Dog Bites

A dog bite or dog attack can be traumatic. Not only can the person attacked suffer painful physical injuries and disfigurement, but they may also endure serious emotional scarring.

Dog attacks are very common. Each year, dogs bite more than 4 million people, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, about 885,000 people need medical treatment, and tens of thousands of people need reconstruction surgery as a result of their injuries. Children between 5 and 9 years old are especially at risk, with youngsters being more likely to need medical attention than adults.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a hostile dog, it’s vital to get in touch with an experienced lawyer who can analyze your case and discuss your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, emotional loss, and pain and suffering, among other damages.

Insurance Companies and Dog Bites

Even though dog bites happen every day, the insurance company representing the dog owner often will try to reduce compensation. Attorneys for the insurance company generally come up with many defenses, even when the owner of the dog is clearly at fault.

Laws vary from state to state. At Zbinden & Curtis, our experienced attorneys understand the complex Oregon dog bite laws and Washington dog bite laws and will take an aggressive stand for our clients. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, turn to our law firm for a free, confidential consultation.

The dog owner’s homeowner insurance policy generally covers claims related to a dog-bite injury. If a friend or neighbor’s dog attacked you or your child, you might feel reluctant to pursue a claim. Remember, you are generally pursuing a settlement with the insurance company. At Zbinden & Curtis, we handle dog bite cases with appropriate discretion to avoid any conflicts between friends and neighbors.