DC Dog Bite Lawyer

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Compassionate, Aggressive Representation for Dog Injury Victims In DC

Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Washington, D.C., you need to know that help is available. Our Dog Bite Lawyer DC team at Cohen & Cohen is here to fight for your rights, provide compassionate guidance, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Don’t suffer in silence – with our experienced attorneys on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

Every day, about 1,000 Americans need emergency medical care for serious dog bite injuries. In fact, roughly 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. each year. These numbers highlight how common and severe dog attacks can be. Victims often face broken bones, deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, and even emotional trauma like PTSD.  Medical bills and recovery costs can quickly pile up, placing enormous stress on families. You shouldn’t have to bear these burdens on your own. Cohen & Cohen’s Washington, D.C. dog bite attorneys understand what you’re going through and are ready to help 24/7, starting with a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options.

Understanding Washington, D.C. Dog Bite Laws and Liability

Washington, D.C. follows a hybrid legal approach for dog bite cases that combines elements of strict liability and the “one bite rule.” It’s critical to understand how these laws impact your rights. Please do not rely on this information without contacting our office, as laws may change faster than the information on our website:

• Strict Liability for At-Large Dogs: District of Columbia law generally requires all dogs to be leashed in public and confined on the owner’s property (District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws – FindLaw) (District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws – FindLaw). If a dog bites someone while “at large” (off the owner’s property and not on a leash), the owner is strictly liable for the victim’s injuries. In other words, when a dog runs loose and attacks, the law assumes the owner is responsible. The victim does not need to prove the owner’s negligence in this scenario. The owner can be held accountable for medical bills and can face a dog bite lawsuit. Homeowners’ insurance policies often cover these injuries, but not all owners have sufficient coverage.
• “One Bite Rule” When Dogs Are Controlled: If a dog bites someone while under the owner’s control (for example, the dog was leashed or on the owner’s property at the time of the attack), Washington, D.C. typically shifts to a one-bite-rule standard (District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws – FindLaw). Under this rule, an owner may avoid liability if they had no prior knowledge that their dog was dangerous. In practical terms, if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before, the victim must prove the owner was negligent in some way. https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/dog-bites Negligence could include failing to restrain the dog properly, ignoring local leash laws, or not warning visitors of a protective dog. Our skilled attorneys know how to investigate and prove negligence – for instance, by uncovering any past complaints about the dog or demonstrating violations of animal control regulations.

Bottom line: Determining liability in a DC dog bite case can be complex, but Cohen & Cohen’s dog bite lawyers have decades of experience navigating these laws. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your attack, identify all liable parties (such as the dog’s owner and possibly a landlord or caretaker), and build a strong case to hold them accountable under DC law. Note that you can click here for more DC animal control laws. 

Common Injuries and Lasting Effects of Dog Bites

Dog bites are not minor injuries – they can be life-altering. Our team has represented dog attack victims with a range of severe injuries, including:

• Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep bite wounds can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Scarring and disfigurement are common, especially from facial bites. Some victims, unfortunately, require plastic surgery or carry permanent scars.
• Broken Bones and Tissue Damage: The force of a powerful dog’s bite or impact can fracture bones. For example, being knocked down by a large dog might break an arm or hip. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to fractures and head injurie.
• Nerve Damage and Mobility Issues: Bites to the hands, arms, or legs can sever nerves, leading to loss of sensation or function. In extreme cases, victims may even suffer amputations of fingers or other extremities.
• Infections and Disease: Dog mouths carry bacteria; without prompt treatment, bites can lead to serious infections like cellulitis or sepsis. There’s also a risk of rabies if the dog’s vaccinations are not up to date. Victims often must endure painful rabies shots and rounds of antibiotics.
• Emotional Trauma: Being attacked by a dog is terrifying. Many victims (especially children) develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs. Nightmares and flashbacks of the incident are common. Psychological injuries are just as real as physical wounds and are compensable under the law.

