How to Report a Dog Bite in Tacoma

To report a dog bite in Tacoma, WA, immediately call 911. This ensures you receive prompt medical assistance and the incident is officially documented. Following that, contact Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance at (253) 627-PETS (7387). After addressing immediate health concerns, it’s important to consider the broader implications, including legal rights and possible compensations. 

Documenting the incident thoroughly, understanding local dog bite laws, and knowing how to safeguard your rights are critical. Consulting with a Tacoma dog bite lawyer can help you deal with these issues, offering clarity and support through complex legal procedures.

The Steps You Should Take Following a Dog Bite

To protect yourself and your legal claim, we advise dog bite victims to take the following steps to report and document the incident:

Step 1: Call Emergency Services if Necessary

Your first action should be to call 911. This is crucial for both urgent medical care and legal documentation. The emergency responders will not only tend to your injuries but also file a report that serves as an official record of the incident.

Step 2: Contact Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance

In addition to contacting the police, you should also reach out to Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance. You can contact them at (253) 627-PETS (7387). Reporting the incident to animal control is essential as it helps the authorities monitor and manage the dog’s behavior, which can prevent future incidents.

Step 3: Document the Incident

Gather as much information as possible at the scene of the bite, such as: 

• Photos of your injuries: Capture clear, close-up images of all injuries sustained from the bite. If possible, take initial photos immediately after the incident and continue to document the healing process over time.
• Photos of the scene: Take pictures of the location where the bite occurred. Include any relevant environmental details that might explain how the incident happened, such as a broken fence, absence of a leash, or signs warning about a dog.
• Photos of the dog: Safely photograph the dog involved in the incident, if possible, to help with identification later.
• Witness information: Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Their accounts can support your version of events and may be crucial in legal proceedings.
• Owner information: If the dog’s owner is present, collect their contact details, including name, address, and phone number. Note any comments they make about the incident or the dog’s behavior.
• Clothing and personal items: Preserve any clothing or personal items that were damaged during the incident, as they can serve as physical evidence of the attack.
• Animal Control or police report: If the authorities are called to the scene, ensure you obtain a copy of the report they file, as it provides an official record of the incident.

This documentation will be invaluable for any legal steps you might take.

Step 4: Seek Medical Evaluation

Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate your injury. Dog bites can lead to infections and other health complications. A medical record will also support any claims you might need to make for insurance or in legal proceedings.

Step 5: Consult With a Dog Bite Lawyer

Understanding your legal rights is crucial after a dog bite. A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on potential claims for damages, dealing with insurance companies, and ensuring that your rights are fully protected. They will help you through the legal issues and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Washington and Tacoma

Washington State operates under a “strict liability” dog bite statute. Under Washington state law, specifically RCW 16.08.040, the dog’s owner is automatically liable for any injuries their dog causes by biting, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any viciousness. This law applies to public places and private properties, provided the victim was lawfully present.

Tacoma’s Specific Regulations

In addition to state laws, Tacoma has specific ordinances under Title 17 that govern animal control and safety:

• Leash law: Tacoma requires all dogs to be on a leash or confined within a property. This helps prevent potential incidents and increases public safety.
• Pet licensing: Tacoma requires all dog and cat owners to license their pets, ensuring that animals are vaccinated and easily identifiable through issued tags, which aids in their quick recovery if lost and helps enforce local animal regulations.
• Reporting requirements: If a dog bite occurs, it must be reported to Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance immediately. This helps the city monitor and manage potentially dangerous animals and ensures a timely response to incidents.
• Dangerous dogs: Tacoma defines dangerous dogs based on behavior, not breed. Owners of dogs that have been aggressive or have bitten someone may face stricter regulations, including mandatory registration of the dog as dangerous, confinement requirements, and liability insurance coverage.

These laws are designed to protect residents and ensure that dog owners maintain control over their pets, reducing the risk of bites and attacks.

Your Right to Compensation for a Dog Bite

Victims of dog bites in Tacoma, WA, may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the incident. Understanding what you can claim will help ensure that you seek appropriate restitution for the damages incurred. Here are the main types of compensation that dog bite victims may pursue:

• Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma 
• Property damage

Engaging a dog bite lawyer early in the process can help ensure that all potential damages are thoroughly assessed and pursued.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Washington

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a dog bite injury is three years, per RCW § 4.16.080. Victims of dog bites have three years from the date of the incident to initiate legal action against the dog owner or responsible party. If a lawsuit is not filed within this period, the right to seek compensation through the court system is typically lost.

Report Your Dog Bite and Then Pursue Fair Compensation

Call Jackman Law Firm for a free case review. We want to hear from you. We can investigate the attack, file a personal injury claim, and negotiate for a fair settlement that meets all your needs. If necessary, we will represent you in court if we cannot reach a fair settlement. And, we can do all this on contingency, so there is no financial risk to you.

Reach out today.