Portland Dog Bite Lawyers

Talk to Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Today

Were you bitten by someone else’s dog? Even if the dog hadn’t shown aggression before, you might have a chance to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and losses related to the dog bite injury.

Call the Portland dog bite attorneys of Pacific Cascade Legal by dialing (503) 573-5566 now. Members of our team have been highly rated and recognized by Super Lawyers®, Avvo, and many other professional organizations. With a reputation and track record like ours, you can trust your dog bite claim to our team.

Dog bite cases in Portland require attention to Oregon’s unique laws and Portland’s local animal control ordinances. Portland maintains clear animal regulations, including leash requirements set by Multnomah County Animal Services and detailed in Portland City Code. These local rules influence a dog owner’s liability, especially in busy neighborhoods or city parks. When a dog owner disregards a leash law or fails to control their animal, those facts can affect the outcome of your claim.

Set up an initial consultation with our firm today.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

A dog bite is never something to overlook. Even small dogs can cause bite wounds that may result in significant harm if not treated promptly.

Beyond the initial trauma, dog bites sometimes require emergency surgical care. In Portland, local hospitals and urgent care centers regularly treat victims for extensive damage, including puncture wounds and infections from bacteria common in a dog’s mouth. Oregon health care providers also record and report severe animal attacks, and these reports can add valuable documentation to your claim.

Injuries caused by dog bites can include:

• Deep lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Severe infections
• Permanent scarring
• Traumatization

Consider the emotional impact a dog bite or animal attack can have on the victim. Many people who survive a dog bite develop a fear of all canines, even animals and pets they have trusted for years. If you feel traumatized after a dog bite, let our team know so we can factor that into your claim.

Dog bite injuries often lead to financial and practical challenges. Treatment costs can add up quickly—from wound cleaning and rabies shots to physical therapy or reconstructive surgery. Portland residents may need to miss work while healing, resulting in lost income or additional childcare needs. Some victims experience ongoing anxiety or sleeplessness, and these may qualify for damages related to emotional distress if well-documented. Our attorneys help clients evaluate the full impact of these injuries, which often reach beyond the initial event.

Oregon Dog Bite Law

Oregon uses an “unofficial one-bite law” for dog bite cases. Under this rule, holding a dog owner liable for all damages caused by their dog may be more difficult if the pet has never bitten anyone or shown aggression before. However, owners may still be liable for certain damages regardless of the dog’s past behavior.

Oregon law requires judges and insurance adjusters to examine the facts surrounding each attack. Dog owners must follow both state statutes and Portland’s local leash and registration ordinances. When owners let dogs run loose in city parks or busy neighborhoods, those violations can increase their liability, especially if the animal previously escaped or exhibited aggressive tendencies. Victims often benefit from understanding how these overlapping legal standards affect their rights in a claim.

Two important elements of Oregon’s dog bite law are:

• Strict liability: A dog owner in Oregon can often be held strictly liable for all economic damages caused by a dog bite, such as medical treatment costs and lost wages. This rule makes it easier for a dog bite victim to pursue compensation within reason.
• Negligence: If a dog bite victim wants to recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, they must prove the dog owner acted negligently and allowed the dog to attack. If negligence can’t be proven, the plaintiff may try to show the dog had bitten or attacked someone before, so the “one-bite rule” should not serve as a defense.

Portland’s legal environment means you should gather all possible evidence after a bite. If you report the incident to Multnomah County Animal Services or Portland Police, those records add strength to your case. Our team helps identify the relevant local ordinances and uses official records and witness statements to reinforce your legal position.

Compensation for Dog Bite Claims

The compensation available in a dog bite claim can vary considerably from case to case due to the nuances in Oregon’s dog bite laws. Some people can file claims for both economic and non-economic damages, while others might only pursue economic damages. As your chosen Portland dog bite injury attorneys, we can determine what damages could be available in your case based on how and why the dog attack occurred.

Many clients want to know which losses may qualify for compensation. Medical bills often lay the foundation for a claim, but Portland courts also recognize lost wages, reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, and psychological effects of a traumatic animal attack. If scarring or disfigurement occurs, your attorney can help document treatment needs and estimate the cost of future care. Dog bite lawsuits may also seek damages for property loss if clothing or belongings sustained damage during the incident. Oregon law allows victims to pursue current expenses and likely future costs from the attack, as long as you connect those expenses directly to the dog bite.

Arrange an Initial Consultation Now

You deserve a better, more secure situation after being bitten by someone else’s dog. Let Pacific Cascade Legal be your legal guides and representatives to explore what compensation may be available for you. While money cannot undo what happened, it can help you rebuild and recover.

