Dog bites cause serious physical and emotional trauma that can impact your life for years. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog attack in Yakima, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Washington’s strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their animals, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. Tamaki Law fights to secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward.
Why You Need a Yakima Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite injuries happen more frequently than many people realize. Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States. Between 750,000 to 885,000 require medical attention. Emergency departments treat an estimated 334,000 to 370,000 annually (CDC). These incidents can result in severe lacerations, infections, nerve damage, broken bones, and lasting psychological trauma.
Beyond the physical injuries, dog bite victims often face significant financial burdens. Emergency room visits, surgical procedures, ongoing wound care, and reconstructive surgery can cost thousands of dollars. Many victims also experience lost wages while recovering. Additionally, they may require long-term therapy to address emotional trauma and anxiety.
Washington’s strict liability statute means dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their animals cause—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. This protects victims by removing the burden of proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous. At Tamaki Law, our experienced attorneys understand the physical and emotional impact of dog attacks. We work to hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the full compensation you deserve.
What Happens After a Dog Bite?
After a dog bite, seek immediate medical attention to document injuries and prevent infection. Report the incident to Yakima Animal Control and local police. Gather witness information and photograph your injuries. Preserve all medical records. Contact Tamaki Law for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Understanding Washington’s Dog Bite Law
Washington’s dog bite statute, RCW 16.08.040, establishes strict liability for dog owners. This means an owner is liable for damages caused by their dog if the dog injures a person while the person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog’s owner.
The key advantage of strict liability is clear: you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. The owner’s liability is automatic once the dog causes injury. This differs significantly from negligence-based claims, where you would need to demonstrate the owner failed to exercise reasonable care.
However, strict liability has limited exceptions. An owner may not be liable if you were trespassing on their property. Similarly, if you provoked the dog’s attack, the owner may not be liable. You may also be partially at fault through comparative negligence. Assumption of risk may be a common law defense in limited circumstances. Washington’s comparative negligence doctrine allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the incident. However, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 establishes regulations for dangerous dogs. These local ordinances define what constitutes a “potentially dangerous dog” based on behavior (not breed). They also impose additional requirements on owners, such as maintaining liability insurance and using proper restraints. Violations of these ordinances can strengthen your claim against a negligent dog owner.
Is There a “One Free Bite” Rule in Washington?
No. Washington does not follow the “one free bite” rule that exists in some states. Under Washington’s strict liability law, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the dog has previously bitten someone. The owner’s liability is automatic upon injury, making it easier for victims to pursue compensation.
Types of Injuries and Compensation Available
Dog bites cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to severe, life-altering trauma. Understanding the types of injuries and available compensation helps you recognize the full value of your claim.
Physical Injuries: Dog bites commonly cause lacerations, puncture wounds, and scarring—particularly on the face, neck, and hands. Victims may suffer nerve damage affecting sensation and function. Broken bones can result from the force of the bite. Serious infections, including staph and streptococcus, are common. Severe bites may require emergency surgery, multiple procedures, skin grafts, or reconstructive surgery to restore appearance and function.
Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical wounds, dog bite victims frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and fear of dogs. Children may develop lasting phobias that affect their daily activities and social development. These psychological injuries are real and compensable.
Economic Damages: You can recover all reasonable medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, wound care, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment. Lost wages cover the income you missed while recovering and are unable to work. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job, you may recover damages for reduced earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced. Disfigurement damages compensate for permanent scarring or visible injury affecting your appearance. Loss of enjoyment of life covers activities you can no longer participate in due to your injuries.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for others’ safety—such as knowingly keeping a dangerous dog without proper restraint—courts may award punitive damages to punish the owner and deter similar conduct.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
You can recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future medical care). Additionally, you can recover non-economic damages (pain and suffering, disfigurement, emotional trauma). In cases of gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages. The specific amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of medical treatment required, and the impact on your quality of life. Our Yakima personal injury attorneys evaluate each case individually to maximize your recovery.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Yakima
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries appear minor, visit an emergency room or urgent care facility. Dog bites carry high infection risk. Medical professionals can properly clean and treat wounds. Medical records documenting your injuries are crucial evidence for your claim.
