Quick Answer
After a dog bite in Oregon, you generally have two years to file an injury claim in Oregon (ORS 12.110). Oregon handles these cases in two parts: you can recover your economic damages, such as medical bills, without proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous (ORS 31.360), but recovering for pain and suffering usually requires showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless. Homeowner or renter insurance often covers these claims. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Have you or a loved one recently experienced a dog bite injury in Oregon? Contact our Oregon dog bite attorneys at (503) 831-9930 today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you are entitled to. Don't pay us unless we win!
In 2023, 91 claims were filed and $1.4 million were paid in Oregon. [1]
Why Do Dog Bites Happen in Oregon?
Oregon experiences its fair share of dog bites. A dog bite refers to an injury caused by a dog's teeth making contact with the skin or other body parts. Severity can range from minor scratches to deep puncture wounds and occur for various reasons. When you become a victim of a dog attack, you think about these reasons.
Some of the more common causes of dog bites include:
- Fear or Aggression: If a dog perceives you as a threat or is naturally aggressive, it may result in a defensive response leading to a bite.
- Lack of Proper Restraint: If a dog is not properly restrained, either off-leash or without proper containment, it increases the risk of encounters that can escalate into bites.
- Territorial Behavior: Dogs may exhibit territorial aggression, especially if you enter their perceived territory without proper introduction or warning.
- Inadequate Socialization: Dogs that are not adequately socialized to different people, environments, or situations may respond with fear or aggression.
- Provocation: Unintentional provocation, such as sudden movements, loud noises, or behaviors that may startle or agitate a dog, can lead to defensive bites.
- Protective Instinct: If a dog perceives you as a threat to its owner or its puppies, protective instincts may trigger aggressive behavior.
- Pain or Illness: Dogs experiencing pain or illness may be more likely to react defensively, and you may inadvertently trigger such responses.
Our dog bite injury lawyers have a proven track record of successfully obtaining compensation for our clients. We understand the physical and emotional trauma that a dog bite can cause, and we are here to fight for your rights. Book a free consultation today!
There is an average of 337,103 ED visits each year for dog bites. Bites located on the upper extremity were recorded to be present in 47.3% of cases (head/neck in 26.8%, lower extremity in 21.5%, and trunk in 4.4%). [2]
Common Dog Bite Injuries
The average age for a dog bite injury is 28.9 years; with 52.6% male and 47.4% female. [2] Pit Bulls ranked #1 as the deadliest dog breed, with over 3,397 attacks and 295 deaths in the past years. [1]
Here are the most common injuries caused by dog bites:
- Puncture Wounds
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Nerve Damage
- Infections
- Scarring
- Emotional Distress
- Psychological Trauma
If you have been injured due to a dog bite in Oregon, seek legal advice immediately. Our Oregon personal injury lawyers will help you pursue compensation for your injury and related losses.
Damages for Victims of Dog Bite Injuries in Oregon
In Oregon, you may be entitled to various damages, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Damages refer to the compensation awarded to address the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the dog bite.
The potential damages for dog bite injuries in Oregon may include:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for medical bills related to the treatment of injuries sustained from the dog bite. This may include hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: If the dog bite results in an inability to work, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and any potential future loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from the dog bite, may be considered for compensation.
- Scarring or Disfigurement: If you suffer scarring or disfigurement due to the dog bite, you may be entitled to damages for the physical and emotional impact of such injuries.
- Property Damage: In cases where personal property, such as clothing or belongings, is damaged during the dog attack, you may seek compensation for these losses.
- Legal Fees: You may be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and court costs associated with your case.
Oregon uses a two-part rule for dog bites. For economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, the owner is responsible even without proof they knew the dog was dangerous, under ORS 31.360. For non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, you generally must show the owner knew, or should have known, the dog was dangerous, or was negligent. Either way, you must establish the owner's liability and the extent of your damages to pursue a successful claim.
Hiring Our Experienced Oregon Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Being injured in a dog bite attack can be traumatic and overwhelming. Here are a few benefits of hiring our experienced dog bite injury attorneys:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, gathering evidence to support your case. This includes obtaining witness statements, medical records, and any available video footage.
- Determining Liability: Identifying and establishing liability is a critical aspect of dog bite cases. Our attorneys work diligently to determine the responsible party, whether it's the dog owner or another party, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Maximizing Compensation: We strive to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.
- Negotiation Skills: Our experienced negotiators are skilled in dealing with insurance companies and opposing parties. We aim to negotiate fair settlements, sparing you the stress of prolonged legal battles whenever possible.
- Courtroom Advocacy: In the event that a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights in the courtroom. We have a track record of successfully representing clients in litigation.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that each case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to your specific circumstances. Our attorneys listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
- Contingency Fee Structure: Our commitment to your case is reinforced by our contingency fee arrangement. You only pay legal fees if we secure compensation for you, making legal representation accessible without upfront costs.
- Peace of Mind: By entrusting your case to our bite lawyers, you can focus on your recovery and well-being, knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.
If you've been a victim of a dog bite, our local Oregon dog bite lawyers are here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and explore how we can advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
For your economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous (ORS 31.360). Recovering non-economic damages such as pain and suffering generally does require showing the owner knew, or should have known, or was negligent.
Reporting the incident to local animal control is advisable. They can assess the situation, investigate any potential risks posed by the dog, and take appropriate measures to ensure public safety.
Yes for your economic damages: under ORS 31.360 you can recover medical bills and lost wages even if the dog had not bitten anyone before. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering generally require showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous, or was negligent.
Sources:
[1] Find out which state has most dog bite claims. (2014, May 18). CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/find-out-which-state-has-most-dog-bite-claims/
[2] U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities: Breeds of Dogs Involved, Age Groups and Other Factors Over a 13-Year Period (2005 to 2017). (n.d.). DogsBite.org - Some Dogs Don’t Let Go. https://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-multi-year-fatality-report-2005-2017.php
