Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Tacoma, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tacoma, Washington?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Tacoma Police Department is (253) 287-4455.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Tacoma, Washington?

  You may get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case at South Sound 911's online portal, which can be accessed below: https://public-southsound911.mycusthelp.com/webapp/_rs/(S(nswqfx0e4r51esrxuqdtvnp4))/supporthome.aspx?sSessionID=155193227209VECGYRGIFWREXOAMMONBSTBGHLMR&lp=3

• Who are the victims of Tacoma dog bites?

  One of the most at-risk groups for dog bites in Tacoma is mail carriers, as the U.S. Postal Service ranked Washington state as the 11th highest nationwide when it comes to dog bites and incidents against its employees. Tacoma saw 10 reported dog attacks on postal employees in 2022, while in 2021, there were 14.

• Should Tacoma dog bite victims report the attack?

  Victims of dog bites in Tacoma should file an incident report online or by phone with Pierce County Animal Control. An official report may prove to be beneficial should the victim choose to file a claim. They may also begin to gather evidence, such as the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses to the incident.

• Who is liable in a Tacoma dog bite case?

  The owner of the dog is generally held liable in dog bite cases in Tacoma, regardless of whether the incident occurred on public or private property. Under Washington's strict liability laws, the owner may also be found liable even if they previously did not know that their dog was dangerous.

• Can Tacoma victims file a claim for bites from police dogs?

  Those in Tacoma who have been bitten by a police dog may not be permitted to file an injury claim so long as the injury occurred while it was assisting an officer in an arrest or maintaining public order. Liability is also difficult to establish in dog bite cases where the dog was provoked or the victim was trespassing.

• How long do Tacoma dog bite victims have to pursue legal action?

  As per Washington state’s statute of limitations, victims of dog bites in Tacoma have at most up to three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Damages that may be claimed in dog bite cases include medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.