No Fees Unless We Win
No Fees Unless We Win
A dog bite can happen anywhere in Kent, whether on a walk near Lake Meridian Park or during an ordinary visit to a friend’s home, and the physical and financial consequences often outlast the wound itself. These attacks are not limited to unfamiliar or aggressive breeds, since a family pet, a neighbor’s dog, or an animal encountered during a routine delivery can all cause serious harm in seconds.
Colburn Law represents dog bite victims throughout Kent, Washington, and our Kent dog bite lawyers understand how quickly medical bills, lost wages, and lasting scars can add up after an attack. Washington’s strict liability law gives injured victims a clear path to compensation, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before, and knowing how to protect that claim from the first hour matters as much as the legal standard itself.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Kent, contact our team at 206-919-3215 to discuss what happened and find out what your case may be worth.
Not every case gets the same attention, and that difference often decides whether a claim settles fairly or gets undervalued. Colburn Law has represented dog bite victims throughout Washington for years, and working with a Kent dog bite lawyer from our team means that experience shows up in a few specific ways:
Working with a team that focuses specifically on dog bite claims can make the difference in how thoroughly a case gets built and how clearly it gets presented to insurers.
“When our son was badly injured from an aggressive dog bite and needed surgery, Greg and his team (thanks, Tina!) were there to handle the case and let us concentrate on the healing our son needed. I did not know at the time that Greg was one of the top dog bite lawyers in WA state. He was able to get the insurance company to pay out the full policy, and now our son will have what he needs for future medical and mental health-related needs. We could not be happier with the outcome.” — Alan S.
“Mr. Colburn and his team gave me the support and encouragement I needed to recover. Knowing that they were diligently fighting for my interests was a major relief. Whenever I needed an update on my case, they were right there to provide it. Not only did they tackle the case head-on, but they did it with my interests in mind the entire time. When it came time for decisions to be made, they patiently walked me through them, and it was clear their intentions were to make sure I was 100% informed. Not only did they deliver highly satisfactory results, but they’re also friendly, kind, and fun to talk to. Perfect partners!” — Jason C.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a dog bite can introduce bacteria deep into the skin, and infection can set in within hours if the wound goes untreated. The actions taken right after an attack affect both physical recovery and the strength of a future claim.
Taking these steps early protects your health and builds a stronger foundation for the compensation you may be owed.
Unlike states that follow the “one bite” rule, Washington applies strict liability to dog bites under RCW 16.08.040. A “one bite” rule gives an owner a pass the first time their animal attacks, since liability depends on whether the owner already knew the dog was dangerous. Washington rejects that approach. Here, an owner is fully liable for any injuries their dog inflicts on others, regardless of the animal’s history or any prior warning signs.
When it comes to dog bites, an owner has only two possible defenses: provocation or trespassing. The victim must show they did not provoke the animal into attacking, and must also show they were lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred. A dog owner is not liable for injuries a dog inflicts on a trespasser or on someone who provokes it into attacking.
Victims also need to act within a set window. Under RCW 4.16.080, Washington generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim, although exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of the case. Missing that deadline generally bars recovery, regardless of how clear the owner’s liability may be, which is why speaking with a Kent dog bite lawyer early can help protect that window before it closes.
A dog attack rarely causes only one type of harm. The force of the bite, the location on the body, and how quickly treatment begins all shape how serious the outcome becomes. According to MedlinePlus, some injuries from animal bites include the following:
Each of these injuries has its own recovery timeline, and understanding how Washington law addresses that recovery is the next step toward building a strong claim.
Recovery is only part of the equation. Once medical treatment is underway, building a record that holds up against insurance scrutiny becomes the priority, and working with a Kent dog bite lawyer can help identify what insurers look for when they try to dispute a claim. Strong evidence separates a successful dog bite claim from a denied one and supports both economic and non-economic damages.
Even the strongest evidence file still needs to be presented correctly, which is where insurance negotiations and, if necessary, legal action come into play.
Medical bills are rarely the full financial picture after an attack like this. Washington law recognizes both the immediate costs a victim faces and the harder-to-measure impact on daily life. Colburn Law works to document the full scope of what a victim has lost, not just what appears on a hospital invoice.
Economic damages address the direct financial toll of the attack:
Non-economic damages account for the harder-to-quantify ways an attack changes daily life:
Building a claim reflecting both categories fully often makes the difference between an offer covering medical bills and one reflecting the full extent of what was lost.
Dog bite claims involving children follow the same strict liability standard as claims involving adults, but they carry considerations that make careful handling essential. Children are among the most common dog bite victims because their height places their face and neck within easy reach, and these attacks often cause facial scarring, lasting emotional trauma, and medical needs that continue well into adulthood. Because a child cannot file a claim independently, a parent or legal guardian typically pursues the case on the child’s behalf, and future costs such as plastic surgery or ongoing therapy need to be documented well in advance.
A dog attack can turn your life upside down in an instant, and you should not have to face the insurance company alone while you heal. Colburn Law has secured meaningful results for dog bite victims across Washington, including a $550,000 settlement and $300,000 in policy limits for a child bitten by a pit bull, and we are ready to put that same experience to work for you. Our Kent dog bite lawyers offer free consultations, and you pay no fee unless we win your case. Do not wait for the insurance company to make the first move. Call 206-919-3215 today and let us start building your claim.
Dog Bite Attorneys Near Me in Washington State 
Have you experienced a dog bite injury? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and more. A trusted dog bite injury attorney near me can help you protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney and get the support you need to move forward.
Client Reviews
When our son was badly injured from an aggressive dog bite and needed surgery, Greg and his team (thanks Tina!) were there to handle the case and let us concentrate on the healing our son needed. I did not know at the time that Greg was one of the top dog bite lawyers in WA state. He was able to get the insurance company to pay out the full policy and now our son will have what he needs for future medical and mental health related needs. We could not be happier with the outcome.
– Alan S.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Greg Colburn.
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