Dog bites can be traumatic and unexpected, leaving victims confused about their next steps. Whether it’s a minor nip or a severe mauling, it’s critical to know what to do to protect your health, rights, and potential compensation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after a dog bite and explain how an experienced dog bite injury attorney can help you navigate your case.

1. Identify the Dog and Its Owner

After being bitten or attacked by a dog, determining ownership is critical. If you know the owner, this step is simple. However, if the dog is a stray or the owner isn’t immediately clear, take note of your surroundings. Observe the property the dog came from, such as a specific house or apartment. This information is vital for identifying the dog’s owner, who is typically held liable for damages under Oregon law.

2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety come first. If the injury is severe, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. For less severe injuries, thoroughly clean the wound and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can result in complications, such as infections or permanent damage, and could also impact your ability to seek compensation later.

3. Document the Scene and Evidence

If you’re able, take photos of the dog, the injuries, and the location where the attack occurred. This documentation can be crucial for your dog bite case, as owners sometimes deny responsibility or even claim it was another dog involved. Clear evidence will help your dog bite lawyer build a strong case.

4. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

After receiving medical care, follow all prescribed treatments, including medications, wound care, and therapy. Oregon law requires you to mitigate your damages, meaning you must take reasonable steps to recover. Ignoring medical advice could reduce your ability to recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.

5. Understand Oregon Dog Bite Laws

Oregon follows a combination of strict liability and the "one-bite rule." In many cases, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their pets if it can be proven that the involved dog had “dangerous propensities abnormal to its class” and that the owner knew, or should have known, of those propensities. Absent the ability to prove a strict liability case, Oregon has to separate standards by which a victim can become compensated - one specific to their economic damages (medical bills, wage loss, etc.), and another specific to their noneconomic damages (pain and suffering, emotional damages, etc.).  Navigating these legal nuances requires expertise. Consulting a dog bite attorney ensures that your rights are protected and that you’re not left covering expenses for someone else’s negligence.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is essential. A skilled dog bite lawyer will help you:

• Prove that the dog’s owner was negligent.
• Work with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
• Seek recovery for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages.

Our team at DWC has helped countless dog bite victims in Oregon recover the compensation they deserve.

Protect Your Rights and Seek Legal Help

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we understand how distressing a dog bite injury can be, from dealing with medical treatments and insurance companies to the emotional toll of recovery. Our experienced team is here to support you, guiding you through the legal process, gathering evidence, and ensuring your injury claim is handled effectively.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (541) 617-0555 to discuss your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.