We serve clients throughout the Portland metropolitan area, including Multnomah County and surrounding neighborhoods. An initial consultation lets you discuss your options and review the timelines relevant to Oregon and Portland claims. Bring any medical reports, contact details for the dog owner, and documentation showing you reported the incident to local authorities to help us better evaluate your situation. By addressing legal concerns quickly, you protect your rights and preserve vital evidence for your case.

Call (503) 573-5566 to speak with our Portland dog bite attorneys.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Portland

If you suffer a dog bite in Portland, taking the right steps immediately can help protect your health and your ability to seek compensation later. Address your injuries promptly by washing the bite area thoroughly with soap and water, and seek professional medical attention even for minor wounds. Local clinics and emergency rooms regularly treat dog bites, so do not delay seeking care, especially if bleeding continues or the wound is deep.

Once you are safe, report the incident as soon as possible. Contact Multnomah County Animal Services or the Portland Police to file an official report. This provides a record of the event, which can make a difference if you pursue a legal claim. Gather contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses, and if possible, take photographs of your injuries and the location where the bite happened. If you need support connecting with city or county agencies, our team shares information about local resources and procedures, making it easier to move forward after a bite.

Proper documentation and prompt reporting can help your Portland dog bite claim. Oregon’s laws require timely action, and missing legal deadlines may limit your ability to recover damages. Acting quickly preserves evidence and ensures all details remain accurate. Detailed records from the beginning support your position throughout the claims process.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Oregon

Oregon law sets a strict time frame for filing personal injury lawsuits related to dog bites. You must file a legal claim within two years of the date of the incident in most cases. If you do not act within this period, the court may dismiss the case, no matter the circumstances. This deadline applies to both child and adult victims, but may change depending on delayed discovery of injuries or if the victim is a minor when bitten.

The statute of limitations matters in Portland dog bite cases because evidence weakens over time. Police reports, witness statements, and medical documents are easier to collect and verify soon after the incident. Waiting too long may prompt insurance companies and dog owners to challenge your claim or question your injury’s validity. Our attorneys help clarify timeframes, organize essential records, and explain how Oregon’s statute of limitations applies within Portland city and Multnomah County, which can shape your case results.

If you think you may have a valid claim, do not wait until the deadline is near. Acting early preserves your right to pursue compensation for the harm the dog attack caused.

Why Work with a Portland Dog Bite Attorney?

Navigating a Portland dog bite claim often means handling insurance companies, legal paperwork, and strict state and city rules. A dog bite attorney in Portland brings knowledge of local ordinances, procedures, and the Oregon statutes that can shape your results. Attorneys help clients gather evidence, review medical documentation, and understand city processes. In Portland, legal professionals can refer to animal control regulations and municipal ordinances to reinforce your claim.

At Pacific Cascade Legal, we stand out by offering individualized attention and consistent updates throughout your legal journey. Our aftercare program provides ongoing support after your immediate case concludes, helping clients move forward with confidence. We communicate clearly, answer your questions, and tailor our approach to address both urgent and long-term concerns—regardless of the complexity of your dog bite injury. Our focus is your well-being and fair treatment at every stage of your claim.

Choosing a local dog bite lawyer in Portland means you have someone on your side who understands the regulations and regional standards in Multnomah County and surrounding areas. This local perspective helps when negotiating with area insurers or responding to city officials. If you face questions or obstacles, Pacific Cascade Legal helps guide you step by step, supporting not just your legal claim but your wider recovery from the incident.

Portland Dog Bite FAQ

• What is a “one-bite” rule?
  A “one-bite” rule can make it more difficult to hold a dog owner liable for all damages caused by their dog if that dog had never bitten anyone or shown aggression before. Oregon uses an unofficial one-bite rule. However, a dog bite plaintiff may still recover against a dog owner after the first bite if it can be shown the owner reasonably could have prevented the attack.
• Are all dog breeds capable of causing a serious bite injury?
  There’s a saying, “If it has teeth, it can bite.” This applies to all dog breeds. No matter the breed—whether a small Chihuahua or Dachshund—serious injuries can occur and legal options may be available if you’ve been injured.
• Will the dog be put down if I file a claim against its owner?
  In Oregon, dogs and other pets that bite people are typically held for observation to check for signs of rabies. The animal cannot be euthanized unless authorized by the local public health administrator. Usually, this order is not given unless the animal tests positive for rabies or has a record of violent attacks on people.
• Can I sue for non-bite injuries caused by dogs?
  Pet owners may be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, not just for dog bites. For example, if a large dog jumps on you and knocks you down a few steps, you could still have grounds to file a claim. Even if the dog did not mean harm, the owner could be responsible for not controlling their pet.