Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
A young girl was seriously injured at a busy airport terminal when she was bitten in the face by a pit bull. The dog’s owner claimed it was an emotional support animal. The case has raised significant concerns about safety in public spaces, especially when it comes to animals that aren’t properly restrained or trained.
The incident happened inside Portland International Airport in Oregon as a family waited to board their Alaska Airlines flight to Texas. The lawsuit claims that the five-year-old girl reached out to pet the pit bull when it suddenly lunged and bit her face. The attack severed her tear duct and left her upper lip disfigured. She now lives with permanent scarring.
According to reports, the dog was not in a crate or on a leash, violating both airport and airline policies. The police cited the owner, and the dog was placed in a 10-day quarantine at a local animal shelter. The girl’s mother filed a lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court, seeking $1.1 million in damages from the dog’s owner, as well as Alaska Airlines and the Port of Portland.
Oklahoma’s strict liability law means a dog owner can be held responsible for a bite, even if the animal had no history of aggression. – Oklahoma Statutes, Title 4, Section 42.1
Many travelers bring emotional support animals (ESAs) on flights, but it’s essential to understand that these animals are not the same as service dogs. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ESAs, on the other hand, are not required to have any formal training and are not covered by the same legal protections.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation ruled that emotional support animals are no longer considered service animals under air travel regulations. Airlines now have more control over which animals they allow on board.
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation ruled that emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals under federal air travel law. – U.S. Department of Transportation, Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals
Alaska Airlines was among the first to update its policy in 2018. The changes restricted ESAs to only dogs and cats and required them to be either leashed or confined in a crate at all times. The airline also required 48 hours’ notice and documentation from passengers traveling with support animals.
Other airlines, like Delta and United, followed suit. These changes were meant to prevent safety incidents like the one in this case.
| Airline | Species Allowed | Crate/Leash Required | Documentation Needed | ESAs Accepted After 2020? |
| Alaska Airlines | Dogs & Cats only | Yes | Yes, 48 hrs notice | No |
| Delta Air Lines | Dogs & Cats only | Yes | Yes | No |
| United Airlines | Dogs & Cats only | Yes | Yes | No |
Alaska Airlines updated its policy in 2018 to limit emotional support animals to dogs and cats and required them to be leashed or crated. – Alaska Airlines Official Policy Statement
In Oklahoma, dog bite cases fall under a strict liability law. That means a dog owner is usually responsible for damages—even if their animal has never bitten anyone before. If the bite happens in a public space or if the victim did not provoke the dog, the owner is typically held accountable.
When a dog bite happens in a setting like an airport, other parties could also share liability. In this case, the lawsuit includes Alaska Airlines and the Port of Portland. The legal argument is that these parties failed to enforce their safety policies by allowing an unrestrained dog in a crowded terminal.
Children are more likely than adults to suffer serious injuries in dog attacks. They’re often bitten on the face or head, which can result in:
Children account for over 50% of all dog bite victims, and facial injuries are most common. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For this family, the medical bills and emotional toll were severe. The girl required immediate medical treatment, and she may need future surgeries. These injuries will likely affect her for the rest of her life.
Dog bite victims in Oklahoma can seek damages for:
The statute of limitations in Oklahoma for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident.
Service animals are trained to assist individuals with disabilities and are afforded legal protections under the ADA. Emotional support animals provide comfort but are not considered service animals and are not protected under the same laws.
Yes. Under Oklahoma law, dog owners are responsible for bites in public places, even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Emotional support animal status does not exempt the owner from liability.
Victims may be eligible for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, reconstructive surgery costs, and more. If the injuries lead to long-term damage, future treatment expenses can also be claimed.
Possibly. If the airline fails to follow its policies or does not enforce safety rules, it may share liability. Each case is unique and requires legal review.
You have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma. If you wait too long, your case may be dismissed regardless of the evidence.
Get medical help, take photos of your injuries, report the incident to the authorities, and collect witness information. In airport settings, also report it to airline staff and file an incident report.
This airport dog bite incident is a poignant example of what can happen when safety protocols are disregarded. Emotional support animals are not the same as service animals, and they must be managed carefully—especially in crowded public places, such as airport terminals.
If a dog owner’s carelessness has caused harm to you or someone in your family, especially a child, it’s essential to know your legal rights. In Oklahoma, strict liability laws protect dog bite victims and allow them to seek fair compensation for their injuries and trauma.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping families navigate complex cases like these. With a strong focus on personal injury law and a track record of supporting victims, our team is here to help you understand your legal options after a dog attack.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
