Imagine a peaceful day at the park or a casual visit to a friend’s house suddenly turning alarming: you’re unexpectedly bitten by a dog. The shock sets in as you realize you’re bleeding and in considerable pain. Beyond the immediate physical hurt, you’re now facing mounting medical expenses and possibly even emotional trauma.
Understandably, you might be wondering, “Can I sue for a dog bite in Ohio?” Perhaps you’re hesitant to pursue legal action, especially if the dog’s owner is someone you know.
If you’re seeking dog attack legal advice, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re considering a dog attack lawsuit or simply exploring your options for compensation, this blog will guide you through the necessary steps to assert your rights and get the justice you deserve.
What Is Ohio’s Dog Bite Law?
Ohio has a law specifically designed to protect victims of dog bites—it’s called a “strict liability” law. Here’s what that means for you.
The focus is on the dog’s actions
Unlike some other states, in Ohio, you don’t necessarily have to prove the owner was negligent or knew their dog was dangerous. The law focuses on the fact that you were bitten by the dog, and the owner is generally held responsible for the injuries you sustained.
In other words, this makes filing a dog attack lawsuit more straightforward compared to states where proving owner negligence is necessary.
Exceptions exist
It’s important to note that there are a few exceptions to this strict liability rule. For instance, if you were trespassing on private property or provoking the dog, the owner’s liability might be reduced or even eliminated.
Understanding these exceptions is the first step in deciding whether to sue for a dog bite. Check out this guide to learn more.
You can seek compensation
A dog bite can leave you with physical and emotional scars. Ohio’s dog bite law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills (including physical therapy, psychological counseling, treatment for permanent scarring), lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the attack.
As a dog bite lawyer, I’ve seen many people have the misconception that a dog has to physically bite you for you to file a claim. If a dog’s aggressive behavior led to you being harmed—such as being knocked down or chased in a way that caused injury—you could have the grounds for a dog attack lawsuit. Similarly, if a dog ripped up your clothes or destroyed your belongings, you could potentially file a claim to recover damages as well.
What Are My Legal Options After A Dog Bite in Ohio?
File a personal injury claim
Thanks to Ohio’s strict liability statute, pursuing a personal injury claim is relatively straightforward. You could file a claim against:
- The dog’s owner. Generally, the owner is financially responsible for their dog’s actions.
- The dog’s “keeper”. This could be anyone watching the dog, even for a short time. So, if someone was holding the dog owner’s leash at the park while they used the restroom, they’d be considered a “keeper” in that situation.
In Ohio, you generally have six years to file a dog bite claim as an adult. That said, the sooner you start exploring your options, the better.
Seek settlement through homeowner’s insurance
Let’s be honest: suing a friend, family member, or neighbor can feel awful. You probably just want to cover your medical bills and get back on your feet, not cause financial hardship to someone you care about.
The good news is that many cases get settled through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. This can help cover your medical bills and other losses without a drawn-out court battle.
If the dog has attacked another dog or person before, it might be labeled “dangerous” or “vicious” under Ohio’s dangerous dog laws. If so, the owner likely has at least $100,000 in liability insurance. This makes it even easier to secure compensation without directly financially impacting the dog owner.
However, navigating claims can still get complicated, especially if the coverage isn’t enough or you’re unsure of the details. A dog bite attorney can help ensure you don’t fall for insurance companies’ tactics that minimize their payouts at your expense.
As someone who has helped many dog bite victims, I understand the emotional toll. My goal is to bridge the gap between getting the compensation you deserve and preserving relationships when possible. Give us a call at 330-762-0700 to explore all your options and find the best path forward, both financially and emotionally.
Consider a claim against the property owner
Dog bites can happen anywhere, and sometimes, the location throws a curveball into the whole “who’s responsible” question.
Generally, landlords aren’t on the hook unless the attack happened in a common area they control, like a hallway or laundry room. But here’s the kicker: if they knew the dog was dangerous and didn’t do anything to stop it, they might be responsible.
For example, you could file a dog attack lawsuit against them if their fence was broken and the dog got out, or if they knew the dog was potentially dangerous but didn’t warn anyone. Think of it like this: if they knew about a potential hazard, they had a duty to take action.
Why pursue the property owner? Sometimes, the dog owner might not have enough insurance to cover everything. Going after the property owner can open doors to additional compensation. It’s about holding everyone accountable for keeping you safe.
That said, these cases can get complicated fast, with multiple parties and legalese. An attorney specializing in dog bites can help untangle the details, offer dog attack legal advice, and fight for your rights.
Report the incident to local authorities
It’s important to report the dog bite to local health authorities, animal control agencies, and even the police. This will not only help document the incident for your legal case but can also aid in the prevention of future bites. Reporting is especially crucial if the dog is not vaccinated against rabies.
In some cases, particularly if the dog is known to be dangerous or if the owner has violated specific laws relating to pet ownership, criminal charges might be appropriate. This is more common in cases where gross negligence or intentional harm is involved.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer ASAP
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to hire an attorney. As a dog bite lawyer, I’ve seen far too many cases where insurance companies attempt to take advantage of someone’s inexperience to minimize their own costs.
We understand how overwhelming and financially straining this can be, which is why at Slater & Zurz, we offer free consultations to offer dog attack legal advice without any upfront cost. You’ll also pay nothing throughout the process until we win compensation for you.
Call us at 330-762-0700, chat with our live online representatives, or send us a message now to get started on securing the justice and support you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- If someone’s dog bit me, can I sue?
- Yes, if you were bitten by someone’s dog, you can file a dog attack lawsuit to recover damages to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- How bad does a dog bite have to be to sue?
- You can file a dog attack lawsuit for any dog bite that causes injury. While the severity will affect the compensation amount, it doesn’t restrict your right to sue. Learn more here.
- How much compensation can I get for a dog attack?
- Compensation varies based on the severity of the injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, it can range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. For instance, at Slater & Zurz, we represented a family whose child suffered facial injuries from a dog bite. Initially faced with $8,000 in medical expenses, we successfully negotiated a settlement of $230,000 for them.
- Can I sue if my dog was attacked by another dog?
- Yes, you can sue if your dog was attacked by another dog. This type of lawsuit would typically be considered a property damage claim. You may seek compensation for veterinary expenses, any reduction in your dog’s value (if applicable), and potentially other damages depending on the circumstances and local laws.
