Dog Bite Injury

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.7 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.

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 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.