Dogs are “family with tails” in countless Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland dog bite lawyers.
Visit Our Portland Office
Come visit us at our office in Portland, Oregon. We are conveniently located near you at:
434 South Iowa Street
Portland, OR 97239
You will learn more about your legal options in a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Why Choose Rizk Law?
- Decades of Experience — Serving Portland since 2001
- No Fees Unless We Win — You pay nothing unless we recover compensation
- Free Consultation — Get clear answers with no obligation
- Proven Guidance — We handle every step of the legal process for you
- Trusted Locally — Led by a recognized member of the South Portland business community
Recent Personal Injury Settlements & Verdicts
$1,250,000 Settlement for a Pedestrian Incident (“Stroll” Case)
A commercial driver hit a pedestrian while the person was walking on an Oregon roadway.
There were no witnesses, and the case went through litigation. The pedestrian suffered a brain injury and multiple fractures. Additional details remain confidential.
$900,000 Settlement for a Car t-boned by a Commercial Delivery Truck
The delivery driver was cited for distracted and careless driving. Client suffered a compound left arm fracture, chest pain, neck and back sprains, and shoulder and knee injuries.
$460,000 Settlement for a Collision Involving Drunk Driver in Borrowed Vehicle
In Portland, an uninsured vehicle owner loaned their car to a driver who was intoxicated.
That driver failed to yield and caused a collision involving the client’s vehicle, which was stationary at the time. The client also had a pre-existing, unrelated concussion. The case was litigated.
The client suffered a concussion, closed head injury, chronic migraines, a C3–C4 bulging disc, PTSD, and severe cervical stenosis.
See What our Clients are Saying
Jacqueline was terrific. Made it so easy! Took care of all the intricate details, great communication, and I got a higher settlement than I was expecting. Do yourself a favor and let her handle your case for you!
– KB M.
How a Portland, 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 Portland dog bite lawyers can carry the claim load so you have space to focus on recovery.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
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.
Investigating Your Case and Building Strong Evidence
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.
Negotiating or Filing a Lawsuit
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.
Guiding and Supporting You Throughout Your Case
Throughout the legal process, your Rizk Law Portland 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
After an animal attack, you can take steps to better position yourself for a successful compensation claim. Here is what you should do after suffering injuries from a dog bite in Portland:
- Locate and notify the dog’s owner about your injury if an unaccompanied dog attacked you.
- Report an attack by a vicious or dangerous dog to local law enforcement or animal control.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and recovery instructions.
- Obtain copies of the medical records of your treatment and rehabilitation.
- Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts of expenses you incur to treat your injuries.
- Gather your pay stubs or income statements if you miss time from work during your injury recovery or if your injuries cause you to earn less than before the attack.
- Contact a dog bite attorney in Portland to discuss your legal options for demanding compensation and accountability for the harm you have suffered.
What Compensation Could You Recover in a Dog Bite Claim?
In a dog bite claim, you have the opportunity to seek compensation for any financial or personal losses you suffer due to your dog bite injuries.
Your financial recovery could include money for your:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, doctor’s appointments, and physical or occupational therapies
- Long-term care and support services to assist with prolonged or permanent disabilities
- Lost income from missed work or lower pay in a part-time or light-duty position
- Lost future earning potential or employment benefits due to long-term or permanent disability
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by injuries
- Reduced quality of life caused by disabilities, permanent scarring, or disfigurement
How Long Can It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Case?
Every dog bite case has a unique timeline. Some cases take a few weeks to settle, while others take months or even longer.
Various factors could affect the duration of your dog bite claim, such as:
- The severity of your injuries
- The duration of your medical care
- Whether you suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement
- The amount of your past and future anticipated losses
- How long it takes to locate the dog’s owner
- The availability of insurance coverage or the extent of the dog owner’s other financial resources
- Whether the dog’s owner claims you bear some fault for the attack
- Whether you need to file a lawsuit against the dog owner
- The schedule and availability of the trial court if you file a dog bite lawsuit
Is the Dog Owner Responsible for Injuries from a Dog Attack in Oregon?
Again, Oregon’s dog bite laws typically hold dog owners liable for losses that bite injury victims suffer.
However, someone injured by a family member’s, friend’s, or neighbor’s dog might feel uncomfortable pursuing a legal claim against a close acquaintance, as they might worry about jeopardizing their relationship with the owner.
Fortunately, dog bite compensation in most cases comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy since many such policies cover dog bite claims.
As a result, an injured dog bite victim can rest assured knowing that they can likely recover compensation from an insurance company rather than from their family member’s or friend’s pocket.
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?
Dog bites and attacks can cause various injuries and health complications. Examples of injuries that a dog can inflict through a bite or attack include:
- Lacerations or degloving injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Ligament, tendon, or muscle damage
- Broken bones, particularly in the hands and feet
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Excessive bleeding due to severed blood vessels
- Traumatic amputation of digits or loss of limbs
- Viral or bacterial infection, such as rabies, salmonella, staphylococcus, or capnocytophaga
Victims of dog attacks also frequently suffer emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and new phobias of dogs.
