Beaverton Dog Bite Lawyers
You Deserve an Advocate!
The Advocates in Beaverton have extensive experience in dog related accidents, and the skills needed to win maximum compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered from a dog attack.
An experienced dog bite attorney in Beaverton can help you recover compensation and hold negligent owners accountable after a dog attack. We will answer all of your legal questions during a free consultation with an Advocate and help determine the best path forward for you.
The Advocates know how to win you the settlement your case deserves according to Oregon State law. When you hire The Advocates to represent your case, you are choosing one of the most experienced and qualified teams in all of Beaverton.
Our lawyers are committed to you:
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win
- Open and Total Communication
- Hundreds of Millions Recovered for Our Clients
- Spanish-Speaking Attorneys Available
- Our Staff Will Come to You
- We’ll Fight In Court Whenever Necessary
Determining Liability After Dog Bites
Dog bite claims can be extremely complex. Sorting out issues like determining liability, understanding insurance policies, and recovering any lost wages resulting from your injuries can be difficult to do on your own. An experienced dog bite attorney can explain all you need to know about building a strong claim.
Oregon is a “strict liability” state. This means that as long as you or the person injured in the dog attack did not provoke the animal, nor were you trespassing on someone else’s property, then the dog owner is liable for any damages caused by the dog’s bites. All you need to determine this liability is proof that the dog bite did indeed cause you injuries.
Since most dog bites occur in the home of a friend, neighbor, or family member, many dog bite victims are hesitant to pursue an insurance claim. We get it. Nobody wants to sue a friend. What most people don’t know is that in the state of Oregon, the dog bite owner’s homeowners insurance policy is what will compensate you for your injuries and losses. Thankfully, homeowners insurance generally covers any dog bite by the policy holder’s dog. Getting an insurance company to cover these types of claims usually isn’t the problem.
Our dog bite injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to help you determine who is liable and exactly what insurance coverage applies for your particular dog bite attack.
Dog Bite Injury FAQ
How much should I expect from my dog bite personal injury claim?
In 2014, the average dog bite home insurance claim was $32,018. This is an increase of nearly $5,000 over claims made in 2013. New York State had the highest reported average at a whopping $56,628 per claim.Since no two cases are the same, nor two injuries, you should not expect to receive this much if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Dog bite settlements depend on the severity of the attack and the length of medical treatment required. For more information contact an attorney at The Advocates Law. We’ll answer all of your questions.
Who is responsible for my dog bite injury?
Dog bite cases can become rather complex and the relevant law tends to vary from state to state, and even from one county to the next. For further information contact The Advocates. Our attorneys are experts in dog bite law.
How long does a dog bite case typically take to settle?
The short answer is months, if not years. If your case is clear cut and liability is easy to determine, then your case could settle out of court and be concluded within 4 to 12 months.If your case does go into litigation, then it may not settle for a number of years. The discovery phase following the filing of lawsuit can be anywhere between 6 to 12 months. The good news is that most personal injury cases never go to trial.
Why should I hire an Advocate to represent my dog bite injury claim?
An attorney with the Advocates is not your average dog bite lawyer. What separates the Advocates from other personal injury law firms is our dedication and determination to help our clients make the best recovery possible after they’ve been injured due to the recklessness of a dog owner. We take pride in being a voice for our clients in a legal system that favors insurance providers over everyday people. Our attorneys are experts in Washington State dog bite law and know how to get you maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Unlike other dog bite attorneys, the Advocates will fight for your case until the bitter end. Where other law firms give up if they are unable to negotiate a fair settlement for your claim, the Advocates refuse to quit. We will take your case all the way to court to get you the compensation you deserve. Why settle for second best when you can have an Advocate represent your dog injury claim? Call our office today at (206) 452-4200 or chat online right now with a live attorney from our homepage. Your dog bite case deserves a dog injury lawyer with the Advocates!
When seeking assistance with handling your injury claim, there are several commonly asked questions about hiring a personal injury lawyer. Here’s a brief rundown of what it is likely to cost, whether you should hire an attorney, and what separates a skilled personal injury lawyer from the rest of the field:
Do you have to pay anything out of pocket?
We do everything we can to help you avoid paying out of pocket. We will check for any medical coverage (i.e., PIP and MedPay) available on either your own policy or the other party’s insurance. If that is not an option, or becomes exhausted, we will move to your personal health insurance. If copays and deductibles become an issue, we will work with your medical providers directly to do everything we can to get those balances held until settlement. If there is no medical coverage and no health insurance, we will find providers who will treat you on a lien and hold all costs until settlement.
While we can’t guarantee that there will be zero out-of-pocket expenses, we will do everything we can to find a solution.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
There is almost never any up-front cost to hire a personal injury lawyer. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. When we recover a settlement for you, we retain 1/3 of the total amount as our fee. If we have to file suit, the fee goes up to 40%.
In almost all instances, we only retain clients when we believe we’ll be able to add value to their injury claim. If it’s a straightforward matter and injuries are minor or nonexistent, we’ll typically suggest that you try to work with the insurance company directly. For more complex matters, injured parties tend to receive 350% more in total compensation when represented by an attorney than when handling their claim independently.
