This calculator estimates what a dog bite claim could be worth under Washington law. It applies Washington’s pure comparative rule, the three-year deadline to file suit and the insurance that usually pays, then shows the math line by line, including what you might take home after a lawyer’s fee.
Washington holds dog owners strictly liable in most bite cases, so the main questions are how badly you were hurt and how much insurance the owner has.
Fault. Washington uses pure comparative fault. If a jury finds you 20% at fault, your award drops by 20%, and you can still recover something even if you were mostly to blame. Insurers still argue your share up, because every point of fault comes off the payout.
Dog bite rule. Owners are strictly liable for bites in public places or to people lawfully on private property.
Deadline. You have three years from the bite to file a lawsuit in Washington. A claim against a city, county or state agency usually needs written notice much sooner, sometimes within months. Missing the deadline almost always ends the claim, and with it your leverage to settle.
Insurance. Most dog bite claims are paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which usually carries $100,000 to $300,000 of liability coverage. Some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a bite history, so ask for the policy early.
Damage caps. No cap on injury damages. Medical malpractice and punitive damages can have separate limits.
Yes. Owners are strictly liable for bites in public places or to people lawfully on private property.
Yes. Washington uses pure comparative fault, so you can recover even if you were mostly at fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage. Provoking or teasing the dog is the usual argument.
three years from the bite.
Usually the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Report the bite to animal control and get the owner’s insurance details at the scene if you can.