These injuries can require extensive medical treatment – emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, counseling – and lead to time missed from work or school. Our firm understands the long-term impact of dog attacks. We work with medical experts to fully document your injuries and prognosis, so we can demand compensation that truly reflects the pain, suffering, and life adjustments you’ve been forced to endure.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in DC

If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog in the DC metro area, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights. Here are important actions to follow:

1. Get to a Safe Place: First, stop the attack and move away from the dog. If others are around, ask for help to secure the animal. Your safety is the top priority.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 or see a doctor right away. Dog bites can cause hidden damage and infections can set in quickly. Prompt medical documentation is not only crucial for your health but will serve as evidence of your injuries.
3. Report the Incident: In Washington, D.C., dog bites should be reported to DC Animal Control at (202) 576-6664. Authorities will want to verify the dog’s vaccination records and may quarantine the dog. Filing a police report or animal control report creates an official record of the attack, which can support your case.
4. Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the name and contact information of the dog’s owner or handler. Also note a description of the dog (breed, size, color) in case the owner flees. If possible, get information about the dog’s rabies vaccinations. In hit-and-run dog bite cases (where an owner is unknown or the dog is a stray), authorities can use this information to locate the animal.
5. Gather Evidence: If you are able, document the scene immediately. Take photos of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack. If the dog is still present, photograph the dog (but only if it’s safe to do so). Also, get contact info for any witnesses who saw what happened – their statements could be invaluable in proving the attack and the circumstances (such as the dog being unleashed).
6. Preserve Clothing and Materials: Do not wash the clothes you were wearing, as they may have the dog’s saliva or blood – potential evidence. Save any torn clothing or personal items damaged in the attack.
7. Write Down Details: As soon as you can, write down or record your recollection of the incident. Include the date, time, exact location (street address or park section), weather (if relevant), and a step-by-step of what you were doing and how the dog approached/attacked. Memories can fade, so capturing details early is important.
8. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers: If the dog owner’s insurance company contacts you, it’s best not to give a recorded statement or accept any settlement before consulting a lawyer. You may innocently say something the insurer can twist to undermine your claim. Let your attorney handle communications to protect your interests.
9. Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer: Contact an experienced DC dog bite attorney as soon as possible. The sooner our legal team can start investigating, the better. Evidence like surveillance video or witness availability can be time-sensitive. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee – meaning no upfront costs and we only get paid if we win compensation for you. Having a lawyer early will also ensure you don’t miss important deadlines; in D.C., the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 3 years from the date of the bite (with some exceptions), and building a strong case takes time.

By following these steps, you greatly improve your chances of a successful claim. Our attorneys at Cohen & Cohen can guide you through each of these steps and take on as much of the burden as possible, so you can focus on healing.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Washington, D.C.

A dog bite can lead to significant financial and personal losses. In a successful dog bite injury claim or lawsuit, our goal is to recover full and fair compensation for all of your damages, which may include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, emergency room care, surgery costs, doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment you may need. Dog bites often require follow-up procedures like wound care or plastic surgery for scars. All past and anticipated medical costs should be covered.
• Lost Wages: If you had to miss work (or lose income from self-employment) due to the injury or treatment, you can claim those lost earnings. For serious injuries that affect your ability to work long-term, we also pursue loss of earning capacity – the income and career opportunities you will miss out on because of lasting impairments.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional anguish you have endured. The law recognizes that things like trauma, anxiety, sleeplessness, and loss of enjoyment of life are real damages. While no money can erase the trauma of an attack, compensation can provide justice and help you access resources (like counseling) to cope with the aftermath.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Prominent scars or other disfigurements (for example, loss of a finger or lingering nerve damage) are a specific damage category. These permanent effects often merit significant compensation given their impact on your self-esteem and daily life.
• Psychological Counseling: Costs for therapy or psychiatric treatment stemming from the attack can be recovered. Many dog bite victims, especially children, benefit from counseling to overcome their fear and trauma.
• Property Damage: If the dog attack also damaged your property – for instance, torn clothing, broken eyeglasses, or a smartphone knocked to the ground – those replacement or repair costs can be included.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence or where an owner intentionally allowed a dangerous dog to cause harm, punitive damages might be pursued. These are rare in dog bite cases, but if applicable (for example, evidence that an owner commanded their dog to attack), they serve to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Our attorneys will work diligently to calculate all your damages and document them with evidence. We often collaborate with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to demonstrate the full extent of your losses – from the tangible bills to the intangible suffering. Cohen & Cohen has a track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for injury victims, and we will fight to do the same for you.