Document Your Injuries: Take photographs of all visible injuries from multiple angles. Continue photographing as injuries heal to show the progression of scarring and recovery. Keep detailed records of pain levels, limitations on daily activities, and emotional impacts.
Report to Animal Control: Contact Yakima Animal Control to report the incident. This creates an official record. It ensures the dog is evaluated for rabies risk and dangerous dog status. Request a copy of the animal control report for your records.
Report to Police: File a police report documenting the incident. This official report provides independent documentation of what occurred. It may help establish the dog owner’s liability.
Gather Witness Information: Collect names, phone numbers, and email addresses from anyone who witnessed the attack. Witness statements strengthen your claim by providing independent corroboration of the incident.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, receipts, and documentation related to your treatment. Maintain records of lost wages, including pay stubs and employer statements. Preserve the clothing you wore during the attack, as it may show evidence of the bite.
Avoid Social Media: Do not post about the incident on social media or discuss it with others. Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor social media for statements that could be used against you.
Contact Tamaki Law: Call us at (509) 248-8338 for a free consultation. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and protecting your rights. Our Yakima dog bite lawyers are available 24/7.
Should I Report the Dog Bite to Animal Control?
Yes. Reporting to Animal Control creates an official record of the incident. It ensures the dog is evaluated for rabies and dangerous dog status. It provides documentation that strengthens your legal claim. Request a copy of the animal control report for your attorney. This documentation is essential when working with a Yakima personal injury lawyer.
How Tamaki Law Handles Your Dog Bite Claim
At Tamaki Law, we handle dog bite claims with the thoroughness and dedication they deserve. Our process includes:
Thorough Investigation: We investigate the incident, the dog owner’s history, and any prior complaints about the dog. We identify all potentially responsible parties, including the dog owner, property owner, and anyone harboring the dog.
Determining Liability: We analyze the facts against Washington’s strict liability statute and local ordinances. We identify any defenses the owner might raise and develop strategies to overcome them.
Identifying All Responsible Parties: Dog bite liability may extend beyond the dog’s owner. Property owners who knew about a dangerous dog on their premises may share liability. Landlords who failed to enforce pet policies may share liability. Individuals harboring the dog may share liability.
Negotiating with Insurance: Most dog bite claims are covered under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. We negotiate directly with insurance companies to secure fair compensation without requiring you to go to trial.
Building a Strong Case: We gather medical records, expert testimony, photographs, and witness statements to build a compelling case. We document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Litigation When Necessary: If insurance negotiations fail to produce fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are not intimidated by aggressive defense tactics.
Contingency Fee Basis: We represent dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We only receive payment if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures you can afford quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Tamaki Law represents dog bite victims on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. We only receive a fee if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures you can afford experienced legal representation without financial risk. Learn more about our case results and successful settlements.
Common Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Yakima
What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim?
Washington law provides a three-year statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim, measured from the date of the bite. You have three years to file a lawsuit. However, do not wait to pursue your claim. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. Insurance companies may dispute claims filed long after the incident. Contact Tamaki Law promptly to protect your rights.
Will the dog be destroyed?
Whether a dog is destroyed depends on local ordinances and the dog’s history. Filing a personal injury claim does not automatically result in the dog’s destruction. Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 6.20 establishes procedures for determining whether a dog is “potentially dangerous” or “vicious.” A dog may be declared dangerous if it has injured someone. However, destruction is not automatic. Animal control and the courts make these determinations based on the specific circumstances.
Can I sue if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence doctrine. You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the incident—your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $10,000, you would recover $8,000. However, if you are found 100% at fault, you cannot recover under Washington law. Our attorneys evaluate your specific situation to determine whether comparative negligence applies and how it might affect your recovery.
Contact Tamaki Law for Your Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in Yakima, contact Tamaki Law today for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your claim, explain your legal options, and answer your questions.
Call us at (509) 248-8338 to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney. We are available 24/7 for emergency consultations and serve Yakima and the surrounding areas throughout Washington State.
At Tamaki Law, we take your dog bite injury personally. We fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the compensation you deserve to recover and move forward with your life.