Q: Steps to pursue compensation after my son was bitten by a pitbull?

A: More information is needed to establish if there is liability. If the dog was off leash there is liability in most counties. See if you can find out from animal control if the dog has attacked anyone before. If the dog previously attacked someone there would be liability in all counties.

The next issue is if the owner of the dog has any insurance or assets to go after. You will definitely need the name and contact information of the dog owner. Unfortunately, sometimes homeless people own vicious dogs but there is no way to collect from a homeless person with no assets. Another possibility is if someone other than the owner was negligent in allowing the dog on their property.

I wish your son a speedy recovery. I am sure it was a terrifying experience for him.

A: What steps should you take after a dog bites your son? I am going to assume that your son is a minor. If your son is over 18, then he would represent himself. You need to contact an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. This is the short answer. You should not try to represent yourself in a case like this, esepcially if your son is a minor, and you are acting as a Guardian Ad Litem to puruse the claim on his behalf. The steps are that you would want to get all the information about the dog owner--and anyone who might be responsible for the dog's action(s) in harming your son. get all the information and photos/video that describes or proves what happened. You need the medical records and bills. Then, make a demand to the dog owner and/or the insurance carrier for the injuries. You are entitled to the economic damages (medical bills, out of pocket expenses) and also non-economic losses such as anxiety, fear, loss of sleep, appetite, fear of dog's, and any other emotional and/or physical harm related to the injuries caused by the dog's action(s). He may need therapy and/or counseling. There are a lot of factors, and you should consider consulting with an expert. When you search for a qualified attorney, remember most attorneys will take these cases on a contigency fee basis, which means that you will not have to pay any fees if you do not get a settlement or trial award. The standard contigency fee is one-third of the recovery. PROS: An attorney is well worth that fee, and you are able to focus on your son and not on the extensive paperwork. CONS: In my opinion, there a no noteworthy cons to hiring a good lawyer.

A: Dog bites are tough. Most people like dogs, and people who have them certainly don't want their dog to bite. Certain breeds are considered to be dangerous dog breeds. You will find the pit bull to be the top of most lists. Some people find pit bulls to be great around children, however, when pit bulls attack, the result is usually severe. The steps you should take are preserve all the evidence you can, make sure to follow all medical treatment and recommendations by healthcare providers, and seek the assistance of legal counsel--who will at least point you in the right direction-- or represent your son. I hope you son is doing okay and that the injuires are not that severe. Seeking compensation on behalf of your son is an important step in this process. I hope you get the help you need and are able to resolve this matter favorably.

A: I’m very sorry to hear about your son’s injury. While nothing can take away his pain, I can offer some general guidance on pursuing compensation for a dog bite incident in Oregon. First, make sure you document everything—keep all medical records, take photos of his injuries, and gather any witness statements. Since the incident was reported to the authorities and you know the dog’s owner and location, these details will be crucial. Next, you should contact an experienced personal injury or dog bite attorney who can help assess your case; an attorney can guide you. In Oregon, there’s a limited window—generally two years from the date of the incident—to file a claim, so it’s wise to act sooner rather than later. Again, while this is general advice, consulting directly with a lawyer will ensure your case is handled properly.