Dogs bite approximately 4.5 million Americans each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 5 dog bite victims require medical attention, the CDC also notes.
Typically, when a dog injures somebody, the dog owner’s home insurance covers the victim’s losses, which can include medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. But when the owner does not have dog bite coverage, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit against the owner.
Matters can become more complex if the owner doesn’t have insurance and your only option is to file a lawsuit. Filing a dog bite lawsuit without an attorney is not recommended. Our dog bite attorneys can accurately evaluate the value of your claim and help build a case using experts to get you the compensation you deserve. Especially when a dog bite or attack causes serious, disfiguring injuries, not hiring an attorney could result in inadequate compensation. However, in Ohio, injuries and damages can also be sustained even if the dog didn’t physically bite you. For example, if a dog initiated a chain of actions that resulted in you getting injured without actually being bitten (i.e. if you’re running away from a dog and you fall and hurt yourself on the pavement) or if the dog’s behaviors made you fall off a bicycle and get injured.
If you or a loved one have sustained injuries as a result of an incident with a dog, contact our dog bite attorneys for a free case evaluation. During this free case evaluation, we will go over the details of your case and let you know if we can help you pursue meaningful compensation. We have a law office in both Zanesville and Cambridge, Ohio but thanks to virtual technology our attorneys can assist clients with dog bite claims no matter where they reside in the State of Ohio.
An Overview of Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Ohio
The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 955.28 covers Strict Liability for dog bites. This means the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog is generally liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of prior bite history or owners’ negligence. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the injured person was committing a criminal trespass or another criminal offense other than a minor misdemeanor on the property of the owner, keeper or harborer of dog or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog before the incident took place.
In addition to dog owners, dog harborers or keepers are individuals who have control or custody of the dog for an extended period. They may be held liable in cases like this. Similarly, landlords may also be held liable if the landlord knew or should have known about a tenant’s dangerous dog and failed to take action.
Compensation available for victims of dog bites include both economic and non-economic losses such as past and future medical expenses related to the bite wound and any subsequent medical treatments. Dog bite victims may also be eligible for lost wages, pain and suffering as well as property damage (compensation for any property damaged by the dog like clothing). It’s important to note that victims also have a responsibility to demonstrate liability. For example, they need to prove the bite occurred and the dog belonged to the defendant. They also need to provide that they sustained injuries as a result of the bite. Finally, they also need to prove the bite happened in a place where the victim had a legal right to be. There are nuances to this based on the unique circumstances of your case, so we recommend consulting with one of our attorneys for legal help in this regard.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite Incident
At Graham Law, we’ve seen all types of dog bite claims. But the outcome of your claim heavily depends on what happens not just before the incident took place, but also after. Here are some steps our attorneys recommend taking immediately following a dog bite incident:
Step 1: Take photos or videos of the scene and injuries. While it might be difficult for you to do this when you’re injured, ask a witness or someone close by to assist with this task if you’re unable to do so.
Step 2: Gather names of witnesses and try and jot down some notes on the sequence of events and what happened. Sometimes psychological injuries may stem from these types of incidents that may alter the way you recollect the incident so the sooner you can make a note of this, the better.
Step 3: Seek medical attention. Dog bite injuries can be very serious and, in some cases, you may need immediate urgent care.
Step 4: File a police report. Depending on where the incident took place and the circumstances of the dog, we may also advise to file a report with the Department of Health who may conduct their own investigation in cases where rabies may be involved.
Step 5: Speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Time is of the essences in these cases, and a dog bite attorney from our law office can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Injuries Stemming From Dog Bite Incidents
Here are some common types of injuries stemming from dog bite incidents:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Muscle damage
- Infections
- Psychological trauma
- Rabies
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Disfigurement
If you have sustained any of these injuries, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Graham Law has decades of experience handling dog bite claims for residents of Ohio. With an office in Zanesville and Cambridge, Ohio – our legal team is very accessible and can speak with you today if you require a free consultation with one of our dog bite attorneys.
