Portland Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer That Fights for 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. Animal attacks, including dog bites, often have significant legal and emotional consequences for both the injured person and their family. 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. In many cases, these attacks result in serious injuries that may require emergency care or lead to long-term disability, deeply affecting not only the person injured but also their loved one or family member.

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. It is also essential to be evaluated by a medical professional after an animal attack to ensure all injuries are properly treated and documented, supporting your claim for financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional harm.

Understanding Dog Bites: What Every Victim Should Know

A dog bite can be a life-altering event, leaving victims with both visible and invisible scars. Physical injuries from dog bites range from minor cuts and bruises to serious wounds like puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, and even nerve damage. However, the impact of a dog bite often goes beyond the physical. Many dog bite victims experience emotional injuries, such as anxiety, fear of dogs, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect daily life long after the physical wounds have healed.

If you are a dog bite victim in Portland, it’s crucial to recognize the full extent of your injuries and understand your legal options. Medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress can quickly add up, making it essential to seek compensation for your losses. A Portland dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, you don’t have to face the aftermath of a traumatic dog bite experience alone—legal assistance is available to help you recover and move forward.

Dog Owner Liability: Who Is Responsible After an Attack?

After a dog bite, one of the most important questions is: who is responsible for the injuries caused? In Oregon, dog owners can be held liable under the “one bite rule.” This means that if a dog’s owner knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous propensities, they can be strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner may still be held liable if there is evidence they were aware of the risk or failed to properly control their dog.

Dog owners have a legal duty to prevent their dogs from causing harm. If an owner fails to take reasonable steps—such as following leash laws or securing their property—and someone is injured as a result, the owner can be held liable for the injuries caused. A Portland dog bite attorney can help you determine whether the dog’s owner is responsible for your injuries and guide you through the process of seeking compensation. Understanding your rights under Oregon’s bite rule is the first step toward holding the right party accountable and recovering the damages you deserve.

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 a dog’s owner is held liable, especially when the dog’s owner knew of the dog’s dangerous propensities

  • 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, a breed often classified as a dangerous dog due to its size and strength, 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, and that the dog’s owner knew about the dog’s prior aggressive behavior, 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.

Dog Bite Statistics: The Scope of the Problem in Our Community

Dog bites are a widespread issue that affects thousands of people every year. In the United States, dogs bite more than 4.7 million people annually, with around 800,000 of those victims requiring medical attention for their injuries. Here in Portland, dog bites and dog attacks can happen anywhere—on city sidewalks, in public parks, or even in private homes and backyards.

While breeds like Pit Bulls and Doberman Pinschers are often associated with more severe dog attacks, it’s important to remember that any dog can bite if it feels threatened, scared, or is not properly trained. The injuries from these attacks can range from minor to life-threatening, and the need for prompt medical attention is critical. By understanding the scope of the problem, our community can work together to raise awareness, promote responsible pet ownership, and help prevent future dog bite incidents.

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. A personal injury lawyer will guide you through every step of the legal process.

Step 1: Free Consultation Call (503) 239-1910 for a free case evaluation with no obligation. We assess your dog bite injuries, 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. Our goal is to help victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses.

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

💼 Contingency Fee Basis – You pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

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.

Preventing Future Attacks: How Legal Action Makes a Difference

Taking legal action after a dog bite is about more than just seeking compensation for your injuries, it’s also a powerful way to help prevent future attacks. When dog owners are held accountable for their dog’s actions, it sends a clear message that negligence and irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated. A Portland dog bite lawyer can help you build a strong case, ensuring that the dog’s owner is held responsible and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Legal action can also lead to positive changes in our community, such as improved leash laws, stricter enforcement of animal control regulations, and greater awareness about the responsibilities of dog ownership. As a dog bite victim, you have the right to seek justice, not only for yourself, but to help protect others from similar harm. With the guidance of an experienced Portland dog bite attorney, you can make a difference for yourself and your community.

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.

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