‘Unfortunate accident’: Family of Washington toddler attacked by river otter will receive $350K

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A settlement has been reached in a legal battle involving a Washington child who was attacked by a river otter. The Port of Bremerton will dole out $350,000 to the family of the toddler who was attacked in summer 2024, the port’s CEO Jim Rothlin told KOIN 6. Rothlin said both parties have agreed neither was at fault in the incident. “The settlement agreement explicitly states that it is ‘a compromise of disputed and uncertain claims,’” Rothlin added. “This was a very unfortunate accident, and our thoughts are with the family — it is difficult to imagine what they experienced. We encourage everyone visiting the marina, or any area where people and wildlife coexist, to remain aware of their surroundings, as wildlife behavior can be unpredictable when being approached.” According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, officers responded to a report of the river otter attack around 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 12, 2024. Officials said the victim’s mother claimed the animal had snatched her child into the water as they walked along the dock of the Bremerton marina. WDFW revealed the mother lifted the toddler out of the water after they had resurfaced, and the otter then bit her arm. The agency reported that the animal continued the attack even as the family departed the dock, with the child later being treated for several scratches and bites on their head, face and legs. The complaint the mother filed against the Port of Bremerton less than a year later in July 2025 revealed the family lived in a sailboat along the marina, and the toddler was just two years old at the time of the incident. Attorneys alleged the woman and her child were forced to be vaccinated against rabies following the attack. They also alleged her daughter was still experiencing “nightmares and behavioral aggression.” The lawsuit accused the port of failing to ensure its security cameras were operating, despite charging tenants a monthly service fee. Plaintiffs also said officials had received several complaints about the “aggressive nature” of otters in the area. According to Rothlin, the port “immediately” contacts WDFW following wildlife interactions. KOIN 6 has reached out to the family’s attorney for a statement.