Rushing to the ER might seem excessive for a dog bite, but dismissing such injuries can lead to serious consequences. As an attorney at Slater & Zurz, I’ve seen many clients brush off their scrape or puncture wound, not realizing that dog bites carry risks like rabies and severe infections.
That said, every bite is different and carries its own implications. Let’s dive into the six levels of dog bites and discuss how they might influence your legal rights and potential compensation.
The Dog Bite Scale
Level 1: Pre-Bite
We know dog bites can be scary, and even situations without an actual bite can be unsettling. At Level 1, the dog displays warning signs but hasn’t made physical contact. This might involve growling, snapping at the air, or lunging—clear signs that they’re feeling hostile and could potentially bite.
The good news is that since there was no physical injury, you likely wouldn’t need to file a dog bite claim for compensation.
However, it’s still important to take these warning signs seriously. It’s a good idea to remove yourself from the situation calmly and avoid any further interaction with the dog. Check out this guide for more dog safety tips and on how to avoid dog bites.
Level 2: Near Bite
A Level 2 dog bite occurs when the dog makes contact but doesn’t actually break the skin. This might leave you with minor marks, bruises, or scratches.
While the injuries themselves might not be serious, they can still be terrifying—the dog has shown it’s willing to hurt you. Naturally, you might be wondering about legal recourse.
Here’s the truth from my years of experience: because Level 2 dog bite injuries are minor, successfully filing a claim can be difficult. However, it’s still important to document the incident with photos or a police report if there are any future issues with the dog.
Level 3: Serious Single Bite or Multiple Bites Involving Shallow Skin Punctures
At Level 3, the dog has made physical contact involving simple bruising or touching and skin punctures that are shallower than half the length of the dog’s teeth. This can be the result of a single bite or multiple bites.
The degree of harm from a Level 3 bite will depend on who the victim is. For example, if no disease or infection is transmitted, an adult may not suffer any serious injury and can recover quickly. However, a child—particularly a small child—may experience serious injuries and undergo a painful and traumatizing recovery.
If you’ve experienced a Level 3 dog bite, take these steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention. Level 3 bites can lead to serious infections and even rabies if the dog isn’t vaccinated.
- Report the bite to the police. This level of aggression also means the dog is a danger to others. Many vets believe that, at this stage, the dog is biting out of fear or instinct, making it even more unpredictable.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer. Unexpected medical expenses can add stress to an already difficult time. Luckily, you don’t have to file a lengthy lawsuit to recover these costs—most times, a claim can be directly filed against the owner’s insurance with the help of an attorney. Assuming you weren’t provoking the dog or trespassing, you’re likely to receive Level 3 dog bite compensation because of the physical injury and emotional trauma involved.
However, we understand this is a scary situation, especially if a child is involved. Our managing partner, Jim Slater, was threatened by a dog as a young boy—although he managed to avoid a physical attack, he remembers the incident to this day and will go the extra mile to ensure that dog bite victims get justice. That’s why we won’t charge you unless we win compensation.
Call us at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation on your Level 3 dog bite today.
Level 4: A Very Serious Bite Involving Deep Skin Punctures
Level 4 bites occur when the dog clamps down on the victim, potentially shaking its head while biting. These bites typically leave one to four deep punctures, deeper than half the dog’s teeth, and might also cause slashes and bruising.
The most important thing to do is to get medical attention immediately—Level 4 bites, especially for children, can be life-threatening. These bites can lead to serious infections and require treatment to prevent long-term problems, including scarring.
We know this is a scary situation, and you might be worried about the future. The good news is that Level 4 dog bite settlements also have a high success rate, especially with an experienced dog bite lawyer who can help:
- Negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Gather and preserve evidence like medical records and police reports.
- Protect you from insurance interviews that could hurt your case.
- Build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Level 5: Very Serious Bites Involving Deep Skin Punctures
Here, the dog delivers multiple deep bites, often clamping down and shaking its head like in Level 4. These attacks can be life-threatening, especially for children.
I cannot stress enough the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if you’ve experienced a Level 5 bite. Level 5 bites can cause severe injuries, significant blood loss, and a high risk of infection. You’ll likely need medical treatment to prevent long-term problems and address the emotional trauma that often accompanies such an attack.
You’ll also want to contact the police right away. This will help ensure the dog’s owner is held accountable and that animal control can assess the situation to protect the community. The dog may be placed under strict quarantine to monitor its health and behavior and, in severe cases, may be considered for euthanasia.
Overall, Level 5 dog bite settlements have a very high success rate due to the severity of the wounds and emotional distress. That said, insurance companies might try to downplay the seriousness of your injuries or ask questions designed to weaken your case.
Our dog bite team can protect you from these tactics while helping you navigate the complexities of legal proceedings and insurance claims. As someone who has stood by many survivors of severe dog bites, I assure you: our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring you focus on healing while we take care of the rest.
Level 6: Bites that Lead to Death
Level 6 dog bites involve the loss of human life. If you’ve lost a loved one in a dog attack, know that claims for wrongful death and the victim’s pain and suffering before death often have a high success rate.
A lawyer can help you navigate this difficult legal process during a time when you most need support by:
- Seeking justice for your loved one. We can hold the dog owner accountable and take safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
- Recovering compensation. Wrongful death claims can help ease the financial burden associated with a sudden loss.
- Handling the complexities. We understand legal matters can feel overwhelming during a time of grief. We can manage the legalities, allowing you and your family to focus on healing.
We are here for you. If you’ve experienced such a loss, please reach out to us at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation. We can connect you with resources and support during this incredibly difficult time.
Next Steps After Experiencing a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and any emotional distress you’ve suffered.
That said, we know you may feel hesitant to take action against the owner of a dog that has bitten you—especially if its owner is a friend or family member. Here’s the good news: most cases like these are resolved through insurance claims without ever stepping into a courtroom.
We’ve supported thousands of Ohioans through this process. You can count on Slater & Zurz to thoroughly evaluate your claim, answer your questions, and suggest the appropriate next steps for your dog bite claim.
Call our team of seasoned dog bite lawyers at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is a Level 2 dog bite dangerous?
- While a Level 2 dog bite, which typically doesn’t break the skin, may seem less serious, it’s a clear sign that the dog’s behavior needs attention to prevent any future incidents. Monitor the bite area for any signs of bruising or trauma and consider filing a police report.
- What is the compensation for a Level 3 dog bite?
- Compensation for a Level 3 dog bite, which involves puncture wounds, will vary based on the severity of the injuries and impact on your life. It typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially long-term care needed due to the bite.
- Can you sue for a Level 2 dog bite?
- Suing for a Level 2 dog bite, where the skin hasn’t been broken, is generally uncommon. However, if there’s significant emotional trauma or other unique circumstances, legal action could be possible.
