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Oregon Dog Bite Attorney
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Dog Bite Injuries
In 2023, 91 claims were filed and $1.4 million were paid in Oregon. [1]
A dog bite refers to an injury caused by a dog’s teeth making contact with the skin or other body parts. Dog bites can vary in severity, ranging from minor scratches to deep puncture wounds. These injuries can occur for various reasons, including fear, provocation, protective instincts, or lack of proper training and socialization.
Have you or a loved one recently experienced a dog bite injury in Oregon?
Contact our dog bite attorneys 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!
Why Do Dog Bites Happen in Oregon?
Oregon experiences its fair share of dog bites. As the largest city in the state, Portland is no exception, with an average of over 400 reported bites per year.
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]
When you become a victim of a dog attack, the potential causes are many. Common factors contributing to 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 team of dedicated attorneys specializes in dog bite cases and has 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!
Injuries From Dog Bites in Oregon
Here are the most common causes of dog bites:
- Puncture Wounds
- Lacerations
- 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 dedicated personal injury lawyers in Oregon will help you pursue compensation for your injury and related losses.
Our Oregon Practice Areas
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liability
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Product Liability
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Slip and Falls
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
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: May be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs associated with their case.
Oregon follows a strict liability statute for dog bites, meaning that dog owners are generally held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior. However, you must establish the liability of the dog owner and demonstrate the extent of their damages to pursue a successful claim.
Consult with our dog bite lawyers in Oregon and we will assess your case, determine liability, and pursue the appropriate damages to compensate for your losses.
Hiring Our Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Being injured in a dog bite incident can be traumatic and overwhelming. Here are a few benefits of hiring our experienced dog bite injury attorneys:
- Legal Expertise: Our attorneys specialize in dog bite injury cases and possess extensive legal knowledge and expertise in handling such claims. We understand the specific laws and regulations governing dog bite incidents in Oregon.
- 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 experienced dog bite injury attorneys, 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 dedicated team is here to provide the legal support you need. Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore how we can advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Oregon's strict liability statute does not require you to prove the owner's knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies. The owner is generally liable for injuries caused by their dog, irrespective of prior knowledge.
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, Oregon's strict liability law applies regardless of the dog's past behavior. The owner is generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if it has not bitten anyone previously.
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
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered injuries from a dog bite in Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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