Dog bites can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, it’s important to take action quickly—not just for your health, but also to protect your legal rights.
At LaCross & Murphy, we’re a trusted personal injury law firm based in Port Orchard that serves clients throughout Kitsap County and the surrounding communities. With decades of experience handling dog bites, car accidents, and other injury cases, our team is committed to helping victims hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.
If you’re unsure about your next steps, keep reading. This blog will walk you through what to do after a dog bite in Washington and when to reach out to a dog bite lawyer.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care
Your first step after a dog bite should always be medical attention. Dog bites can cause:
- Infections
- Tetanus
- Nerve damage
- Rabies (though rare, still serious)
Go to the ER or urgent care if the wound is deep or bleeding heavily. Ask your doctor about tetanus shots and rabies prevention if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Document everything from the visit, including:
- Medical records
- Photos of your injuries
- Receipts for medications or follow-up visits
Step 2: Report the Dog Bite in Kitsap County
Washington State law encourages reporting animal bites to help track dangerous dogs and prevent future attacks.
In Kitsap County, you can report the bite to:
- Local Animal Control through the Kitsap Humane Society
- Your local law enforcement office
Filing an official report also creates a legal record of the incident, an important step if you pursue a claim later.
Step 3: Gather Evidence from the Scene
The more information you collect, the better positioned you’ll be if you need to file a claim for damages.
Be sure to document:
- The exact location of the bite (ex: a public park in Bremerton or a neighborhood in Silverdale)
- Date and time of the attack
- Dog owner’s name, address, and phone number
- Witness statements and contact info
- Photos of the injury and any hazards (e.g., a broken gate or unleashed dog)
Pro tip: Save any torn clothing or damaged items as physical evidence.
Step 4: Know the Washington Dog Bite Law
Washington is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means the dog owner is liable even if the dog had no previous history of aggression. (RCW 16.08.040)
Exceptions may apply if:
- The victim was trespassing
- The dog was provoked
This strict liability standard makes it easier for victims in Kitsap County to pursue compensation. Still, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer to understand how the law applies to your situation.
Step 5: Speak with a Port Orchard Dog Bite Lawyer
Not all dog bite cases require a lawyer, but if you suffered serious injuries, missed work, or experienced long-term effects, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At LaCross & Murphy, we handle dog bite injury claims throughout Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, and the greater Kitsap County area. We can help you pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
We’ll take care of the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Step 6: Track Your Damages and Recovery
The success of your claim depends on how well you can document your injuries and losses. Create a file that includes:
- All medical records and bills
- Photos of your injuries during recovery
- Notes about emotional distress or trauma
- Any communication with insurance companies
Also, avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with a lawyer—they may pressure you to settle for less than your claim is worth.
Contact the Washington Dog Bite Lawyers at LaCross & Murphy Today
Dog bites can be scary, painful, and confusing to deal with, but you don’t have to face them on your own. At LaCross & Murphy, our Kitsap County personal injury team is here to protect your rights and help you move forward. We’re ready to listen and fight for what you’re owed.
Call us today at 360-447-9365 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let’s take the next step together.
