Experienced Portland Oregon Dog Bite Attorneys
Portland Dog Bite Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best dog bite attorneys in Portland
Experienced Portland Dog Bite Lawyers
Goldberg & Loren’s dog bite lawyers in Portland, Oregon, have successfully recovered over half a billion dollars in settlements and awards for our clients. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may have the right to receive compensation from the dog’s owner or their insurance company.
We understand that being the victim of a dog attack can be a traumatic experience. We have extensive experience handling these cases and will fight for your rights and ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation available under Oregon law.
We will talk with expert witnesses, review medical records, and use our knowledge of the law to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, call our dog bite lawyers at (971) 339-8080 to schedule a free consultation and get a review of your case. We will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Fact: Every Day Three People get Bitten by Dogs in and Around Portland. [1]
Our Verdicts and Settlements
Here are some verdicts and settlements we have received in 2024 for our clients who suffered dog bites:
$1,350,000
Settlement
Our client was mauled by a loose Pitbull on the north side of Portland.
January 2024
$250,000
Settlement
Our client was bitten by a dog on a leash while jogging on the Washington Park Loop.
March 2024
Dog Bite Laws in Portland, Oregon
Dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold negligent pet owners accountable for the injuries and damages caused by their dogs. From medical expenses to emotional trauma, victims have the right to seek compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.
In such cases, consult with our experienced Portland dog bite attorneys, who specialize in handling these types of personal injury claims. Our dog-bite lawyers will help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for a settlement that surpasses your expectations.
The "One Bite Rule" in a Dog Bite Attack
Oregon follows the one bite rule, which states that the dog’s owner is only liable for the victim’s injuries, damages, and losses if they have prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive or dangerous behavior.
This means that unless it can be proven that the dog’s owner knew of the dangerous nature or behavior prior to the incident, the victim may not be able to collect compensation for their losses.
In most cases, it is up to the dog bite lawyer to prove that the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous nature. The evidence can come from previous incidents or witnesses who saw a prior incident of aggression by the same dog.
Proving Owner Negligence and Holding the Owner Liable for Dog Bites in Portland
In order to hold the owner liable for a dog bite incident, it must be proven that the owner was negligent in their care or supervision of the dog. This means that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect others from harm caused by the animal. To prove negligence, a dog bite lawyer must demonstrate that the owner:
- Knew (or should have known) of the dog’s aggressive nature
- Failed to take reasonable steps to protect others from harm
- Violated local animal control regulations
In some cases, it may be necessary to show that the owner acted recklessly or intentionally disregarded their responsibility to keep others safe. In cases like this, the victim may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages.
Seeking Economic Damages Through a Personal Injury Lawyer
When a dog bite victim in Portland, Oregon, is harmed due to negligence, they may be eligible to seek economic damages for their physical and emotional injuries through a personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been injured by a dog bite, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our experienced bite injury lawyers can help you determine the full extent of your losses and assist you in pursuing economic damages.
Seeking Non-Economic Damages Through a Personal Injury Attorney
When seeking compensation for dog attack injuries, many victims focus solely on the physical harm caused by bites.
Personal injury recovery for dog attacks extends beyond just bites. If you have experienced menacing behavior, scary incidents, or being tripped or knocked down by a dog, you may be entitled to seek non-economic damages, including emotional trauma, disfigurement, and lost wages.
Table of Contents
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Experienced Portland Dog Bite Lawyers
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Our Verdicts and Settlements
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Dog Bite Laws in Portland, Oregon
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The "One Bite Rule" in a Dog Bite Attack
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Proving Owner Negligence and Holding the Owner Liable for Dog Bites in Portland
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Seeking Economic Damages Through a Personal Injury Lawyer
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Seeking Non-Economic Damages Through a Personal Injury Attorney
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Types of Dog Bite Injuries
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Oregon Dog Bite Statistics
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Portland's Dangerous Dog Breeds
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Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims in Portland
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How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Oregon?
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What Clients Have to Say!
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Contact Our Experienced Portland and Multnomah County Dog Bite Lawyers Today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Portland Dog Bite Statistics Infographic
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog attack occurs, the victim may suffer physical harm as well as emotional trauma.
1. Physical Injuries
Dog bites can cause a variety of physical injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe wounds and severe injuries.
