Experienced Salem Dog Bite Attorneys
Salem Oregon Dog Bite Lawyer
Find out why we are one of the best dog bite law firms in Salem, Oregon
Have You or a Loved One Been the Victim of a Dog Bite in Salem, Oregon?
Don’t let the pain and trauma of a dog bite go unanswered. Our dog bite lawyers will fight for your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable. After 30+ years of personal experience, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation. We will evaluate your case and provide you with the guidance and representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.
What is a Dog Bite?
A dog bite refers to an incident where a dog uses its mouth to grasp and puncture the skin or flesh of a person or another animal. [1] Dog bites can vary in severity, ranging from minor injuries that may not break the skin to more serious incidents causing significant trauma or death often resulting in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Causes of Dog Bite
Dog bites can occur for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a combination of factors:
- Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, scared, or anxious. A dog in a fearful situation may resort to biting as a defensive mechanism.
- Protecting Territory: Dogs are territorial animals, and they may perceive intruders as a threat to their territory. A dog may bite to protect its home, yard, or belongings.
- Pain or Illness: Dogs in pain or suffering from illness may become irritable and may bite as a reaction to being handled or touched in sensitive areas.
- Maternal Instinct: Female dogs with puppies may become protective and aggressive if they perceive a potential threat to their offspring.
- Provocation: Dogs can be provoked to bite if they are teased, mistreated, or subjected to behavior that makes them uncomfortable. This includes actions such as pulling on ears or tails, poking, or startling a dog.
Injuries Sustained Due to Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, varying from minor to severe. Common injuries sustained due to dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth, and their bites can cause puncture wounds that may be deep and prone to infection.
- Lacerations: Bites can lead to cuts and tearing of the skin, potentially causing extensive damage and scarring.
- Bruises and Contusions: Dog bites can result in bruises and contusions, especially if the force of the bite causes blunt trauma to the skin and underlying tissues.
- Abrasions and Scratches: Surface injuries such as abrasions and scratches may occur during a dog bite, particularly if the dog uses its claws.
- Tissue and Nerve Damage: Severe bites can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves, leading to functional impairment and potential long-term consequences.
- Broken Bones and Dislocations: In cases of strong bites or if the victim falls during a dog attack, fractures or dislocations may occur, especially in areas like fingers, hands, or limbs.
- Infection: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. Common infections include cellulitis and, in rare cases, more severe infections like rabies.
- Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, and it can occur as a result of trauma from a dog bite.
- Scarring: Depending on the severity of the bite and the location on the body, scarring may occur, and it can be permanent. Facial scarring and scarring on the hands or arms tends to be most common.
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause emotional and psychological trauma, leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or a fear of dogs (cynophobia).
- Rabies Transmission: While rare, there is a risk of rabies transmission if the biting dog is infected with the virus and the victim’s skin is broken. Immediate medical attention and appropriate vaccinations are necessary in such cases.
- Secondary Injuries: In attempting to escape a dog attack, victims may sustain secondary injuries, such as falls or collisions with objects.
- Fatal Injuries: In extremely rare cases, severe dog attacks can result in fatal injuries, particularly if the victim is a small child or elderly person.
If bitten by a dog, it’s necessary to seek prompt medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries, to reduce the risk of infection and ensure proper wound care.
Our Salem Practice Areas
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Our dog bite lawyers in Salem will assist with determining who can be held liable for the injuries sustained. Potentially responsible parties include the following:
Dog Owner: The primary party held responsible for a dog bite is typically the animal owner. Most jurisdictions impose strict liability on dog owners, meaning they are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressive tendencies. This is often the case even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
Property Owner or Custodian: In some situations, the owner of the property where the dog resides may also be held liable, especially if the property owner has control over the dog and is aware of its aggressive behavior. This can be relevant in cases where the dog bite occurs on someone else’s property.
Landlord or Property Manager: If a landlord or property manager is aware of a tenant’s dangerous dog and can address the issue but fails to do so, they may be held liable for a dog bite that occurs on the rented premises.
Parents or Guardians of Minor Owners: If a minor owns the dog, the parents or legal guardians may be held responsible for a dog bite, especially if they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an incident.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Salem, Oregon
There is a Statute of Limitations when it comes to dog bite cases. This is a timeframe within which a lawsuit must be filed in civil court. In Oregon, the applicable Statute of Limitations for dog bite cases is two years.
Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe may result in the dismissal of the personal injury claim. That’s why dog bite victims must seek legal representation promptly to ensure their rights are protected within the allotted time. Exceptions to the timeframe may apply. Contact our dedicated personal injury lawyers in Salem to discuss you specific case and whether any exceptions might apply.
Salem Dog Bite Attorney
If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite in Salem, Oregon, it’s essential to have a qualified dog bite attorney by your side. Our dog bite lawyers are experts in navigating the laws and statutes that surround dog bites, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your bite injuries.
- Litigation: We have a deep understanding of the bite laws in Salem, Oregon, including strict liability laws (that hold dog owners responsible for any injuries their pets cause) and the One Bite Rule. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability.
- Negotiation: Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims, but we know how to navigate their tactics and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. We will work diligently to ensure your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the dog bite incident are fully accounted for.
When you hire our Salem, Oregon, dog bite attorneys, you can rest assured knowing that you have a team of experts who will fight tirelessly for your rights. Let us help you navigate the legal process, establish liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Source:
[1] Dog bite. (2023, November 9). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_bite
We fight hard for our clients who have been injured due to a dog bite in Salem, Oregon. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
We Represent Dog Bite Victims in the Following Cities and Communities Near Salem, Oregon.
- Keizer, OR
- Hayesville, OR
- Dallas, OR
- Tigard, OR
- Woodburn, OR
- Albany, OR
- Newberg, OR
- West Linn, OR
- Canby, OR
- Wilsonville, OR
- Corvallis, OR
- Lebanon, OR
- Sherwood, OR
- Tualatin, OR
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