Every year, nearly 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten or attacked by a dog. What can appear as a cute and friendly pet can unexpectedly turn aggressive, leading to significant emotional and physical injuries that can profoundly impact your life.
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Ohio, you need to take a few steps to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and potentially pursue potential compensation for your injuries.
Ohio Dog Bite Laws: An Overview
Ohio operates under a “strict liability” statute when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is generally liable for any injuries their pet causes, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. There are also 24 cities in the state where specific breeds are banned altogether, including pitbulls.
That said, some cases don’t require the owner of the dog to be responsible for the attack, including:
- If you trespassed or committed a crime on the dog owner’s property.
- If you committed a crime against another person.
- If you teased, tormented, or abused the dog in some way on the dog owner’s property.
Legal Steps To Take After A Dog Bite in Ohio
Here are four steps to take after a dog bite in Ohio or any state.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Even if the injury appears minor, seeing a medical professional as soon as possible is crucial. Bites can cause nerve damage, tendon injuries, and severe infections if not treated promptly. This is especially important if you have pre-existing health conditions that could complicate your recovery.
If the dog’s vaccination history is unknown or if it’s a stray, your doctor might recommend a series of rabies shots as a precaution. Local health officials may also need to monitor the dog for signs of rabies.
Medical records will also play a vital role in any legal action or insurance claim you might pursue later, as they provide documented evidence of your injuries.
Step 2: Report the Incident
It’s important to report the dog bite to your local health department or animal control agency in Ohio. This step is not just about documenting your case; it also helps authorities monitor the dog and prevent future incidents. Animal control will also investigate whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations, identify the owners, and verify whether the dog has had previous reports of aggression or other incidents.
Step 3: Document Everything
Keep detailed records of the incident, including photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, a description of the dog, and all medical visits and treatment records related to the bite.
If there were witnesses to the incident, make sure to collect their names, addresses, and phone numbers—their accounts could be crucial if you decide to pursue a claim. Additionally, if any witnesses mention that the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior, their statements could be especially valuable in demonstrating that the owner was aware of the dog’s tendencies. This documentation will be invaluable when you seek legal recourse or file an insurance claim with the help of an Ohio dog bite lawyer.
Step 4: Consult a Legal Professional
Even though dog bite cases typically never make it to trial and can be resolved through homeowners’ insurance policies, navigating the emotional and physical trauma of a dog bite can still be overwhelming.
Consulting with an Ohio dog bite lawyer can provide you with guidance and advocacy. They can help you understand your rights and the potential for compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. In some cases, you may also receive punitive damages if the dog’s owner’s behavior was particularly negligent or reckless.
Slater & Zurz’s Ohio dog bite lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Not only do we have 30+ years of experience handling dog bite claims in Ohio, but we also operate on a contingency, meaning our firm will only collect a percentage if you are awarded compensation for your claim.
Our offices in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo are here to assist you and your family. Call us now at 330-762-0700 for a free consultation.
We advocate strongly on behalf of injured victims of dog bites across Ohio, with convenient locations in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
