Dog Bite Lawyer in Portland, Oregon

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and permanent disfigurement, along with intense psychological trauma. If you or someone you love was bitten or attacked by a dog, it is important to contact a reputable attorney with detailed knowledge of how to pursue compensation.

The Portland dog bite lawyers at Rizk Law have extensive legal knowledge in this area. If we validate your claim in a free consultation, we are prepared to pursue compensation for medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our firm has recovered millions on behalf of personal injury victims in Portland. Senior attorney and founder Richard Rizk has been licensed to practice law for 30 years and has a 10.0 (Superb) rating from Avvo.

Learn more about your legal options after a dog bite during a free, no-obligation consultation. We take all cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs unless you recover compensation.

Rizk Law. Free Consultation. Ph: 503.245.5677.

How Can a Portland Dog Bite Lawyer Help

Dog bite victims who have legal representation often recover more compensation compared to those who do not hire an attorney. Experienced dog bite lawyers know how to protect clients and their claims from large insurance companies and the defense lawyers they use to try to avoid financial responsibility for an injury.

Our founder Richard Rizk is a former insurance defense and coverage lawyer who knows how insurance companies operate. He understands how to negotiate for maximum compensation with insurers who are looking to pay out the least possible amount of compensation. Rizk and his firm have a proven track record of obtaining favorable compensation for injury victims.

At Rizk Law, we have the resources to launch a thorough investigation of a dog attack as we work to build a robust case on your behalf. Your initial consultation is free, so there is no risk to you.

Liability for a Dog Bite in Oregon

In Oregon, your attorney may be able to recover economic compensation for a dog bite injury under the legal theory of strict liability (Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 609.115). If you establish that you were bitten by a potentially dangerous dog and suffered injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other economic damages. You do not need to show the dog’s owner was negligent and this resulted in your injuries.

Under ORS 609.035(6), a dangerous dog is one that:

  • Menaces someone without being provoked while not on the premises from which the owner is lawfully allowed to exclude others
  • Causes physical injury to a person that is less severe than a serious physical injury without provocation
  • Inflicts physical injury or kills a domestic animal without being provoked and not on the premises from which the keeper could lawfully exclude others

There are many factors that must be considered when building a compensation claim for a dog bite injury. Learn more by discussing the attack with a licensed attorney from Rizk Law.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.

Can I Seek Compensation if it Was My Friend’s Dog?

The fact that you knew the dog before it bit you does not exclude you from seeking compensation. If you were legally allowed to be on the property where the attack happened, you may have a claim. For example, if you came over to your friend’s house after being invited over, you were legally allowed to be on the property.

Our dog bite lawyers in Portland understand you may be apprehensive about seeking compensation after being bitten by a friend’s dog. However, if we validate your claim in a free consultation, we would likely be seeking compensation from his or her insurance company.

Claims Made by Trespassers

Trespassers do not have a legal right to be on property. That means it is unlikely they would be able to seek compensation from the property owner over injuries that happen while on the property.

As each situation is unique, it may be possible to pursue a claim as a trespasser. If you have questions, call Rizk Law for assistance. 503.245.5677

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

There are various forms of compensation that may be available for victims of dog bites. Often, a large percentage of compensation recovered is for medical bills created by treating your injuries. For example, you may need surgery, a cast for a broken bone, antibiotics to combat possible infections and physical therapy.

Other medical services that you may be billed for include medical testing, transportation to the hospital in an ambulance and potentially a wheelchair or crutches to help you manage limited mobility.

Other forms of compensation that may be available for dog bite victims include:

  • Lost wages for the hours and days you missed work because of your injuries
  • Lost earning capacity if your ability to continue working in the same job or the same number of hours is compromised
  • Physical pain
  • Psychological trauma and emotional suffering
  • Future medical expenses if you need ongoing care for permanent medical conditions or disabilities caused by the attack
  • Funeral and burial expenses if your loved one was killed in the attack

The value of your claim is based on many things, particularly how severe your injuries are. The more severe the injury, the more your claim is likely to be worth.

While there are no guarantees, injury victims who hire a Portland dog bite attorney often obtain more compensation than those who do not.

Is There a Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit?