Since consultations are always free, it’s beneficial to talk with an attorney as early as possible to determine the best course of action for your circumstances.
What should you look for when hiring a personal injury attorney?
When looking for a personal injury attorney, you should look for someone with a history of success, a team well-versed in how the claims process works, and a serious litigation team that’s willing to push the insurance company when necessary.
By selecting a firm that’s not afraid to litigate, you guarantee the insurance company takes you seriously from the start. This increases your chances of obtaining a favorable result early in the process.
Are there instances where hiring a lawyer is a bad idea?
In situations where there are little to no injuries, it may be beneficial to handle your claim on your own. Similarly, property damage claims tend to be relatively straightforward, and attorneys are frequently unable to add sufficient value to your claim.
Fortunately, consultations are always free, and you can speak with an Advocate to determine whether hiring an attorney is likely to increase your total settlement.
What will my attorney expect from me during the process?
During this process, your attorney will expect you to follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations, be honest about your injuries, and be open to the advice and suggestions your attorney gives you. We’re on the same team and your best interests are always our number one priority.
Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!
With any significant injury there are likely to be medical bills. Having a firm capable of guiding you through the billing process can go a long way in alleviating stress and allowing for a faster recovery. Here are the most commonly asked questions relating to personal injury billing:
How does the billing process work?
There are four things we look for when it comes to handling your medical bills. The first thing we will check is whether you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) on your auto insurance. If you have PIP, then it will start paying your medical bills as you incur them.
If you do not have PIP, we can bill to your health insurance, but you might be on the hook for your deductible or copays.
If you do not have PIP or health insurance, you can always pay out of pocket.
Lastly, for those who can’t afford to pay out of pocket, we are sometimes able to get providers to put bills on hold and delay payment until the end of your case.
Once you’ve retained an attorney, your team will assist with billing and advise you on your best options for taking care of your bills.
What if you can’t afford treatment?
As treatment is very important for your recovery after an accident, some medical providers may offer to treat you on a lien. A lien is an agreement between you and your medical provider that allows you to delay payment until your case is settled.
Not all medical providers will provide this service, so be sure to consult with your attorney first.
Questions about an injury? Call for a free consultation!
Dog Bite Stats & Laws
Annually, dog bites cost up to $500 million in damages, including hospital visits and time missed from work.Whatever type of dog bite you are victim of, The Advocates know how to win you the settlement your case deserves according to Oregon State law.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Oregon, there are a few key things to know. The most important is that, like many personal injury claims, dog bite lawsuits are time-sensitive. It is wise to speak with an attorney as soon after suffering your injuries as possible to avoid running into issues later in your claim.
No one should have to go through the aftermath of a dog bite on their own. Our team of Advocates will help you every step of the way.
- Each year, the average american has a one in fifty chance of being bitten by a dog.
- 1 in 5 dog bite injuries produce infections.
- The average medical cost for dog bite treatment is around $18,200.
- Each year, more than 4.5 million Americans fall victim to dog bites and attacks.
- While most attacks are attributed to breeds like pit bulls and rottweilers, it’s important to know that gentle-looking dogs can attack without warning too.
Since 1993, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Advocates have helped hundreds of dog bite victims recover compensation for their injuries. We have handled numerous dog bite claims and negotiated with insurance companies to get personal injury victims fair settlements for their losses. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Beaverton, a skilled dog bite attorney from The Advocates can guide you through every step of your claim.
We Don’t Get Paid Until You Do
We take pride in not getting paid until you do. The Advocates will never charge you hidden fees, upfront costs, or expensive retainers to represent your case. If we don’t win, you won’t owe us a dime in attorney fees. That’s our promise to you and your family.
The Advocates believe in open and honest communication with our clients. We promise to answer all your legal questions and keep you informed about any and all developments in your case. You should never hesitate to pick up the phone to call us about your dog bite accident claim. We take client communication seriously, and even if you’re not a client yet, consultations are always free and we’re here to help anyone that’s been injured figure out the best path forward.
You Deserve an Advocate for Your Beaverton Dog Bite
The Advocates will be your best ally in restoring your life to how it was before your accident by:
- Obtaining maximum compensation for your injuries
- Building the strongest dog injury claim possible
- Compiling your comprehensive medical records
- Speaking with your employer about missed work
No one should navigate the justice system on their own. Not only is it better to focus all your energy on making a full recovery, but injured parties without legal representation typically only get fractions of the compensation due.
The Advocates know all too well how unfairly insurance companies treat accident victims. Insurance providers will often deny legitimate injury claims for any reason possible, such as pre-existing injuries or liability concerns. Don’t let the insurance companies cheat you out of a fair settlement. Hire an Advocate and make them pay the compensation your case deserves.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you need the best representation available in Beaverton. What you need is an Advocate on your side. Our Beaverton attorneys are ready to listen to your story, assess the value of your accident claim, and then negotiate a just settlement for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Don’t wait to call our Beaverton office for a free evaluation.
You deserve an Advocate! Call, or text us for a free consultation today.