Experienced Portland Oregon Dog Bite Lawyer
Portland Dog Bite Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Portland Oregon Dog Bite Lawyers
Fact: Every Day Three People get Bitten by Dogs in and Around Portland. [1]
Goldberg & Loren are dog bite lawyers in Portland, Oregon that 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, contact Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and review of your case. We will work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Always seek medical attention and medical services for any dog bite injury, the bacteria in a dogs mouth can lead to infection and therefore amputation.
About Dog Bite Laws in Portland, Oregon
Dog bite laws in this region 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, it is essential to consult with an experienced Portland, Oregon dog bite attorney who specializes in handling these types of personal injury claims. With their knowledge of local laws and regulations, a dog bite lawyer can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation for the victims.
The "One Bite Rule" in a Dog Bite Attack
Oregon follows this archaic and ancient rule of law — so-called the one bit rule, which states that the dog’s owner is only liable for the victim’s injuries, damages and losses if they had 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 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; and/or
- 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.
The role of strict liability in dog bite attack cases — In Oregon, strict liability laws are in place that hold dog owners responsible for the actions of their animals regardless of whether they knew or had prior knowledge of the animal’s aggressive nature. This is a powerful tool for victims who have been attacked by an animal and it can be used to collect maximum compensation from the negligent owner.
Seeking Economic Damages Through a Personal Injury Lawyer
When a dog bite victim in Portland, Oregon is harmed due to the negligence of another party, they may be eligible to seek economic damages for their physical and emotional injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. Victims of dog bites can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced bite injury lawyer can help 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. However, it’s important to note that personal injury recovery for dog attacks extends beyond just bites. If you have experienced menacing, scaring, tripping, or being knocked down by a dog, you may be entitled to seek non-economic damages, including emotional trauma, disfigurement, and lost wages.
To pursue non-economic damages, it is crucial to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog attack cases. These attorneys have extensive knowledge of the legal rights of bite victims and can guide you through the complex process of seeking compensation. They will gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will understand the various types of non-economic damages that can be pursued. Emotional trauma resulting from a dog attack can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s well-being and quality of life.
Disfigurement, such as scarring or permanent injuries, can also warrant compensation.
Also, if the attack caused you to miss work or rendered you unable to perform your job, you may be entitled to seek lost wages.
Table of Contents
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Fact: Every Day Three People get Bitten by Dogs in and Around Portland.
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About Dog Bite Laws in Portland, Oregon
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The "One Bite Rule" in a Dog Bite Attack
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Types of Dog Bite Injuries
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Oregon Dog Bite Statistics
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Oregon Dangerous Dog Breeds
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Contact Our Experienced Portland and Multnomah County Dog Bite Lawyers Today!
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Sources
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. When a dog attack occurs, the victim may suffer physical harm as well as emotional trauma. Common types of dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, nerve damage, and psychological trauma. Puncture wounds are caused by the dog’s teeth piercing the skin and can lead to infections if not properly treated.
Lacerations are deep cuts that may require stitches or surgery to repair. Fractures can occur when a dog bites down with significant force, resulting in broken bones. Nerve damage is another potential consequence of a dog bite, which can cause pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area.
Furthermore, the emotional impact of a dog bite can cause psychological trauma such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have been a victim of a dog bite, it is crucial to seek medical attention and consult with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer to understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Physical Injuries
Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city that boasts numerous dog-friendly parks and trails. However, unfortunate incidents of dog bites can occur, resulting in physical injuries that can be both painful and dangerous.
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.
In addition to the immediate physical 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.
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a dog attack to prevent the onset of infections and to assess and treat any injuries. In cases of head injuries, it is especially important to promptly contact a brain injury lawyer who specializes in this area. Head injuries can have long-term consequences and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Remember, seeking medical attention and consulting with a brain injury lawyer are essential steps in protecting your health and legal rights after a dog bite incident.
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 are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
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.
It is important to note that this data only includes reported incidents. The true number of dog bite injuries in Oregon is likely higher due to victims who do not seek medical attention or file a report with the authorities.
Oregon 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. In Oregon, 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 Oregon
In Oregon, victims of dog bites have the right to seek legal recourse for their injuries. Under Oregon law, 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.
The Impact of an Oregon Dog Bite Injury
Dog bite injuries can be serious and life-altering. Victims may suffer physical injury, leading to scarring, disfigurement, or even permanent disability. In addition to these physical effects, victims may also experience emotional distress and psychological trauma as a result of their attack.
Oregon dog bite victims are often left with mounting medical bills and a sense of fear or anxiety that can linger long after the incident. In some cases, victims may be unable to return to work due to the physical and emotional toll of their attack. This can leave them struggling to make ends meet and support their families.
Victims may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) as a result of their attack. This is a serious and debilitating condition that can lead to difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behavior.
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.
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 personal injury lawyers have a long history of successfully representing victims of animal attacks in Oregon 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.
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 300
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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