Insurance companies usually have deadlines for filing claims, which is why it is best to get the process started right away. The attorneys at Rizk Law are ready to deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

In some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. Our attorneys are prepared for that possibility. We have the resources to investigate and prepare a case for trial and get the dog bite accident lawsuit filed before the statute of limitations passes. In Oregon, personal injury victims have two years from the date of the injury to sue for damages.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Accident in Portland, OR

There are steps you can take for your health and to help preserve your potential claim:

Treating Your Injuries

The most important thing to do is seek medical attention. There are a few things you can do to treat your dog bite injury while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Place a clean towel over the injury and apply pressure to help stop any bleeding. Carefully wash the bite with soap and water, apply a sterile bandage to the wound and keep the injured area elevated, if possible.

Once at the hospital, a doctor can determine the extent of your injuries and appropriate treatments.

Reporting the Attack

Make sure to report your dog bite to the police and your local animal control agency. This creates an official record of the attack.

Exchanging Information

Exchange information with the dog’s owner. Write down the breed, color and size of the dog as well as any other identifying features. Ask the owner if the dog has been vaccinated or ever bitten or attacked anyone else.

If any witnesses were present, ask them what they saw and write down what they say. You should also ask for their contact information, which you can give to your attorney.

Taking Pictures

Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, any torn or bloody clothing, and the location. If the attack resulted in property damage, take pictures.

Contacting a Portland Dog Bite Attorney

An attorney can review your situation in a free consultation to determine your legal options for pursuing compensation.

We are ready to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full value of your claim. There are no upfront fees, and the initial consultation is free, so there is no risk to you in meeting with us.

Contact Rizk Law today by calling 503.245.5677.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dogs bite for many reasons. A dog may bite when defending his or her territory, food or toys. Dogs can bite if they are feeling threatened, stressed, startled or scared.

Dog bites can inflict a variety of injuries, such as:

  • Lacerations
  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Blood loss
  • Deep puncture wounds
  • Facial scarring

Dog bites can potentially spread germs that cause life-threatening infections:

  • Rabies – This is usually fatal once someone starts showing symptoms, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
  • Capnocytophaga – This bacterium lives in the mouths of people and dogs. Those with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of becoming sick.
  • Tetanus – This infection can lead to painful muscle spasms, rigid paralysis and even death.
  • Pasteurella – This type of bacteria is found in more than half of infected dog bites. It commonly causes red and painful infection at the bite site. Those with weakened immune systems may experience swelling joints, swollen glands and difficulty moving.
  • MRSA – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a staph infection. MRSA can cause skin, lung and urinary tract infections, and even spread to the lungs or bloodstream and be life-threatening.

The Portland dog bite lawyers at Rizk Law understand how devastating a dog bite injury can be to your health and finances. Contact us today for a free legal consultation to find out if you could be eligible to seek compensation.

Portland Off-Leash Areas

In Multnomah County, dogs must always be leashed when on public property, except for designated off-leash areas. Portland Parks & Recreation offers many off-leash parks for dogs to roam freely. Many of the parks operate from five a.m. to midnight.

Fenced off-leash areas include:

  • Brentwood Park
  • Chimney Park
  • Delta Park
  • The Fields
  • Gabriel Park
  • Luuwit View Park
  • Lynchwood Park
  • Normandale Park
  • Sacajawea Park
  • Wallace Park

Unfenced off-leash areas include:

  • Arbor Lodge Park
  • Cathedral Park
  • Overlook Park
  • Portland International Raceway

Contact a Dog Bite Accident Attorney in Portland Today For a Free Consultation

It is difficult to manage the legal process on your own, particularly when dealing with an injury and insurance companies and at-fault parties looking to avoid paying out compensation.

Our Portland personal injury lawyers at have helped many injury victims recover compensation that has allowed them to obtain medical treatment and get their lives back on track. We have obtained millions in compensation.

We are prepared to discuss your potential dog attack case during a free, no-obligation consultation to determine the legal options available to you. If you decide to move forward, we do not charge legal fees unless you recover compensation for your injuries.

Our office has off-street parking and is located in Southwest Portland within walking distance from the Willamette Dog Park.

We look forward to your call: 503.245.5677.