How a DC Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack can be overwhelming. In addition to physical recovery, you’re suddenly faced with insurance claims, legal procedures, and possibly uncooperative dog owners. Here’s how our Washington, D.C. dog bite lawyers step in to support you and strengthen your case:

• Investigating the Incident: We will launch a prompt and thorough investigation. This includes gathering incident reports, veterinary records of the dog (to check for past aggression or lack of vaccinations), interviewing witnesses, and securing any video footage (neighbors’ security cameras or park CCTV) that may have captured the attack. If needed, we also consult dog behavior experts to refute any claims that the dog was provoked.
• Proving Liability and Negligence: Our legal team will apply D.C.’s dog bite laws to your case to establish fault. If the dog was off-leash in a public area, we’ll use animal control records or citations to prove the leash law violation (negligence per se). If the one-bite rule is at issue, we’ll search for evidence that the owner did know of vicious tendencies – for example, prior bite reports, complaints from neighbors, or the breed’s known aggressive traits. We know the arguments insurance companies use, and we build a case that anticipates and overcomes their defenses.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: You should not have to battle with insurance adjusters – that’s our job. Cohen & Cohen will handle all communications with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renters insurance. We will aggressively negotiate on your behalf, backed by the evidence we’ve gathered. Our goal is to reach a fair settlement that covers all your damages. We won’t let an insurer pressure you into a lowball offer. With our attorneys in your corner, insurers know we mean business – and they have seen our record of success in court, which often motivates them to settle fairly.
• Litigation and Trial Representation: If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable settlement, rest assured we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Cohen & Cohen’s trial attorneys are seasoned litigators with decades of courtroom experience in D.C. personal injury cases. We will file a lawsuit, guide you through each step of the litigation process, and present a compelling case to a jury to seek the justice you deserve. Many law firms push clients to settle – we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, and our readiness to litigate often leads to better outcomes for our clients.
• Compassionate Guidance and Support: Beyond the legal fight, we truly care about our clients’ well-being. We will keep you informed at every stage, explain your rights in plain language, and make the process as stress-free for you as possible. If you need help finding doctors or dealing with medical bills while your case is pending, we can assist with that too. Our firm’s philosophy is to treat clients like family – we know you’re going through one of the hardest times in your life, and we aim to provide not only legal relief but also peace of mind.

By entrusting your case to a Cohen & Cohen dog bite lawyer, you level the playing field. Dog owners (and their insurers) have defense lawyers working to minimize or deny your claim – you should have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights, too. We take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

Why Choose Cohen & Cohen for Your Dog Bite Case in DC?

When it comes to choosing a dog bite lawyer in DC, experience and results matter. Cohen & Cohen, P.C. has built a reputation as one of the premier personal injury law firms in Washington, D.C. – and for good reason. Here’s what sets our team apart:

