Experienced Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims

At Mark A. Hammer & Associates, we are dedicated to representing only injured persons. We charge only when we win, and our clients never have to pay any money upfront.

As Washington's dog bite attorney, I have been serving the public representing dog bite clients and other personal injury claims for over 35 years. My team understands that, though factors leading to a dog bite can differ, all victims typically endure both emotional and physical pain. Having been a dog bite victim myself, I have a unique understanding of the physical and emotional distress a dog bite can inflict. This, along with my years of work representing dog bite clients, gives me the experience and unique perspective that few, if any, other attorneys can match. We understand the factors leading to a dog bite can differ, victims typically endure both emotional and physical pain. This, along with having been personally the victim of a dog bite, gives me the experience and unique perspective that few if any other attorneys can match. Let me put this experience to work for you.

Client Testimonials

R. R. Yakima, WA

I received $150,000 for a serious dog bite from a neighbor's dog in 2019. The litigation team at Mark A. Hammer and Associates was very professional. I do recommend them!

L. W. Tacoma, WA

My medical bills were entirely paid including the therapy I went through for my anxiety. I put my trust in Mr. Hammer and it paid off. He’s a smart and thoughtful attorney.

A.E. Seattle, WA

My child was bitten by a guard dog. The injury was very serious because of the facial injuries. We won more than just the high six-figure settlement check. We had our medical bills paid for and I was financially compensated for a consortium claim that was also filed. The legal team at Mark Hammer’s office communicated with us almost every day until the case was settled.

KKB Seattle, WA

For dog bite legal help I’d highly recommend them. They are experienced at what they do.

I.Z. Lacey, WA

We decided to become a client after we found out that Mr. Hammer had been a victim of a dog bite. He has experience and compassion.

Washington State Dog Bite Laws

A dog bite can change your life in an instant. More so than many other injuries, dog bites can be exceptionally painful and have long-lasting consequences. Victims often suffer from puncture wounds, infections, fractured bones, permanent scarring, and emotional anguish. Even when the injuries seem minor, the experience itself can be traumatic, leaving lasting fear and anxiety.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Attack

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps is crucial for both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The priority after a dog bite is to get medical help. Even if the injury seems minor, professional treatment is necessary to prevent infection and complications.

Notify the Appropriate Animal Control Authority

It’s important to report the dog bite to local animal control authorities promptly. This ensures the dog’s behavior is documented and that any necessary actions are taken, such as quarantining the animal.

Contact a Seasoned Dog Bite Lawyer

Reach out to an experienced dog bite lawyer like Mark Hammer, who can guide you through the legal process. He can help ensure that you take the proper steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Additional Steps to Consider:

Photograph the Dog (if possible):

If you can safely do so, take photos of the dog that attacked you. This can serve as important evidence in your case.

Identify the Dog’s Owner or Location:

If you don’t know the dog’s owner, make an effort to determine where the dog lives. This will help with identification and any future legal claims.

Document the Scene of the Attack:

Take photographs or video footage of the location where the bite occurred. This can help establish the context and conditions surrounding the incident.

Document Your Injury:

Photograph or record the extent of your injuries immediately after the attack, as well as any changes as you heal. This evidence can be vital to show the severity of the bite.

Keep Medical Records:

Retain all documents related to your treatment, including bills, prescriptions, and medical notes. These will support your claim for damages.

Obtain the Animal Control Report:

Get a copy of the report filed by the responding animal control authority. This official document will be crucial in establishing the facts of the case.

Taking these steps ensures you’re fully prepared both for recovery and any potential legal action.

Proven Results for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bites often result in significant physical and emotional trauma, causing painful injuries and expensive medical treatments. Many victims typically know the dog’s owner—whether it’s a friend, relative, or neighbor—which can make filing a claim feel awkward. However, in most cases, the owner’s homeowner’s insurance, not the individual personally, covers the expenses.

At our firm, we specialize in handling dog bite cases with skill and discretion, ensuring victims receive the maximum compensation they deserve. Our firm has recovered substantial monies in dog bite cases, even up to a six-figure settlement in certain cases. The dollar amount assigned to dog bite cases can vary greatly depending on several factors. We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and, in most cases, can secure a settlement without filing a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, don’t wait to seek legal help. We will fight for your rights, holding negligent owners accountable while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and emotional suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us pursue the results you deserve.

Compensation You May Receive

The dollar amount assigned to dog bite cases can vary greatly depending on several factors. These include the severity of the injury, the location of the bite, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and whether the case involves negligence or prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior. Minor injuries may only warrant a few thousand dollars, while severe injuries could result in compensation in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, especially if the victim suffers permanent damage or emotional distress.

We have recovered:

$150,000

Settlement for a dog attack from a neighbor's dog

$80,000

Settlement from a dog mauling in a public park

$1,000,000

Recovery from a guard dog attack at a community gathering

$500,000

Settlement for dog assault on a minor child

It's important to understand that compensation for dog bite injuries typically comes from the dog owner's insurance coverage, not their assets. The insurance, often under the homeowner’s or renter’s policy, may cover a range of expenses, including:

Medical Bills:

Coverage for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and other medical treatments related to the injury

Pain and Suffering:

Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury

Rehabilitation or Occupational Therapy:

Costs for recovery treatments, including physical therapy or any necessary occupational therapy

Lost Work and Wages:

If the injury affects your ability to work, compensation may cover lost income and work benefits

Dog Bite Injury FAQs

If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you likely have questions—and we’re here to provide answers. With over 35 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the legal process, hold negligent owners accountable, and secure the compensation they deserve. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

Who is typically held responsible for a dog bite?

In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible for any injuries the pet causes. Depending on the circumstances, property owners, landlords, or caretakers may also share liability.
How does your 35+ years of experience help my case?

With over 35 years of legal experience, I’ve seen almost every type of dog bite case. That background allows me to anticipate challenges, build strong evidence, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies to protect your rights.
How much is my dog bite case worth?

The value of a dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, emotional trauma, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement. Every case is unique, and we’ll evaluate yours thoroughly.
What does it mean to establish liability in a dog bite case?

Establishing liability means proving that the dog owner or another party was legally at fault for your injuries. This often involves showing negligence, a history of aggression, or failure to control the dog.
Can I sue the dog owner or their homeowner’s insurance?

Yes, in many cases you can file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. If no coverage exists or the injury is severe, you may also have the right to sue the individual directly.
What if the dog owner claims they don’t have insurance?

Even if the owner says they’re uninsured, we can investigate further. Sometimes renters or homeowner’s insurance policies still apply, and in some cases, other parties may share responsibility.
What makes your firm different when it comes to dog bite cases?

We’re not just here to file claims—we’re here to serve the public. That means offering free consultations, guiding victims through recovery, and treating every case with the care it deserves.
Will it cost me anything upfront to hire you?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to make quality legal representation accessible to everyone.
How quickly should I act after a dog bite?

You should act immediately. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there are strict time limits for filing claims. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Mark Hammer & Associates

Leading Dog Bite Lawyer

We Fight For You! And We Fight To Win!