What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Service Dog in Washington

Key Takeaways

• Washington law holds handlers strictly liable for dog bites, even from trained service animals, under RCW 16.08.040.
• Victims should seek medical care immediately and document injuries, since infection risk increases quickly after a bite.
• Handlers may raise provocation or trespassing as limited defenses to a service dog bite claim.
• Washington gives injured victims three years from the bite date to file a personal injury claim.
• Compensation may include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and scarring, depending on case facts.

Service dogs are trained to remain calm in public, but that training does not remove the risk of a bite entirely. When an incident happens, knowing what to do if you are bitten by a service dog can shape both your recovery and your legal options in Washington. Prompt medical care, clear documentation of the injury, a report to the proper local authority, and the handler’s contact information can all matter later, since liability may depend on the specific circumstances of the incident.

At Colburn Law, our Washington dog bite lawyers help injured victims across the state understand how these cases are typically handled and what compensation may be available.

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What Should You Do Immediately After a Service Dog Bite?

Even a wound that looks minor can carry a serious infection risk, whether the bite comes from a trained service animal or any other dog. To lower that risk, MedlinePlus recommends washing dog bite wounds with soap and water and watching for redness, swelling, or fever to help catch complications early.

Knowing what to do if you are bitten by a service dog can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim. A few steps taken in the hours after an attack matter most:

• Visit urgent care or an emergency room the same day
• Photograph the wound and the location where it happened
• Ask the handler for their name, contact details, and training organization
• Notify local animal control or the police about the incident
• Save medical bills, treatment notes, and any related work absences
• Speak with a Washington dog bite lawyer early on

Those records can lay the groundwork for a claim once the injury proves serious enough to justify compensation past the initial treatment.

Can You File a Claim If a Service Dog Bites You?

With medical care and documentation addressed, the next question is typically whether the incident supports a claim. In Washington, the answer is generally yes, since a dog’s training status does not remove the handler’s liability under state law. Washington applies strict liability to dog bites under RCW 16.08.040, meaning a handler is typically responsible for injuries their dog causes regardless of the animal’s history, temperament, or training record.

A handler may raise limited defenses, such as arguing the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing at the time of the attack. Outside those narrow circumstances, Washington law generally favors the injured party. Victims generally have three years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim under RCW 4.16.080, so acting promptly can help preserve that window before it closes and before evidence becomes harder to gather.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Service Dog Bite?

Establishing liability is only the first step. Washington law allows several categories of damages depending on the severity of the attack:

• Medical expenses covering emergency treatment, stitches, antibiotics, and follow-up visits tied directly to the bite.
• Future medical treatment such as physical therapy, reconstructive procedures, or ongoing monitoring for more serious injuries.
• Lost wages for income missed during recovery, along with reduced future earning capacity if the injury limits the ability to work long-term.
• Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress that often follow a serious bite, including anxiety around dogs or public spaces.
• Scarring or permanent injuries, particularly to the face, hands, or other visible areas, which can increase the value of a claim due to their lasting impact.

The amount and type of compensation available can depend on the specific facts and documented damages in each case, since no two claims resolve the same way.

Injured by a Service Dog? Colburn Law Can Help

Knowing what to do if you are bitten by a service dog is only part of the process, since the next step often involves understanding your legal options. At Colburn Law, we may be able to help by gathering evidence, handling communication with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for medical costs, lost income, and lasting harm. Contact us today at (206) 919-3215 to schedule a free consultation and find out whether you may have grounds to pursue a claim.

Greg Colburn – Washington Dog Bite Attorney

From Injury Victim to Fierce Advocate

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

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schedule Free Consultation call us 206-919-3215