WA · Strict liability
Washington dog bite law
Washington owners are strictly liable for bites, with trespass and police-dog exceptions.
- Liability
- Strict liability
- Statute
- Wash. Rev. Code § 16.08.040
- Deadline to file
- 3 years · RCW § 4.16.080
- Bites only?
- Primarily bites
Three years. King, Pierce, and Spokane counties add dangerous-dog overlays. Report the bite; the record is the case.
Exceptions insurers will mention
Trespassing; police dogs.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.