Portland Dog Bite Attorney
Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys In Portland, OR
Portland dog bite injury lawyer Travis Mayor specializes in helping the victims of dangerous dogs who have been bitten or attacked in the Portland metropolitan area including Tigard, Beaverton, Lake Oswego and throughout the State of Oregon. This is a test.
Case evaluations are always free: (503) 610-0005 or 1(800) 949-1481 You can also email Travis directly.
Americans love their dogs. We are a country of dog owners. According to statistics there are approximately 83.3 million dogs in the United States. While most dogs are good natured and safe, there are those that are not. According to a survey of dog bites conducted by CDC researchers, it concluded that in 2001, 2002 and 2003 there were 4.5 million American dog bite victims per year.
There are different reasons why a dog may bite someone including the disposition of its particular breed, training or lack of training, and neglect or abuse. Dogs can also injure people without biting them. For instance, if a dog charges, jumps on or knocks a person over, it is not uncommon for that person to break bones or suffer other serious injuries. Adding to the equation is our close proximity to dogs. Dogs and their owners live amongst us. They are in our neighborhoods, in our parks, in our recreational areas and sometimes in our work environments. Dogs go where people go and sometimes that leads to unfortunate incidents.
Dog bites and attacks cause physical and psychological injuries that can be severe and sometimes fatal. Oftentimes dog bites will cause permanent scars and nerve damage. These injuries are especially bad when they occur on the victim’s face or to a child. These injuries may require emergency medical services, plastic surgery and psychological treatment and counseling. That is why it is important to hire an experienced Portland dog bite injury attorney who knows how to recover compensation for dog bite victims.
Dog Bite Injury Compensation
Under certain circumstances, Oregon law allows the victims of dog attacks and dog bites to seek compensation from the dog owner or landlord/property owner. Typically the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance will cover the dog bite claim. The types of compensation the injured dog bite victim can seek include:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress and psychological injuries; and
- Pain & suffering
Is the dog owner liable for a dog bite injury?
It is not automatic that you will be entitled to compensation if you are attacked or experienced a dog bite injury. Oregon law regarding dog bites and attacks can be complicated. If you or a family member have been injured by a dog in any way, it is important that you contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. Portland dog bite injury lawyer Travis Mayor has a thorough understanding of Oregon dog bite law and how to maximize the financial recovery for clients who are victims of dog bite injury and attacks in Oregon.
For instance, Oregon dog bite victims can proceed under theories of strict liability or negligence depending on the circumstances of their case. A dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog only if the dog owner knows or has reason to know of the animal’s dangerous propensities. This is sometimes referred to as the “one bite rule”. If the dog had bitten or attacked someone in the past or tried to bite or attack someone and the owner knew it, then the owner will be liable if the dog injures someone. Strict liability is imposed on the owner even if the owner had taken precautions
In cases in Portland where a dog bites or attacks someone and it had no known history of previously biting or attacking a person, the claim will be harder to prove. Certain dog breeds however are known to have dangerous propensities such as Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds to name a few. The dog’s dangerous propensity may help to establish its owner was negligent if certain measures were not taken to protect the public from the dog. Prior displays of viciousness or aggression by the dog can be used to demonstrate that the dog’s owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensities and taken measures so that it would not bite or attack someone. These displays might include growling, snapping, barking and charging, baring teeth and other behavior that indicates a desire to attack or bite. Even the manner in which the owner restrains his or her dog may indicate that owner’s belief that the dog might be dangerous.
Many Oregon cities and counties also have leash laws and similar statutes. A violation of a city or county ordinance that prohibits dogs from being off leash and running at large can also form the basis of a negligence claim against the dog’s owner if the dog injures someone while off leash. Some relevant local leash laws and ordinances relating to dogs can be found here:
- Washington County
- Lake Oswego
- Beaverton. Chapter 5.12 – Dog Control
- Multnomah County. Chapter 13 – Animal Services
- Clackamas County
There are also many other factors that can impact a dog bite injury case in Oregon. For instance, whether the dog had trespassed onto the victim’s property or whether the victim had trespassed onto the dog owner’s property are circumstances that can alter the case outcome. Whether the dog was on a leash or off leash is also important. Even the Oregon dog bite victim’s conduct is important in determining whether the dog and its owner will be held liable. In the end, the success of a dog bite injury case will be dependent on the particular facts of the case and how they can be used in conjunction with existing Oregon law.
Getting Results for Victims of Dangerous Dogs
At Mayor Law, LLC it is our goal to help the victims of dangerous dogs achieve justice and restore their lives. Portland personal injury attorney Travis Mayor will help you by reducing the hassles and inconvenience while you recover, while maximizing your financial compensation. Travis Mayor has recovered millions of dollars for his personal injury clients. For every Portland dog bite injury client, Travis offers personal service with proven results.
Call today for a free, no obligation consultation and case evaluation. (503)444-2825.
At Mayor Law, LLC, we fight for justice for injury victims and we fight to win! You pay nothing up front and nothing unless you win your dog attack or dog bite injury case.
Recent Portland Dog Case Results
$310,000 – Facial Dog Bite Settlement
Travis Mayor obtained a $310,000 settlement for his client in Eastern Oregon who was bitten in the face by a neighbor’s Pitbull. The victim was airlifted to Portland, where a plastic surgeon performed reconstructive surgery to repair multiple lacerations and bite wounds.
$60,000 – Worker Bitten While on the Job
In West Linn, Travis represented a worker who was bitten on the lip by a customer’s dog while performing a service call. He proved the dog had shown prior aggression and that the owner failed to take precautions, leading to a $60,000 settlement.
$50,000 – Knock-Down Injury Caused by Unleashed Dogs
Travis recovered $50,000 for a client injured while walking her own dog in a Beaverton park. Two other dogs, left off leash in violation of county rules, ran into her legs and knocked her to the ground, causing a torn knee cartilage that required arthroscopic surgery.
$112,500 – Fall Injury from Large Uncontrolled Dog
A Portland woman received $112,500 after being knocked down by a large, off-leash dog. Travis demonstrated that the dog’s owner failed to maintain proper control, resulting in serious injuries to his client.
$88,500 – Hand Injury from Aggressive Dog
Travis achieved an $88,500 recovery for a client who was bitten on the hand by a dog known to be dangerous. The wound became infected and required surgery. Evidence showed the owner was negligent for failing to restrain the animal.
$36,000 – Pitbull Bite Inside Portland Home
Travis obtained a $36,000 settlement for a client who was bitten on the knee by a homeowner’s Pitbull in Portland. The attack caused four puncture scars that later required a revision procedure. The dog had a history of attacks and was later euthanized by Multnomah County Animal Services.