping center parking lots along Pacific Highway – Dogs left in vehicles or walked without proper restraint
- Apartment complexes near South 320th Street – Shared spaces where dogs interact unexpectedly
- Dash Point State Park trails – Off-leash violations in wooded areas
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Unprovoked Attacks
The most common scenario. You’re walking, jogging, or visiting someone when a dog suddenly attacks without warning.
Delivery and Postal Worker Injuries
According to the U.S. Postal Service, over 6,000 dog attacks on mail carriers occurred in 2024. We’ve handled workplace injury cases where employees were attacked while performing job duties.
Child Attacks
Children make up a significant portion of dog bite victims. Attacks on kids often result in facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.
Property Owner Negligence
Landlords who allow dangerous dogs on premises without proper precautions can be held liable. Same goes for neighbors who fail to secure fencing. These fall under premises liability claims.
Dog Attacks on Other Animals
Under RCW 16.08.040, owners are liable when their dog injures or kills another person’s pet.
Common Injuries
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Deep bites require immediate emergency care. Insurance companies often downplay these injuries, using tactics similar to those in car accident claims. But complications like nerve damage or infection can develop later.
Facial and Neck Injuries
These often need plastic surgery. They leave permanent scarring. We’ve seen insurers offer lowball settlements before victims understand the full extent of disfigurement.
Infections
Dog bites carry serious infection risks. Delayed treatment can lead to sepsis or require hospitalization.
Psychological Trauma
PTSD, anxiety around dogs, and emotional distress are real damages. Victims may avoid outdoor activities or struggle with sleep disturbances long after physical wounds heal.
Nerve Damage
Severe bites can sever nerves, causing permanent loss of sensation or motor function. These injuries impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.
What Your Case Is Worth
Economic Damages
Medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, and property damage are all recoverable. That includes torn clothing and damaged property. Don’t let insurance companies pressure you to settle before you know how medical bills get paid.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain, suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and lost quality of life have significant value. Understanding how pain and suffering is calculated helps victims recognize fair compensation.
Every case is different. Contact us for a free consultation where we’ll review your specific situation and explain what compensation you may recover.
Washington’s Dog Bite Law
Under RCW 16.08.040, dog owners in Washington face strict liability when their animal bites someone. The statute states: “The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog, shall be liable for such damages as may be suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of such dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
What does that mean? You don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous. The law protects you whether the attack happened in a park, on a sidewalk, or even on the owner’s property if you were lawfully present.
Exceptions exist. If you provoked the dog, were trespassing, or the bite involved a police dog performing official duties, the strict liability statute won’t apply. However, even if one of these defenses applies, you may still have a claim based on negligence.
Insurance Company Tactics
Delay Tactics
Insurers drag out investigations hoping you’ll accept less due to financial pressure. We’ve seen cases where claims adjusters take months to respond while victims struggle with bills.
Recorded Statement Traps
They’ll call requesting a statement, then use your words against you. Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present.
Quick Lowball Offers
They’ll rush to settle before you fully understand your injuries. These initial offers rarely cover long-term medical needs or psychological care.
Blame the Victim
Insurance companies suggest you provoked the dog or were trespassing. We gather evidence that strengthens claims. Witness statements, veterinary records showing aggressive history, and photos counter these defenses.
Minimizing Scarring
Adjusters claim scars aren’t significant or will fade. We work with medical experts who document permanent disfigurement and explain how scarring affects your case.
Steps After a Dog Bite
Immediate Actions:
Call 911 if injuries are severe, especially for children or elderly victims. Get emergency medical treatment even if bites seem minor. Infections develop quickly.
Document everything. Take photos of injuries, torn clothing, and the scene. Get the dog owner’s contact information and insurance details.
Identify witnesses who saw the attack. Their statements become crucial evidence.
Don’t admit fault or downplay injuries to the owner. Simply exchange information and seek medical care. Avoid common mistakes after accidents.
Following Days:
Follow all medical treatment. Gaps in care give insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim. Keep every medical bill and document treatment carefully.
Report the incident to Federal Way Animal Services at (253) 835-3770. This creates an official record and helps protect others from future attacks.
Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance companies. We handle all communications while protecting your future.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I never write reviews, but I was so grateful for Zach for helping my elderly mother who was injured by reckless driver, I decided it was a way I could express my thanks. She was so overwhelmed trying to navigate the complexity of the car and health insurance bureaucracy, she was losing sleep, but Zach and his wonderful staff helped her every step of the way.” – Ryan Harrington
The Legal Process
Free Consultation
We review your case, explain your rights, and outline the legal process. No obligation. No pressure.
Investigation
Our team gathers medical records, photos, animal control reports, and witness statements. We identify all liable parties. Not just the owner but potentially property managers or landlords.
Demand and Negotiation
We present a comprehensive demand to the insurance company backed by evidence and medical documentation. Most personal injury cases settle at this stage.
Filing Lawsuit if Necessary
If insurers refuse fair compensation, we file suit and prepare for trial. Understanding the difference between claims and lawsuits helps victims navigate the process.
Resolution
Whether through settlement or verdict, we fight for full compensation that covers all your damages.
Time Limits for Filing
Washington law gives dog bite victims three years from the date of attack to file a claim under RCW 4.16.080. However, evidence deteriorates quickly. Witnesses forget details. Photos get lost. Medical records become harder to obtain.
The statute of limitations for government claims is much shorter. If a government entity owns the property where you were bitten, you may have only 120 days to file a notice of claim.
Don’t wait. Contact us immediately to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.
What if the dog owner has no insurance?
We explore all options, including the owner’s personal assets and your own insurance policies. Understanding uninsured motorist claims principles helps identify additional recovery sources.
Can I still file a claim if I was bitten on the owner’s property?
Yes, as long as you were lawfully present. Social guests, mail carriers, and meter readers are all protected under Washington’s strict liability statute.
What if I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a complete defense, but insurance companies often claim provocation when none existed. We investigate thoroughly and challenge these assertions with evidence.
How long will my case take?
Cases typically resolve in several months to over a year. It depends on how long personal injury lawsuits take and whether litigation becomes necessary.
What if the attack happened to my child?
Children have until three years after their 18th birthday to file claims. However, medical treatment and compensation shouldn’t wait. We handle cases for minors through their legal guardians.
Will I have to go to court?
Most cases settle without trial. If litigation becomes necessary, we handle everything and keep you informed at each stage through the legal process.
About Herschensohn Law
Attorney Zach Herschensohn founded our firm on a simple principle: injured people deserve aggressive, experienced representation. With over 20 years of experience since 2003, Zach has secured multi-million dollar settlements and published appellate victories including Gibson vs. American Construction Company, Inc.
We’re members of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Zach also serves on the King County Bar Association Board and provides pro bono services to those in need.
We have experience in securing compensation for various personal injury cases in Federal Way including car accidents, truck accidents, slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, and other injuries for the people of Federal Way.
Our five Washington offices, including our Kent location serving Federal Way and our Seattle office, offer convenient access throughout Western Washington. We answer calls 24/7 at (206) 338-4175 because injuries don’t wait for business hours.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We are so happy that we chose the Herschensohn Law Firm to represent us with my son’s accident. From first contact with them, we felt confident with their abilities and expertise. They walked us through the case so we knew what to expect and what the timeline would be. Their experience and customer care are unmatched.” – Alex Zahajko
Important Local Resources for Federal Way Dog Bites
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center
202 N Division St, Auburn, WA 98001
(253) 833-7711
Closest emergency department for serious dog bite injuries requiring immediate care.
Federal Way Police Department Non-Emergency
33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
(253) 835-6700
Report dog attacks and obtain police reports documenting the incident.
King County District Court – South Division
401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
(206) 477-3500
Venue for certain dog bite litigation in King County.
Federal Way Animal Services
(253) 835-3770
Report dangerous dogs and aggressive animal incidents within Federal Way city limits.
Washington State Department of Health
(800) 525-0127
Information on rabies concerns and infectious disease protocols following animal bites.
Herschensohn Law Kent Office
19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101, Kent, WA 98032
(206) 338-4175
Schedule your free consultation at our office conveniently located near Federal Way.
Contact Us
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your injuries or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve. Washington’s strict liability law protects dog bite victims, but you need experienced legal representation to maximize your compensation.
Call (206) 338-4175 now for your free consultation. We answer 24/7. No fees unless we win your case.
You’ve already suffered enough. Let us fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
