No Fees Unless We Win
No Fees Unless We Win
We often consider dogs our loyal companions, but their potential or danger that often goes unrecognized. The combination of powerful jaws, sharp teeth, and instinctual behaviors can transform even the gentlest pet into a serious threat.
Dog bites pose a significant risk to people of all ages, with consequences ranging from minor injuries to life-altering trauma. The harsh reality is that dog attacks occur more frequently than many realize, affecting millions of Americans each year.
According to the American Veterinary Association, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. In recent years, dozens of Americans have lost their lives due to dog attacks. In 2019 alone, 48 dog attacks resulted in human deaths.
Recent data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that dog bites have a significant financial impact. In 2023, dog bite claims cost homeowners insurance companies $1,116 million. The number of claims nationwide rose to 19,062 in 2023, up from 17,597 in 2022—an 8.3% increase.
In 2023, the average claim cost $58,545, down 9.3% from $64,555 in 2022. But from from 2014 to 2023, the average cost per claim has risen by 82.5 percent. This overall increase is attributed to rising medical costs and a trend toward larger settlements, judgments, and jury awards for plaintiffs.
Greg Colburn’s path to personal injury law is rooted in personal experience. After a devastating fall left him in a wheelchair for two years, he took on insurance companies and legal obstacles to win his own case. That journey inspired him to fight for others facing similar challenges. Today, Greg is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice they deserve.
Years of Experience: 20 years
Super Lawyers Profile: Greg Colburn
Dogs may bite for various reasons, including fear, protection of territory or resources, pain or illness, and lack of proper socialization or training. In some cases, dogs with a history of abuse or neglect may be more prone to aggressive behavior. Certain breeds may also be more prone to aggression than others, although this topic is highly debated among many people in the animal community.
Certain situations can trigger a dog’s aggressive response, such as unfamiliar environments, perceived threats to their owners or territory, or startling interactions. Children, in particular, may inadvertently provoke dogs through sudden movements or unintentional invasions of the animal’s space. In some cases, a dog may have underlying neurological or behavioral issues that can cause them to be more aggressive and more likely to attack humans.
If you were bitten by a dog in Washington state, it is important to know that you have legal options available to you. Filing a dog bite lawsuit allows you to recover financial compensation to help pay for any losses that you sustained due to the bite, including medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
When it comes to dog bites, state laws typically fall under one of two categories: strict liability or the one-bite rule. In one-bite states, you can only file a lawsuit against a dog owner whose animal has a history of aggressive behavior. Essentially, the dog’s first bite is “free.”
Washington, like many other states, follows a strict liability standard. This means that a dog owner is liable for any bites even if their animal has never bitten anyone in the past.
RCW 16.08.040: Dog bites—Liability.
(1) 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.
No Fees Unless We Win
The aftermath of a dog attack can be a scary and disorienting experience. It can be difficult to know what to do next, but the actions that you take can greatly affect the weeks and months to come. After being bitten by a dog, take the following steps to protect yourself and support your future legal claim:
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Washington, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Colburn Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents can take. Our Washington dog bite lawyers can guide you through the process of recovering compensation and holding the owner accountable.
We will handle the complexities of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Take the first step toward justice and healing—contact Colburn Law today at (206) 919-3215 for a free consultation.
Dog Bite Attorneys Near Me in Washington State 
Have you experienced a dog bite injury? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and more. A trusted dog bite injury attorney near me can help you protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney and get the support you need to move forward.
Client Reviews
When our son was badly injured from an aggressive dog bite and needed surgery, Greg and his team (thanks Tina!) were there to handle the case and let us concentrate on the healing our son needed. I did not know at the time that Greg was one of the top dog bite lawyers in WA state. He was able to get the insurance company to pay out the full policy and now our son will have what he needs for future medical and mental health related needs. We could not be happier with the outcome.
– Alan S.
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We will gladly meet you at the hospital, at your home, or at a coffee shop. We believe meeting a client at his or her home helps us fully understand our client’s story.
You’ll have direct communication with me. I will know every client’s story because I will take the time to listen and understand.
I am passionate about ensuring the best possible results for each and every client, no matter the case size.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Greg Colburn.
We will come to your home, a coffee shop, or your hospital room, whichever works best for you. We’ll discuss your legal options, and if we should decide to move forward, we will offer our services on a contingency-fee basis.
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