Oregon Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. At least 17% of these attacks require extensive medical treatment. According to DogBite.org, dog attack victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses annually. JAMA reports this estimate to be as high as $2 billion. What’s more, there are no specific statistics that can indicate the extent of emotional trauma sustained in these vicious attacks.

Ryan Hilts, Oregon injury law firm, has successfully handled many cases involving dangerous dogs.  If you have suffered a dog bite or injury from a dangerous dog, please call for a free consultation.

In my experience, victims of dog bites are not treated fairly until they get a skilled attorney.  Before an attorney is involved, dog owners often ignore requests from the victim to pay for damages and/or refuse to notify their insurance companies.  Insurance companies often try to deny the claim or blame the victim for provoking the dog.

dog bite injury oregon

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer

After a severe personal injury, it is often difficult to manage both the circumstances of your injury – which can include hospitalization, mounting doctor’s bills and prolonged pain and suffering – and a pending insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. An experienced Oregon dog bite attorney will gather information and evidence for your case. An attorney will also assist you in determining your next steps. Attorneys experienced in personal injury cases, like Ryan Hilts Law, know the tactics commonly used by insurance companies. An experienced lawyer helps you navigate them in pursuit of the ideal settlement.

dog bite injury lawyer

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Oregon

Each city and county has differing laws regarding liability for dog owners.  Certain dog breeds, for example, are known to have dangerous propensities. In some cities or counties, owners of these breeds of dogs can be strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes just because of the dog’s specific breed.  Pit Bulls, for example, are almost always on the list.

In other instances, if a dog has a history of prior attacks or if the owner knew of the dog’s “dangerous propensities,” the owner is a liability for any subsequent attacks.  This is also often referred to as the “one bite rule.”

We do a thorough investigation of our cases to find out about the dog’s history and the owner’s knowledge of history.

If you are bitten by a dog and would like to make a claim, here is a list of things to remember:

  • Seek medical advice immediately as dog bites have a high chance of becoming infected.
  • Whether you know the dog’s owner or not, be sure to get the owner’s home or rental insurance information, including insurance company name, policy number, and claims phone number.
  • Dog bites are often covered under a person’s home or renters insurance policy and there is usually good coverage for medical expenses and damages.
  • Take pictures of your injuries.

Dog Bite Laws in Oregon

FAQs: Oregon Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

1. What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident in Oregon?

  • Seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor bites.
  • Gather information about the dog and its owner.
  • Document the incident with photographs.
  • Report the incident to local authorities.

2. When should I consult an Oregon Dog Bite Injury Lawyer?

  • It’s advisable to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to understand your rights and legal options.

3. Who is liable for a dog bite in Oregon?

  • Oregon follows strict liability, meaning dog owners are typically held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression.

4. Can I still claim compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite incident?

  • Yes, Oregon uses a comparative negligence system, allowing for compensation even if the injured party was partially at fault, although the amount may be reduced.

5. What is the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Oregon?

  • Generally, you have two years from the date of the incident to initiate legal proceedings.

6. What types of compensation can I pursue for dog bite injuries?

  • Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and legal fees.

7. How can a dog bite injury lawyer assist me?

  • A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

8. Are initial consultations with an Oregon Dog Bite Injury Lawyer typically free?

  • Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and evaluate your options before committing to legal representation.

9. How long does it take to resolve a dog bite injury case in Oregon?

  • The duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, but a skilled attorney can provide an estimate based on the specific circumstances.

10. What if the dog owner doesn’t have insurance?

  • In such cases, your attorney can explore other avenues for compensation, such as the dog owner’s personal assets.
Oregon Attorney Ryan Hilts

Ryan is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the Washington State Bar, and the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association.

Ryan was named a “Rising Star” e for six years in a row, and recently a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Magazine. In his early years as attorney, he was also listed as one of Oregon's Outstanding Young Lawyers by Portland Monthly Magazine and the American Registry.


Learn More About Ryan

Featured Services

Personal Injury
We take the stress out of personal injury cases so you can focus on getting better. Call today for a free consultation.

Car Accidents
We specialize in auto accident cases. We are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accidents
If you were injured as a result of a careless driver while you were a pedestrian, you may have a claim against the driver. Read more about our practice areas.
My name is Linda and my son in law recommended Ryan Hilts. I did not think I needed a lawyer. My son in law said "If you don't win you don't pay". That made a lot of sense to me. After calling Ryan I realized how comforting it is to have a lawyer. I was in a car accident. The driver was drunk and hit me and took off. A hit and run accident. Ryan told me by Oregon Law I was able to go to the doctors. I was able to get the much needed help. My Chiropractor was amazing. It took time to heal. Ryan was always available and always called me back, when I had any questions. He is a wonderful family man. A man of integrity. He also sent emails and texts to wish our family well on all the Holidays. He went above and beyond what was expected. My case was won without a doubt. I would definitely go back to Ryan for any lawyer needs. He is a good man and you can trust him. Thank you Ryan for everything, words are not enough to express all you did for us.

G. & L. S.

I was recommended to Mr. Hilts by a friend when I had my car accident. I was very impressed with his knowledge and the way he guided me through the process. I appreciated that he always returned my calls and kept me informed about the progress of my case.

K.J.

I could never say enough good things about Ryan. He was always there to take my calls and answer all of my questions. I really felt like he was working for me; like I was his top priority.

J.H.

Ryan is a terrific lawyer and a better person. He went above and beyond to reach a settlement in my case and believed in it when no one else did. He’s very intelligent and caring and is always putting the best interests of his clients before his own. Ryan knew more about my case than I even did. He is truly dedicated to his clients, and I can not explain how much I honestly appreciated that. I recommend that you give him a shot if you need to hire an attorney. He won’t let you down.

S.S.

It was our good fortune to have Ryan Hilts as our attorney. Ryan helped our children avoid a lawsuit and get a successful settlement. He taught us so much. He represented our family with integrity.

B.D.