Dogs are “family with tails” in countless Hillsboro households. Dog lovers, especially children, beam with joy when crossing paths with friendly dogs while exploring parks, running errands, and visiting friends and neighbors. Most domesticated canines are harmless and are not obviously dangerous to strangers unfamiliar with the dog.
Such a dog may, nonetheless, be known to its owner as dangerous when triggering circumstances arise. Oregon dog owners who know (or should know) that their dog tends to bite can be held strictly liable for medical costs from dog bite injuries. This is commonly (and incorrectly) known as the “one bite rule,” as no prior bite is needed for the one bite rule to apply. This is because dogs can be dangerous for reasons other than biting such as chasing bicyclists or small children.
A dog attack can cause severe injury and emotional trauma, especially in situations where the dog bites a vulnerable person in a sensitive body area. Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks. If a dog attacks and injures you or your child, a Hillsboro dog bite lawyer can pursue compensation for expenses and losses from the attack. Rizk Law understands how to counter powerful insurance company tactics to secure compensation that dog bite victims deserve.
You and your family’s well-being is our priority. Rizk Law attorneys are here for you should you need us. Contact us today to discuss your situation without obligation. Let Rizk Law be your Hillsboro dog bite lawyers.
How a Hillsboro, OR, Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You
If a dog has recently attacked you or a family member, its owner may owe you compensation, but navigating the legal process is overwhelming for most non-lawyers. It is difficult to devote time necessary to your claim while juggling medical appointments and other economic and psychological fallout from the attack. Fortunately, Rizk Law’s Hillsboro dog bite lawyers can carry the claim load so you have space to focus on recovery.
At Rizk Law, we know the methods insurers use to deny and minimize dog bite claims. Richard Rizk, founder of our firm and a former German Shepherd owner himself, has worked for, against, and with many of the country’s largest insurers. He knows that insurers often tease victims with low-ball offers and often “victim blame” persons with legitimate injury claims. Let his insider knowledge be your edge.
Upon hiring us, Rizk Law will investigate and pursue a claim against the responsible party. After gathering all available and necessary evidence of the incident and resulting losses, we usually initially attempt to resolve the dispute via a detailed demand letter we create (subject to your approval) and send to potentially responsible persons and entities. We will then negotiate with the assigned claims examiner and any involved defense lawyers. If needed and with your approval, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and proceed accordingly.
Throughout the legal process, your Rizk Law Hillsboro dog bite lawyers will be available to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand your rights and options as we help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Experiencing a dog attack is bad enough as it is. Let Rizk Law carry the load toward resolution.
What to Do If You Are Attacked by a Dog
If someone else’s dog attacks you, you can take steps to protect your legal options for pursuing financial recovery. Here is what you should do after suffering a dog bite injury in Hillsboro:
- Locate and notify the dog’s owner if the unattended pet animal attacked you.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery plan.
- Obtain copies of any medical records documenting your care and rehabilitation.
- Report the incident to local law enforcement or animal control.
- Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for your medical expenses.
- Gather income statements if you miss time from work or earn less due to your injuries.
Finally, contact a Hillsboro dog bite lawyer from Rizk Law to discuss the next steps for seeking compensation for the harm you have suffered.
What Compensation Could You Recover in a Dog Bite Claim?
With a successful dog bite claim, you could recover compensation for various financial and personal losses you have suffered due to your injuries. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the dog attack, your financial recovery could include money for your:
- Medical treatments and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs of long-term care and home support services if you suffer prolonged or permanent disabilities due to your injuries
- Ongoing and future losses of income or job benefits due to temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life due to scarring, disfigurement, or physical disability
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Oregon?
In Oregon, you have two years from the injury date to file a dog bite lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit you. While this may seem like a long time, there are disadvantages to waiting too long to take legal action against the dog owner.
Keep in mind, injury demand letters take time to prepare and require investigation and collection supporting documents such as medical records and bills. In some cases, written medical opinions from medical providers and other experts are needed to prove a claim. You want your lawyers to have sufficient time to research, prepare, and negotiate your claim.
Wounds heal. Witnesses move. As unfair as it may seem, it’s the victim’s burden to prove their case. Some evidence associated with a dog attack may vanish or change, which will be much more difficult — and potentially impossible — to analyze if you do not act quickly after the incident. Time is not on your side. Contact a dog bite lawyer with Rizk Law today.
How Long Can It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case?
Every dog bite claim has a unique settlement timeline. Relatively straightforward cases might resolve within weeks, while more complex claims could take months. Some of the factors that can influence the duration of a dog bite case include:
- The severity of the injuries you suffered
- The duration of your medical treatment and rehabilitation
- The extent of your financial losses, including medical expenses and lost income
- Whether the attack occurred due to the dog owner’s negligence
- Whether the dog owner claims you provoked or antagonized their dog
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- The availability of insurance coverage
- How quickly the insurance company investigates and processes your claim
- Whether you need to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation
- The schedule set by the trial court, if you file a dog bite lawsuit
What Is Oregon’s Dog Bite Law?
Oregon assigns strict liability to dog owners for economic losses caused by the owner’s dog bite claims. In other words, a dog owner is responsible for medical bills, lost income, and other “objectively verifiable monetary losses” caused by the owner’s dog bite.
According to Oregon dog bite laws, the victim of a dog attack does not have to prove negligence on the part of the dog’s owner in order to recover money lost (usually medical costs) due to the bite. However, proof of dog owner negligence opens the door for the victim to pursue non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Is the Dog Owner Responsible for Injuries from a Dog Attack in Oregon?
Again, under Oregon law, dog owners bear responsibility for injuries their pets inflict on others without provocation. If somebody else’s dog has bitten or attacked you, you could have a claim to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
Some dog bite victims feel uncomfortable demanding compensation after getting bitten by a friend’s, family member’s, or neighbor’s dog, as they might worry about the claim jeopardizing their relationship. Fortunately, if the dog owner has a homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy, their insurance company can pay the dog bite compensation. Thus, if you get bitten by a family member’s or friend’s dog, you can likely obtain compensation from an insurance company rather than directly from your loved one.
What If the Person Bitten Is Partly Responsible?
Depending on circumstances, a dog bite victim could still recover compensation even if they are partially at fault but damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the victim. However, the victim must prove the dog and dog owner were at least 50% at fault or pain and suffering damages will be barred. Complexities of dog bite law make it more important than ever to seek assistance from an experienced dog bite team.
What Are Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases?
A dog bite injury can cause various kinds of physical or mental trauma or diseases. Examples of injuries that can result from a dog bite or attack include:
- Lacerations, puncture wounds, and degloving injuries
- Nerve damage
- Torn ligaments, tendons, or muscles
- Broken bones, especially in hands or feet
- Face or head injuries and scarring
- Severe bleeding from severed blood vessels
- Infections from viruses or bacteria in the dog’s saliva
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Getting knocked down by an attacking dog can also cause other kinds of injuries, such as dislocated joints, herniated spinal discs, and traumatic brain injuries.
Contact a Hillsboro, Oregon, Dog Bite Lawyer
If you have endured pain and anguish from a dog bite, you may be facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Depending on the circumstances, the dog’s owner may owe you compensation for medical expenses and other losses arising from the attack.
Rizk Law understands the challenges associated with dog bite injuries, and our team is here to help you pursue the compensation, justice, and closure you deserve. We will take care of every element of your case, from preparing your claim to handling all communications with third parties, filing paperwork, and meeting important legal deadlines. Our job is to take this burden off your shoulders while you focus on healing.
Contact Rizk Law today to arrange a free initial case evaluation with an experienced dog bite attorney in Hillsboro.