Portland Dog Bite Lawyers

EXPERIENCED DOG BITE ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER PORTLAND, OREGON AREA

Did you know that dog bites are one of the most common types of personal injury claims? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite or attack approximately 4.7 million people every year in the United States. Of those, about 800,000 require medical attention.

While some dog bites do not result in serious injuries, many are quite severe. Statistics published in 2020 reported, 46 people died as a result of dog attacks in the United States. Of those fatalities, 15 were children and 28 were adult victims.

Dog bite victims often suffer physical and emotional injuries that can be costly to treat. If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite injury, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

An experienced Portland dog bite attorney at Schauermann Thayer can help you understand your legal rights and options. We know how to hold negligent dog owners responsible for the harm their pet caused. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.

Injuries and Consequences of a Dog Bite

The consequences of a dog bite depend on the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may require only basic first aid, while more serious injuries may require extensive medical treatment, including surgery. In some cases, dog bites can lead to death.

Dog bite victims often suffer from physical injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, and bruises. They may also suffer from emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional injuries are often just as debilitating as physical injuries.

In addition to the immediate consequences of a dog bite, victims may also suffer long-term consequences. For example, they may develop an infection or scarring. In some cases, dog bites can result in permanent disability.

Seeking Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury

Dog bite victims often incur significant costs as a result of their injuries. These costs can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If you have been injured by a dog bite, you should not have to bear these costs on your own. The dog owner should bear liability for the harm their dog caused. However, collecting this money is not always easy.

In Oregon, dog owners bear strict liability for injuries their dog caused only if they know of the dog’s dangerous propensities. If they knew that the dog was aggressive or had a history of biting, injured victims can hold them responsible. However, if they were unaware of their pet’s dangerous propensities, the dog gets “a free bite.”

Even if you cannot prove that the dog owner knew that their pet was dangerous, there are still ways you can recover compensation. Oregon requires all dog owners to use reasonable care when preventing animal attacks. If the dog owner had their pet off-leash in a public place, for example, they may be liable for negligence.

An experienced Portland dog bite attorney at Schauermann Thayer can help you recover your damages. We will investigate all angles of your case to hold dog owners accountable for the injuries you suffered.

What Should I Do If a Dog Bites Me?

If a dog bites you, consider seeking medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical professional is the best person to evaluate them. Once you receive medical treatment, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

In Oregon, you only have two years to file a claim or personal injury lawsuit seeking damages. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to pursue your claim. The statute of limitations for minors is longer. As such, if a dog bit your child, you may have more time to act. However, time is still critical. Valuable evidence is often lost or destroyed and eyewitness testimony can get harder to obtain over time.

An experienced Portland dog bite attorney at Schauermann Thayer can help you understand your legal rights and options. We can also help you recover your damages. If you have been injured by a dog bite, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance.

Contact Our Portland Dog Bite Lawyers Today

At Schauermann Thayer, our Portland dog bite attorneys know the actual harm a dog can cause when they bite someone. Dog bites can result in disfigurement, permanent impairment, and even death. When a dog harms you or someone you love, you may need a team of experienced dog bite attorneys on your side. We can help you hold negligent dog owners accountable for the harm their dog has caused.

Contact Schauermann Thayer to explore your legal options in a free consultation. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.