Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites produce injuries that range from lacerations and infection to nerve damage and lasting psychological impact. When that happens, understanding your options shouldn’t be complicated.
We’ve guided dog bite victims across Oregon through the legal process, clearly, and without unnecessary pressure. An experienced dog bite lawyer can make that difference from the first call.
Dog Bite Attorney
Oregon’s dog bite statute (ORS 31.360) provides a clear path forward: “strict liability” makes an owner automatically responsible for your medical bills, lost wages, and related costs — regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten before.
While the law provides for your medical bills, securing compensation for the full impact of the trauma requires us to prove the owner was negligent. Recovering non-economic damages — compensation for pain, suffering, and psychological impact — requires showing that the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the bite. That’s where the investigation becomes critical.
Our investigation is designed to uncover the truth and we know how to build that case. We look at prior incidents, owner behavior, veterinary records, and witness accounts — the kind of evidence that establishes what the owner knew and when they knew it.
Best Dog Bite Attorney
When you’re looking for the best dog bite attorney, the right answer is an attorney with more than a deep experience with animal bite cases, but a guide you can trust to bring clarity to a confusing situation.
That feeling of trust is why we start every conversation by listening to your story and your concerns. Our first job is to help you understand your options.
We put that commitment into practice by making the legal process understandable. As one past client noted, we take the time to “explain the complicated court system… while simplifying the terminology.” It’s how we show up for people navigating the aftermath of an animal attack, ensuring they always have a clear path forward.
If you’ve been bitten and aren’t sure where to stand legally, a free consultation will tell you.
Dog Bites FAQs
Do I have a dog bite personal injury case?
Oregon law makes owners automatically liable for your economic damages — medical bills and lost wages — regardless of the dog’s history (ORS 31.360). Recovering for pain and suffering requires showing the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies. A free consultation will tell you where you stand.
How is fault determined in a dog bite case?
Oregon’s negligence standard requires evidence of the owner’s knowledge and failure to act. Witness accounts, prior bite history, veterinary records, and the conditions at the time of the incident all factor into how fault is established. We investigate thoroughly before making any assessment.
What damages can I claim after a dog bite?
Damages in a dog bite claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. Psychological impact — including fear and anxiety following an animal attack — may also be recoverable depending on what the evidence supports.
Should I talk to the dog owner’s insurance company?
Not before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters will look to limit what the company pays. Early statements can affect your claim. We handle that communication so you don’t have to.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Oregon?
Oregon’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury (ORS 12.110). Don’t wait to find out whether exceptions apply to your situation.
Dog Bite Settlement Calculator
A dog bite is a traumatic and often emotionally complex event. When an owner’s insurer makes a settlement offer, it can be hard to know if it’s fair. Our Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is a straightforward tool designed to cut through the confusion.
It takes the current offer and reveals the total settlement an attorney must achieve for you to receive more than you would on your own. This lays out the facts, giving you a clear, unbiased look at the numbers and empowering you to make an informed decision that’s right for you.
For a real read on your specific case — including dog bite settlement amounts in Oregon — talk to our team.
