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Attacked by a Dog?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Find out if you have a claim!

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When a Dog Attack Turns Life Upside Down

A dog attack can happen in an instant, and often, it’s from a dog you know and trust. At Slater & Zurz, we help victims of:

Dog attacks and maulings requiring stitches or surgery
Children bitten by a family member’s or neighbor’s dog
Attacks that result in permanent scarring or disfigurement
Attacks involving infections or long-term complications
Cases where a dog escaped a yard or leash and caused injury
Wrongful death resulting from a dog attack

Why Ohioans Turn to Slater & Zurz’s Dog Attack Lawyers

For over 30 years, our Ohio dog attack lawyers have recovered millions for clients across the state, helping them move forward after some of life’s most difficult moments.

Talk directly to dog attack lawyers who care
Pay nothing unless we win
6 offices across Ohio
Over $6 million recovered in dog attack cases alone

Client Testimonials

"Mr. Robert Horton is the best attorney I’ve ever worked with. He was patient, professional, and made sure I understood every step of the process. I can’t thank him enough for what he did for me."

Client | Personal Injury

"Jeff was great and always responsive, and Margie went above and beyond to make sure I understood everything. They made the whole experience smooth and stress-free."

Client | Legal Malpractice

"John represented my daughter and me after a car accident. He explained everything clearly and always kept us informed. We were very pleased with the outcome and highly recommend him."

Client | Auto Accident

"Slater and Zurz did a very good job representing our family regarding a nursing home neglect case. They always kept us informed and were ready to answer any questions. The family was happy with the end result and I would recommend this firm to anyone who needs help with similar cases."

Personal Injury Client | Nursing Home Abuse

"Rob was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and kind from start to finish. He made sure I got what my case was worth and answered every question I had."

Client | Personal Injury

"John helped me through my medical and settlement process. He was honest, helpful, and made sure I got the best result possible. I’d recommend him to anyone who needs a trustworthy attorney."

Client | Medical Malpractice

"Robert was our savior! He’s knowledgeable, honest, and compassionate. He made a stressful situation so much easier and got us the result we hoped for."

Client | Catastrophic Injury

What Are Ohio’s Dog Attack Laws?

In Ohio, the law is on your side if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Here’s why:

Strict liability: Unlike some states, Ohio holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has any history of aggression. This means you’re entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even if it was the dog’s first attack.
Time to act: In Ohio, you generally have two years to file a negligence claim (or until your 20th birthday if you were a minor when the dog attack occurred). For a strict liability claim, the deadline is six years.

Exceptions are rare: While there are a few exceptions to this rule (e.g., if you were criminally trespassing), they are uncommon. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand if any exceptions apply to your case.

What Can You Recover in a Dog Attack Lawsuit?

A dog attack can leave you with more than just physical wounds. The emotional trauma, financial burdens, and impact on your daily life can be significant.

Thankfully, the law recognizes this, and you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages:

Medical costs: Past, present, and future medical bills related to your dog attack injuries, including surgeries, medications, and therapy.
Lost wages: If your injuries kept you from work, you can claim the income you lost during your recovery.
Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack are real, and you deserve compensation for them.
Disfigurement and disability: If your injuries have left you with permanent scars or disabilities, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Attorney Horton won a $1.1 million settlement for a dog attack victim

After a serious dog attack left the victim facing painful injuries and lasting medical needs, our attorneys stepped in to hold the responsible party accountable. Through careful investigation and skilled negotiation, we secured a significant settlement to help cover medical care, recovery, and long-term impacts.

Real People. Real Advocacy.

After an accident or life-changing event, you need more than legal paperwork — you need someone in your corner. Our attorneys listen, guide, and fight for clients as if the case were their own.

That commitment is why people across Ohio continue to turn to Slater & Zurz when the stakes are high.

What Sets Slater & Zurz Apart

From your first call to final resolution, our attorneys handle the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. We investigate thoroughly, identify leverage early, and push back against tactics designed to minimize your claim.

You’ll work directly with an experienced attorney who keeps you informed and treats your case with the urgency and care it deserves.

What Happens When You Call Slater & Zurz

You'll talk to an attorney

We know you’re hurting, and the last thing you need is to be bounced around. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced attorneys.

We'll take the pressure off your plate

From day one, we’ll gather medical records, file the proper reports, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. In other words, you focus on getting better, and we’ll handle the fight.

We go after every dollar you deserve

We've recovered millions for injury victims across Ohio. We don’t stop at quick settlements; instead, we push for full accountability and compensation that reflects what you’ve really lost.

You only pay if we win

No upfront fees means there’s zero risk to get started.

FAQS: Dog Bites in Ohio

Dog bite claims can be confusing, especially when they involve someone you know. Here are answers to the most common questions our clients ask.

How does the Ohio dog attack statute work?

Ohio follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog attacks. This means that if you’re bitten by a dog, the owner is automatically held responsible for your injuries, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner knew the dog might attack. You only need to prove you were bitten and injured.

Are there exceptions I should be aware of?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to Ohio’s strict liability rule. If you were trespassing on private property or provoking the dog, the owner might not be held liable. However, these exceptions are rare, and our dog attack attorneys can help you understand if they apply to your situation.

How long do I have to file a dog attack claim?

In Ohio, the time you have to file a dog attack lawsuit depends on the type of claim. If you’re focusing on the owner’s negligence (meaning they were careless), you generally have two years to file (or until your 24th birthday if you were a minor when bitten). But if you’re pursuing a strict liability claim (where the owner is automatically responsible, regardless of carelessness), you have a longer window of six years.

What should I do if my child is bitten by a dog?

If your child is bitten, follow the same steps as you would for an adult. This means seeking immediate medical attention, documenting the injuries, and reporting the attack to the authorities. Most importantly, contact an experienced dog attack lawyer to understand your child’s rights and explore options for compensation.