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June 4th, 2025
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Oregon, you may be wondering when—or if—you should talk to a lawyer. The short answer: as soon as possible. Dog bite injuries often look simple on the surface but can lead to serious complications, high medical bills, and legal headaches when you try to recover compensation on your own.
At Hess Injury Law, we strongly recommend that anyone injured in a dog attack speak with an experienced attorney right away. Here’s why timing matters, what Oregon law says about dog owner liability, and how legal representation can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
Dog bites can result in infections, nerve damage, scarring, and emotional trauma—especially when children are involved. These cases may seem straightforward at first, but the reality is that the earlier you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong claim.
Here’s what can go wrong if you wait:
By contacting a lawyer right away, you give yourself the best chance of protecting your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
Oregon doesn’t have a specific “dog bite statute” like some other states. Instead, dog bite claims fall under general negligence law and the doctrine of strict liability in some cases.
Here’s how it works:
Most dog bite claims in Oregon are based on negligence. This means the victim must prove that the dog’s owner failed to act reasonably to prevent the attack. For example, if the dog was roaming off-leash in a public park or wasn’t secured in a yard with a known history of aggressive behavior, that may constitute negligence.
In some cases, Oregon courts apply the “one bite rule.” If the dog had previously shown aggressive tendencies—like biting or snapping at someone before—and the owner knew about it, the owner may be held strictly liable, even if they weren’t careless at the time of the bite.
Local municipalities may also impose additional requirements on dog owners, particularly for dogs previously labeled as dangerous. Violating local ordinances can strengthen a victim’s case.
An experienced dog bite lawyer will know how to apply these legal standards to your specific situation and use them to build the strongest possible claim.
There are a few situations where contacting a lawyer should be a top priority—ideally within a few days of the incident:
Any bite that requires stitches, causes nerve or tendon damage, results in scarring, or leads to infection is serious enough to involve a lawyer. These injuries often come with long-term medical needs and can significantly increase the value of your claim.
Children are frequently bitten in the face or hands, and they may suffer not only physical trauma but also psychological harm. Insurance companies often try to minimize these injuries, but a lawyer can make sure the full extent of the damage is accounted for.
If the dog has bitten before, or the owner ignored leash laws or containment requirements, it’s critical to get legal counsel involved. Prior incidents can increase liability and strengthen your claim.
Sometimes dog owners try to blame the victim or claim the bite was provoked. If you’re facing denials, conflicting accounts, or pressure from an insurance adjuster, don’t try to handle it alone. A lawyer will step in and advocate for you.
Dog bite insurance claims are often handled by the homeowner’s insurance company. These companies may reach out early, offering you a settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Don’t sign or accept anything without legal advice. Once you settle, you waive your right to any additional compensation—even if complications arise later.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process doesn’t just protect your legal rights—it also allows you to focus on healing while someone else handles the stressful parts.
At Hess Injury Law, we:
Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation for all of your losses—physical, emotional, and financial.
Depending on your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation that covers:
In cases involving gross negligence or repeated violations, we may also seek punitive damages to punish the owner and deter future attacks.
In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. But when it comes to dog bites, early action is critical—for evidence, for access to medical care, and for protecting your claim from insurance company tactics.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Pendleton or anywhere in Eastern Oregon, contact Hess Injury Law as soon as possible. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you understand the best way forward—at no cost to you unless we win.
Ready to talk? Reach out through our website to schedule your FREE consultation.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.
Peter J. Hess grew up in Walla Walla, Washington. He is a 1996 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 2000 graduate of the University of Washington, with a B.A. in Business Administration/Information Systems.
Peter graduated from Willamette University College of Law, with honors, in 2007. While at Willamette, he was an Associate Editor of the Willamette Law Review, he was a Teacher’s Assistant for a Legal Research and Writing professor, and he worked as a Personal Injury Law Clerk at Swanson, Lathen, Alexander & McCann in Salem, Oregon. After graduation from Willamette, Peter began working here at Hess Injury Law. In 2012, he became a partner in the firm. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon.
