One in five dog bite victims require medical treatment from a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After a dog attack, taking the right steps to seek care and medical attention can promote proper injury healing while creating the right paper trail for legal purposes. After one victim followed the steps Herschensohn Law, PLLC recommended, one of our dog bite clients recovered a $57,000 settlement. To speak to a Kent dog bite attorney, like Zach Herschensohn, who has practiced law since 2003, call (206) 222-9553 now.
Overview of Recommended Post-Dog Bite Steps
Recovering physically and financially after a dog bite involves prompt medical treatment, thorough documentation, and sidestepping common insurance company tactics.
- Prompt medical care creates a documented record connecting the injuries to the attack.
- Reporting the bite to Regional Animal Services of King County triggers a rabies investigation and an official incident report.
- Washington's strict liability statute, RCW 16.08.040, holds dog owners responsible for injuries regardless of the animal's prior bite history.
Serving dog bite victims in Kent, Seattle, and Chehalis, Washington, Herschensohn Law’s founder Zach Herschenson graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in Communication Theory.
Get Checked Out by a Doctor
Medical care comes first after any dog bite, regardless of how minor the wound initially appears. Puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection, and deep bites can damage nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. Kent residents can go to Valley Medical Center in Renton or MultiCare Covington Medical Center, both of which treat traumatic bite wounds. A physician's examination creates a medical record that directly links the injury to the dog attack. That record later becomes central evidence in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit so the victim can get compensated for his or her medical bills and other damages. Without doing this, a dog bite victim could be stuck paying for all of their medical costs themselves.
Report the Attack to Animal Control
Reporting the dog bite to Regional Animal Services of King County creates an official record independent of any insurance company file. Animal control will investigate whether the dog has a prior bite history and whether local licensing and vaccination requirements have been met. If the dog's rabies vaccination status is unknown, health officials can order a quarantine period to monitor the dog. Furthermore, King County keeps detailed records of animal bites to help protect public health. This step is often overlooked, though it strengthens the paper trail, again supporting a later dog bite lawsuit if needed.
Document the Attack
Photographs of the wound, the location of the attack, and any visible property damage provide powerful evidence. Additionally, injury photos should be taken immediately after the bite and as the wound heals over the following weeks. Victims should also keep copies of medical bills, prescription receipts, and any documentation of missed work. Moreover, a written account of the attack, recorded as soon as possible after the bite, helps preserve details that can fade over time. This documentation supports both an insurance claim and, when necessary, a personal injury lawsuit.
Obtain the Dog Owner's Contact Information
Whenever possible, victims should obtain the dog owner's full name, address, and phone number at the scene of the attack. Homeowners insurance or renters insurance information is equally important, since most dog bite settlements are paid through these policies. Under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 16.08.040, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by the animal in a public place or lawful private setting. In Beeler v. Hickman, 50 Wn. App. 746 (1988), the court confirmed owners can be held liable without knowing whether a dog may have dangerous tendencies. Without contact and insurance information, identifying the responsible insurance carrier is difficult.
Identify Any Witnesses to the Attack
Since a dog can not provide testimony as to what occurred during the attack, witnesses to the bite are extremely helpful. They can hopefully confirm how the attack occurred, whether the dog was under control, and whether any warning signs were posted nearby. Likewise, witness statements can also counter a common legal defense, such as an argument that the victim provoked the animal. Washington courts weigh credible witness testimony heavily when comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005 is raised. Comparative fault is a rule that reduces a victim's compensation by their own percentage of blame for an injury. Under RCW 4.22.005, Washington still allows recovery even if the victim is somewhat at fault, just at a reduced amount.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance
One of the benefits of contacting a Kent dog bite lawyer right away after your injury is that the attorney will offer practical insights such as navigating common insurance traps. Insurance adjusters often request that victims allow them to record a statement shortly after the dog bite, framing the call as routine or required. Dog bite victims are under no legal obligation whatsoever to provide one, and doing so can create statements later used to minimize an insurance claim. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that downplay injuries or suggest the victim contributed to the attack. Instead, a victim’s attorney can actually speak to the insurance company on their behalf, allowing the victim to relax and focus on healing.
Contact a Kent Dog Bite Lawyer If You Have Questions
A dog bite can result in lasting scars, medical debt, and lost wages, which deserve full financial compensation under Washington law. Thankfully, attorney Zach Herschensohn has practiced injury law in Washington since 2003, including published appellate work such as Gibson v. American Construction Company. Herschensohn Law, PLLC also holds membership in the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice. With offices in Kent, Seattle, and Chehalis, Herschensohn Law, PLLC is positioned to assist dog bite victims throughout Western Washington. To speak to a Kent dog bite lawyer now, contact us at (206) 222-9553.
Essential Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites and Liability in Kent, Washington
Read further to learn more about common questions from dog bite victims in Washington State.
How Long Do Kent Dog Bite Victims Have to File a Lawsuit?
As of 2026, Washington's statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 gives personal injury victims three years to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars recovery entirely, regardless of the severity of the injury.
After a Bog Bite, Does the Dog’s Breed Affect Liability?
No, RCW 16.08.110 prohibits cities and counties from imposing rules based solely on a dog's breed. Washington law focuses on the animal's individual behavior and the circumstances of the attack rather than its breed.
Can a Delivery Worker Bitten by a Dog File a Workers' Compensation Claim?
Yes, a worker injured by a dog on the job can file a workers' compensation claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. A separate lawsuit against the dog owner can often proceed alongside the workers' compensation claim.
Will a Dog Bite Settlement Affect the Owner's Homeowners Insurance?
Yes, some insurers raise premiums or decline to renew a policy after paying an insurance claim for a dog bite. Other insurers also ban certain dog breeds from being insured under their policies.
Can a Kent Dog Be Declared Dangerous After Biting Someone?
Yes, following an investigation, Regional Animal Services of King County can designate a dog as dangerous under chapter 16.08 RCW. A dangerous dog designation can trigger registration, confinement, and liability insurance requirements for the owner.