• Decades of Proven Experience: Our firm has been representing injury victims for over 30 years, handling 10,000+ cases and recovering more than $300 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients (Wayne Cohen Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyer DC). We know the ins and outs of dog bite litigation and have seen virtually every scenario, from attacks by a neighbor’s pet to incidents involving negligent landlords. This wealth of experience translates into savvy legal strategy for your case.
• Award-Winning Attorneys: Cohen & Cohen is led by attorneys Wayne R. Cohen and Adam R. Leighton, among others – names that carry weight in the D.C. legal community. Wayne Cohen, our founding partner, is an AV-rated attorney (the highest peer rating for ethics and skill) and has been called one of “Washington’s best lawyers” and “one of the city’s most feared personal injury lawyers” by Washingtonian Magazine (Wayne Cohen Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyer DC). He has been recognized in Washington, DC Super Lawyers for multiple years and was listed among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in DC (Wayne Cohen Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyer DC). Mr. Cohen is also a former President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan DC and has taught trial skills as an adjunct law professor for decades (Wayne Cohen Lawyer | Personal Injury Lawyer DC). Adam Leighton, a senior partner at the firm, is an AV-rated lawyer as well (Adam R. Leighton | Cohen & Cohen) and has likewise been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in DC. He was selected to Washington, DC’s Super Lawyers every year from 2010 to 2016 (Adam R. Leighton | Cohen & Cohen), an honor reserved for the top 5% of attorneys. With credentials like these, you can trust that your case is in the hands of highly respected and skilled litigators who know how to win.
• Client-Focused and Compassionate: We pride ourselves on combining professional excellence with compassion. Our attorneys truly listen to your story and understand the pain and uncertainty you are facing after a dog attack. We maintain open communication throughout your case – you will never be left in the dark. Past clients often commend our team for being caring and responsive, not to mention aggressive in pursuing results. We treat you like a person, not a file number.
• Resources to Fight for You: Successfully handling a dog bite case, especially against well-funded insurance companies, requires significant resources. Cohen & Cohen has a dedicated team of trial lawyers, paralegals, investigators, and medical consultants ready to pour effort into your claim. Whether it’s locating an out-of-state witness or investing in a top expert witness on dog behavior, we have the resources to go the distance. Our firm’s size and success mean we can advance all costs of litigation for our clients – you pay nothing out of pocket while your case is ongoing.
• Track Record of Success: While every case is unique and past results can’t guarantee future outcomes, our case results speak volumes. We have secured numerous six- and seven-figure recoveries for injury victims in the DC area. Insurance companies know our reputation and that we won’t hesitate to take a case to trial if that’s what it takes. When we enter negotiations or the courtroom, we carry the weight of our reputation – and that often leads to better offers and outcomes for you. We fight for maximum compensation, not just a quick payout.

Choosing the right lawyer after a dog bite can be the difference between a token settlement and the full justice you deserve. At Cohen & Cohen, we bring experience, dedication, and heart to every case. Our goal is not just to win your case, but to make a difficult time easier for you and help rebuild your life after an injury.

Free Consultation – Get Help from a Trusted DC Dog Bite Attorney Today

Time is of the essence after a dog attack. Evidence can fade and legal deadlines will approach before you know it. The sooner you speak with our Dog Bite Lawyer DC team, the sooner we can secure evidence and put your case on the path to success. Cohen & Cohen offers a FREE consultation, 24/7 – whether your injury happened today or weeks ago, contact us and we’ll review your case at no charge.

Remember, you pay nothing upfront for our services. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. This ensures that everyone can afford top-quality legal representation, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income due to an injury.

Imagine your life free from the financial worry that a dog bite has caused – that’s what we aim to achieve for you. Let our experienced attorneys shoulder the legal burden. We will fight relentlessly to hold the negligent dog owner accountable and to recover the maximum compensation available by law.

Don’t wait and don’t go it alone. Contact Cohen & Cohen’s DC dog bite lawyers today to discuss your case. We’re ready to listen, advise, and fight for the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us now at (202) 507-5456 for your free consultation or fill out our online form – and let us start advocating for you immediately.

Your recovery is our priority, and we are here to help you move forward after a dog attack with confidence that your legal rights are protected and pursued. Reach out today, and take the first step toward healing and justice.