Tim Grabe Interviewed by FOX 12 Oregon on Toddler Dog Attack
FOX 12 Oregon recently interviewed Portland personal injury attorney Timothy Grabe to help the public understand the legal implications of a tragic and disturbing dog attack involving a Salem toddler. The incident has drawn widespread attention across Oregon, not only because of the severity of the injuries, but also because the dogs involved had a history of aggression.
A 16-month-old girl, Adalynn Meade, suffered a torn section of scalp and a skull fracture after being mauled by two dogs from a neighboring apartment. According to her mother, the pit bulls had previously attacked their family dog and bitten a relative. FOX 12 has since confirmed additional incidents, including a bite on a Salem police officer in August and an attack on a five-year-old child earlier this year. Despite these warnings, the dogs were not removed from the home until after the toddler’s attack. One dog has since been surrendered and euthanized; the second dog faces a dog-control hearing.
During his interview, Tim Grabe emphasized that Oregon does not follow the outdated “one bite rule.” Many people believe a dog owner cannot be held responsible unless the dog has bitten someone before, but Grabe clarified that this is a misconception.
As Grabe explained, “It used to be said long ago that every dog gets one free bite. That’s really not the law in Oregon.” Under Oregon law, dog owners are responsible for injuries their animals cause, regardless of whether the dog has a prior history of aggression. That includes medical bills, potential lost income, and long-term damages resulting from a severe attack.
Grabe also noted that landlords may face liability if they know a tenant keeps a dangerous dog and fail to take reasonable steps to protect others. In this case, FOX 12’s reporting shows multiple incidents involving the same animals, raising questions about what should have been done sooner to prevent this tragedy.
While Grabe has handled dog bite cases involving many different breeds, he explained that emergency room data consistently shows a large percentage of serious bite injuries come from pit bulls. In his experience, approximately two-thirds of hospital dog bite admissions each year involve that breed.
As the investigation continues, Marion County is preparing for a dog-control hearing that will determine the fate of the second dog involved in the toddler’s attack.
Tim Grabe’s FOX 12 interview underscores an important message: no dog gets a “free bite,” and victims have legal rights when dog owners fail to protect the public. Grabe’s insight helps families understand their options and serves as a reminder that dangerous dog behavior must be addressed proactively before more people get hurt.
