When Service Animals Are Injured: Additional Liability Under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination

Most lawyers and claims professionals recognize that injuries to animals—especially injuries to dogs—are typically analyzed under ordinary negligence or strict liability principles.  Liability for dog bites in Washington is governed by RCW 16.08 et. seq. and Washington laws impose “strict liability” on the owners of dogs that bite humans or...

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Two dogs stand in an overgrown and cluttered backyard area, surrounded by debris, a plastic chair, and wild vegetation. The scene reflects neglect and lack of containment, illustrating the hazardous conditions reported by neighbors prior to the 2022 dog attack.

Stritmatter Law Resolves Landmark Case with King County Over Dog Mauling of Jogger in 2022

Following a landmark decision from the Court on July 22, 2025, where the Court found the County had a duty to protect the community from dangerous animals living on a squatter property in unincorporated Auburn, King County has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a jogger who was mauled by dogs...

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"Gray pit bull with white chest marking sitting beside a person outdoors"

Court Finds Grant County Legally Liable for a Serious 2021 Dog Bite Attack

Yesterday, a Kittitas County Superior Court granted Stritmatter Law’s summary judgment motion, finding Grant County legally liable for a 2021 dog attack that seriously injured victim Carla Gray.

The dog at issue, Hemi, was a pit bull with a lengthy and documented history of attacking and injuring both animals...

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