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Portland Dog Bite Lawyer

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Despite the popularity of dogs as pets, they’re still animals, ones that cause millions of human injuries annually. The majority of these cases involve owner negligence or failure to follow a particular animal control law.

Such an incident can leave you nursing serious and permanent bodily injuries, as well as emotional scars. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite or related injuries, a Portland dog bite lawyer from Craig Swapp & Associates is only one call away to help you get started with the claim.

Strict Liability Dog Bite Law in Portland

Oregon’s strict liability statute states that a dog owner is strictly liable for any economic damages caused by their dog. Under this law, you don’t have to prove that the owner could predict the animal’s likelihood to bite. Additionally, the defendant cannot claim that they didn’t know the dog’s potential to cause harm as a defense.

However, if you were trespassing property or somehow provoked the animal, the owner might escape liability altogether or have your compensation reduced. Because of this, it’s important to discuss your case with a lawyer to avoid these issues.

Other Dog Bite Laws You Should Know

To qualify for additional non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, you may have to prove one or more of the following dog bite laws, depending on your circumstances. Below are some laws that may impact your damages:

Negligence – Your lawyer proves that the dog owner did not take any precautions to prevent injuries and harm or that the defendant intentionally caused the animal to attack you. Evidence such as CCTV cameras and eyewitness statements may come in handy.
The One-Bite Rule – A dog owner is automatically liable for all damages resulting from an attack if they knew or had reason to know that their animal can be vicious. You don’t have to prove negligence under this rule.
Negligence Per Se – You can hold a dog owner liable under this law if you can prove that they violated a particular statute, especially on animal control.

Do I Have to Go to Court for a Dog Bite Case?

No, you don’t have to go to court when pursuing compensation for your dog bite claim. Injuries from an animal attack like broken bones and facial disfigurement can leave you unable to attend to important things, including court sessions.

The first thing an attorney will typically do is try to settle the case with the defendant’s insurance company fairly. However, if the insurer is not willing to offer a compensatory award that fully covers the resulting damages, the best next option is to take your case to trial for a judge or jury to make a ruling.

Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Portland

If you’re injured by a dog attack, you deserve compensation for your losses and all the suffering you’ve experienced. To understand these and other dog bite laws and how they may affect your claim, get legal help from an experienced Portland dog bite lawyer.

Our lawyers offer free consultations to dog bite victims, so you know what you can expect from our team. Call Craig Swapp & Associates at 1-800-404-9000 to review your case in a free session with an attorney. You can also fill out the contact form below to get in touch.

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Client Reviews

“I was concerned with all the paperwork”

Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.

Amber W.,

Spokane, WA

"I would hire them in a second"

My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.

Robert N.,

Spokane, WA

"I was afraid of the fees"

I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.

Lacey B.,

Salt Lake City, UT

"I was afraid that my issue was too small"

I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.

J. Rohas,

Caldwell, ID

"I am very pleased with the results"

My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.

Dollie J.,

West Jordan, UT

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