Portland Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Legal Representation That Fights for Dog Bite Victims’ Rights

When a dog attacks, the physical and emotional injuries can devastate your life in an instant. Beyond the immediate trauma of puncture wounds, broken bones, and potential nerve damage, dog bite victims face mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological injuries that can last years. You shouldn’t bear this financial burden alone when a dog owner failed to control their animal.

Our Portland dog bite attorneys understand Oregon’s complex liability laws and the aggressive tactics insurance companies use to minimize settlements. We know that most dogs can cause severe injuries regardless of their size, and we’ve seen how Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, and other potentially dangerous breeds can inflict traumatic brain injuries that require extensive medical treatment and plastic surgery.

Under Oregon law, you have just two years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite attack. Every day you wait, crucial evidence disappears and your legal rights become harder to protect. That’s why we provide immediate legal assistance to preserve witness statements, gather evidence from animal control, and document your injuries before insurance companies can dispute their severity.

Why Choose Our Portland Dog Bite Law Firm?

Our track record speaks for itself when it comes to securing maximum compensation for dog bite victims throughout Multnomah County and greater Portland.

  • Oregon Dog Bite Law Experts – Deep understanding of the one bite rule, strict liability standards, and when dog owners are held liable
  • Free Consultation – get a free consultation to see how much your case is worth
  • Comprehensive Case Handling – We deal with insurance companies and legal complexities while you focus on medical care and recovery

When our client, Cheryl Wakerhauser, a respected local pastry chef, was viciously mauled by an unleashed Pit Bull while on a run, Multnomah County failed to protect her despite knowing the dog was a public threat. Our firm has demonstrated that the County’s Animal Services was aware of the dog’s dangerous propensities from a prior reported attack but negligently failed to impound the animal. We have filed a lawsuit against Multnomah County to secure an $800,000 settlement to cover Ms. Wakerhauser’s extensive medical bills from over 35 bite wounds and to compensate for her severe and ongoing physical and emotional trauma.

How Our Dog Bite Legal Process Works

We’ve streamlined our approach to ensure dog bite victims get the medical attention they need while we build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

Step 1: Free Consultation Call (503) 239-1910 for a free case evaluation with no obligation. We assess your dog bite injury, explain your legal options under Oregon law, and outline exactly how we’ll prove the dog owner liable for your damages.

Step 2: Evidence Collection Our legal team immediately gathers medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports while memories are fresh. We photograph your injuries, document the attack scene, and obtain the dog’s bite history to prove dangerous propensities.

Step 3: Insurance Negotiation We handle all communication with the dog’s owner’s insurance company, preventing them from using your statements against you. Our attorneys know every tactic insurers use to minimize dog bite claims and fight for full compensation covering current and future medical treatment.

Step 4: Maximum Settlement Through aggressive negotiation backed by thorough case preparation, we secure settlements that cover all medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Most dog bite cases settle out of court, but we’re fully prepared for trial if needed.

If insurance companies refuse fair compensation, we proceed to Step 5: trial preparation and courtroom advocacy to ensure a jury hears how the dog attack injuries have impacted your life.

Our Fee Structure for Dog Bite Cases

We believe every dog bite victim deserves quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

🆓 Free Initial Consultation – Complete case evaluation at no cost to understand your legal rights and potential compensation

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

🔹 How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Oregon? Oregon law gives you exactly two years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to seek compensation forever.

🔹 What if the dog has never bitten anyone before? Oregon follows a modified one bite rule, but dog owners can still be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog posed a danger. We investigate the dog’s history, training, and the owner’s knowledge of aggressive behavior.

🔹 Will homeowner’s insurance cover my dog bite injury? Most homeowner’s policies cover dog attacks, but insurers often deny claims or invoke breed exclusions.

🔹 What compensation can I receive for a dog bite? Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and future treatment costs. Non economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring, and permanent disfigurement. Severe cases can result in six-figure settlements.

🔹 Do I need to prove the owner was negligent? Oregon law makes pet owners strictly liable in many situations, but proving negligence can increase compensation. We examine leash law violations, inadequate fencing, and failure to control known dangerous dogs.

Get Your Free Dog Bite Consultation Today

Don’t let a dog owner’s insurance company take advantage of your traumatic experience. Get the legal assistance you need to recover full compensation for your injuries.

At the Law Office of J. Clay McCaslin, we stand by you every step of the way to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

💡 Time is critical for preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines. Call now to protect your right to compensation.

Contact Us