Common injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, deep tissue damage, broken bones, and nerve damage. In some cases, dogs may also cause falls or violently shake their victims, resulting in head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries. A dog bite scar can be a lasting reminder of the physical damage done.
In addition to the more obvious injuries, dog bite wounds can also lead to various infections. Bacteria present in a dog’s mouth can introduce harmful pathogens into the wound, increasing the risk of infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, sepsis, and tetanus.
Medical attention should be sought after a dog attack to prevent the onset of infections and to assess and treat any injuries.
2. Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is a significant and often overlooked consequence of dog bites. Victims of these incidents can experience profound psychological and emotional trauma as a result of their harrowing experience. The impact of emotional distress can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The traumatic nature of a dog bite can leave lasting psychological scars on the victim. Anxiety may arise from the fear of encountering dogs or similar situations that could trigger a flashback to the incident. Depression can develop as a result of the physical and emotional pain endured during and after a dog attack.
Victims may experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks related to the incident. These symptoms could be related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
3. Death
A wrongful death suit may be filed by the dog bite victims family if they died as a result of their injuries. While this is a rare occasion it does happen.
If you have lost a loved one to a dog attack please contact our wrongful death attorneys in Portland.
Oregon Dog Bite Statistics
In Portland, Oregon, dog bite injuries are a serious problem. According to the Oregon Department of Human Services, there were over 1,300 reported dog bites in 2019 alone.
The most common victims of dog bites are children between the ages of 5 and 9. In 2019, these children accounted for nearly half (48%) of all reported bites in the state. Senior citizens aged 60 and older accounted for 14% of all reported bites.
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 31.360
Portland's Dangerous Dog Breeds
Although any breed of dog can be potentially dangerous, there are certain breeds that have been identified as more likely to cause injury or death.
These breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, American Bulldogs, Wolf-hybrids and Doberman Pinschers.
Since 2010, data has shown that of 3,940 Portland-area bite investigations that pit bulls are implicated in more attacks than any other breed. [2]
These breeds are considered more dangerous due to their size and strength. They may also be more likely to attack if they feel threatened or are not properly trained and socialized.
Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims in Portland
In Oregon, victims of dog bites have the right to seek legal recourse for their injuries.
Pet owners can be held liable for damages caused by their dog’s attack on another person. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
In order to successfully pursue a legal action against a pet owner for a dog bite injury, the victim must be able to prove that the pet owner was negligent in some way.
This could include failing to properly restrain or train their animal, or failing to warn the victim of any known aggressive tendencies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Oregon?
Under Oregon law, victims of dog bite injuries have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim against the responsible party. This is known as the “Statute of Limitations,” and it applies to both civil court cases and insurance claims.
What Clients Have to Say - Client Reviews
Contact Our Experienced Portland and Multnomah County Dog Bite Lawyers Today!
If you or a loved one has been the victim, it is important to take action immediately. The experienced dog bite lawyers at Goldberg & Loren are here to help with your dog bite claim.
Our hard-hitting personal injury lawyers in Portland have a long history of successfully representing victims of animal attacks and will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our team has extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and will work diligently to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Portland dog bite lawyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Number 1 Most Dangerous Dog Breed?
Since the mid-90s the Pitbull has become the most dangerous dog to own. Statistics show that it is the most common dog associated with dog bite accidents and injuries.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer Following a Portland Dog Bite Accident?
The short answer is a resounding yes. If you have been bitten by a dog in Portland you should first seek medical attention and then contact a dog bite lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Dog Bites and Strict Liability
Oregon law enforces the "one-bite rule," allowing dog owners to be strictly liable to victims of dog attacks and injuries due to a history of prior bites/violence.
Oregon allows dog owners to be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, known as "strict liability" or "liability without fault." This applies even if the dog's bite was the first, or if the owner knew.
Portland Dog Bite Statistics Infographic
Sources:
[1] Map: Dog bites, 2010-2014. (n.d.). The Oregonian – OregonLive.com. https://projects.oregonlive.com/maps/dogs/bites/
[2] Data: Pit bulls are dog most cited in Portland bites. (2015, March 16). Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2015/03/pit_bulls_bite.html
Goldberg & Loren
6500 S Macadam Ave Suite 380,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you live in Portland and have been the victim of a dog attack you may have a personal injury lawsuit. Call us now to find out if you have a case. We want to help!
We Provide Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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