Dog Bite Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. Due to their powerful teeth and jaws, a dog bite may result in minor or severe injuries to the victims, hospitalizations, or missed time at work. In Oregon, a person bitten or attacked by a dog may be entitled to seek damages by filing an injury claim or lawsuit against the dog's owner. 

According to statistics from the Insurance Information Institute, 17,989 total dog bite claims were filed in the United States in 2021. If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury, hiring an experienced Oregon personal injury attorney is helpful to receive detailed guidance, and it puts a strong advocate on your side, protecting your rights. 

At Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC, I'm dedicated to offering highly-personalized legal counsel and vigorous representation to clients in their dog bite claims. As your legal counsel, I can review all of the details of your personal situation, help establish liability in your claims, and attempt to recover the maximum possible damages you're entitled to. 

My firm–Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC–proudly serves clients across Portland, Oregon, and surrounding areas throughout Multnomah County, Lincoln County, Clackamas County, Marion County, Washington County, and Tillamook County. 

Oregon Dog Bite Law  

Dog bite laws are usually created in different states and counties across the country to protect individuals who are bitten or attacked by dogs and other domestic animals. These dog bite laws also help victims to seek relief for their injuries and damages. However, they are usually different between one state and another. 

Under Oregon dog bite law, a dog owner may be held strictly liable for the payment of economic damages on injuries caused by a dog bite, dog attack, or by frightening, tripping, or knocking down the victim. These economic damages can include medical costs, loss of income, defensive measures (such as putting up a fence), property damage, and more. Also, in order to establish economic damages in a dog bite claim, there are two things to know: 

• The claimant isn't required to prove that the dog's owner could foresee that the dog would cause the injury. 

• The dog's owner may not assert as a defense that they couldn't foresee that the dog would cause the injury. 

An experienced Oregon dog bite attorney can help file your claims, seek to establish liability, and pursue the financial justice you deserve. 

Liability in a Dog Bite Case  

Oregon is a strict liability state for dog bite injuries. According to the state's strict liability rules, the owner of the dog that caused the victim's injuries will be held strictly liable for economic damages suffered by the victim.  

Comparative Negligence in Oregon  

In addition, Oregon follows the modified comparative fault system, with a 51% bar. According to the system, you may seek compensation for your dog bite injuries if the dog's owner was found to be mostly (51% or more) responsible for the dog bite incident. However, the amount of damages that may be recovered will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, if the jury awards $40,000 in total damages against the dog's owner but finds you to be 20% liable for your injuries, your compensation will be reduced by $8,000. You will only recover 80% of $40,000 ($32,000). Under Oregon's modified comparative fault rule, you will be barred completely from seeking compensation if you were mostly (51% or more) at fault for the dog bite or dog attack. 

Statutes of Limitations 

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Oregon, including dog bite claims, is two years from the date of the dog bite or injury. If you fail to file your dog bite claim against the dog's owner before the deadline, you will lose your chance to recover damages. 

Possible Damages 

The following economic damages may be recovered by filing a dog bite or dog attack claim in Oregon: 

• Medical expenses 

• Lost wages and benefits 

• Cost of medical treatment such as stitches or surgery 

• Reduced earning capacity 

• Repair or replacement of damaged property 

• Cost of domestic services 

• Treatment for any scarring or disfigurement as a result of the dog attack or bite 

A knowledgeable premises liability attorney can advocate for your best interests and help you recover fair financial compensation for your injuries and damages. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

Dog attacks and dog bites are usually devastating and can affect your financial, physical, and mental well-being. Nonetheless, you don't have to suffer the pain and financial liability all by yourself. Therefore, if you were bitten or attacked by a dog, hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney is crucial to protect your legal rights and help you seek your rightful financial compensation. 

As an experienced attorney at Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC, I'm poised and ready to guide and represent clients in their dog bite injury claims. As your lawyer, I can review the details of your case and guide you through the overly-complex claims procedures. Also, I will fight vigorously on your side, hold the negligent dog owner liable, and help you pursue fair financial compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain, discomfort, suffering, and other possible damages.