Oregon Dog Bite Law (2026)
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Quick answer
Oregon is a hybrid-rule state. Split rule (Or. Rev. Stat. § 31.360): the owner is strictly liable for economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, and you do not have to prove the bite was foreseeable. Non-economic damages: pain and suffering: require proof of negligence, violation of a leash or animal-control law, or the owner's prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous. Victims generally have 2 years as a general injury-law reference. The actual deadline can differ.
Comparative research source: Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2025 survey. Individual statutory citations control.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Oregon?
Split rule (Or. Rev. Stat. § 31.360): the owner is strictly liable for economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, and you do not have to prove the bite was foreseeable. Non-economic damages: pain and suffering: require proof of negligence, violation of a leash or animal-control law, or the owner's prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous.
Deadline to file: 2 years
Oregon's general statute of limitations for injury claims is 2 years. Special rules can extend it for minors: common in dog bite cases, since children are the most frequent victims. See the full Oregon statute of limitations guide.
How fault rules affect your claim
Modified comparative negligence (51% bar): you recover nothing if you are more than 50% at fault.
Damage-limit note: Oregon's $500,000 statutory cap on non-economic damages (Or. Rev. Stat. § 31.710) was held unconstitutional as applied to personal injury claims, so it does not limit a typical injury case. It continues to apply to wrongful death claims.
Your real case may be worth more.
Bitten in Oregon? Homeowner's insurance usually pays these claims: find out what yours may be worth.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Oregon a strict liability state for dog bites?
Split rule (Or. Rev. Stat. § 31.360): the owner is strictly liable for economic damages such as medical bills and lost income, and you do not have to prove the bite was foreseeable. Non-economic damages: pain and suffering: require proof of negligence, violation of a leash or animal-control law, or the owner's prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Oregon?
Generally 2 years from the date of the bite, with possible extensions for minors. Missing the deadline usually bars the claim entirely.
Who actually pays the settlement?
In most cases the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not the owner personally. That's why claims between neighbors or family members are common.
General legal information, not legal advice. Claimelo is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines depend on your circumstances and may change. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.