Discovering that your child has been bitten by a dog is a heart-stopping moment for any parent. The immediate rush of fear and concern is overwhelming, and it’s followed quickly by the need to take action—not just to heal the physical wounds but also to manage the emotional aftermath.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to ensure your child receives the proper legal, medical, and emotional care and support.
4 Steps to Take If A Dog Bites Your Child in Ohio
Seek immediate medical attention
Your child’s health is the number one priority. Even if the bite seems minor, it’s essential to have a medical professional assess the wound. They can clean the area, administer necessary vaccinations, and monitor for signs of infection. Immediate medical treatment also prevents unsightly scarring and potential long-term complications that can arise from untreated dog bites.
Learn more about the different levels of dog bite severity.
Report the incident
Next, notify local authorities about the dog bite. This includes contacting the police and animal control.
While reporting the incident can feel like an unnecessary escalation—especially if the dog belongs to a friend, family member, or neighbor—it’s an important step. You’re protecting other children in the community from future harm.
If you’re worried about what will happen to the dog, don’t be. Reporting a dog bite doesn’t mean the dog will be euthanized or taken away. Usually, animal control will quarantine the dog for a period of time to monitor for rabies symptoms.
Document everything
Start a detailed record of the incident. This includes taking photos of the bite wound, gathering medical records, and jotting down the contact information of any witnesses. This documentation will be invaluable if you decide to pursue legal action.
Contact a dog bite attorney
Here’s some good news: you don’t have to go through a long and expensive lawsuit to recover compensation. A dog bite attorney can help you file a claim for any medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related expenses by negotiating a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company.
While this process is simpler than you might expect, remember that insurance companies are businesses with a bottom line. Without a dog bite lawyer at your side, they may try to minimize your child’s injuries or offer a settlement that doesn’t fully compensate them for their pain and suffering.
Here’s where an experienced dog bite attorney can be invaluable. We know the insurance industry’s tactics and can protect your child’s best interests. Our team has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients—for example, we represented an eight-year-old boy who suffered a severe facial injury from a dog bite, helping his family win a $230,000 settlement.
What Are Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws for Children?
Ohio law offers specific protections for children who are victims of dog bites. Here’s what you need to know:
- Strict liability: Similar to adult victims, Ohio holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means you don’t need to prove negligence on the owner’s part.
- Statute of limitations: While adults have six years to file a lawsuit after a dog bite, the law extends this protection to children. The statute of limitations doesn’t start until the child turns 18, which makes thorough documentation even more important.
- Potential for greater damages: Injuries suffered by children can have long-lasting consequences. Ohio law recognizes this and allows for compensation beyond immediate medical expenses, including future medical care, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering.
Your child needs you now more than ever. They need your love, comfort, and reassurance as they heal. Let us handle the complexities of the legal process while you focus on being there for your child.
Don’t let an insurance company dictate the value of your child’s claim—and their future. Here at Slater & Zurz, we have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients, including a settlement of over $1,000,000 in a dog bite case.
Call us at 330-762-0700, chat with our live online representatives, or send us a message now for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do dog bites have to be reported in Ohio?
- Yes, Ohio law requires that a dog bite incident be reported to the local health commissioner within 24 hours of the attack. This helps track potential rabies cases and ensures public safety.
- What to do when a neighbor’s dog bites your child?
- If your child is bitten by a neighbor’s dog, seek medical attention immediately. Next, take photos of the bite, gather witness information, and save medical records. You’ll also want to contact the local health department and police department to file a report. Lastly, contact a dog bite lawyer—we can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation.
- What to do after a family dog bites a child?
- Even family dogs can be unpredictable. If your family dog has bitten your child, seek medical attention immediately. Take photos of the bite and gather medical records or any witness accounts. Next, consider getting professional help from a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist to understand the reason for the bite and prevent future incidents.
