Every year, thousands of people are bitten by someone else’s dog. If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite injury in the state of Ohio, it is important that you understand your legal rights. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of dog bite injury legal claims in Ohio and answers some frequently asked questions about the process.
In the state of Ohio, there are strict laws regarding liability for dog bites and other related injuries. Under these laws, owners are liable for any injuries caused by their animals if they knew or should have known that the animal had dangerous propensities prior to the incident occurring. The law also states that negligence on the part of the owner or keeper can also lead to liability. This means that even if an owner did not know their animal was dangerous, they may still be held responsible for any injuries caused by their pet.
Dog bite injuries can be serious and result in long-term medical and psychological care so it’s important that you take action immediately. Taking the right steps after a dog attack can help ensure that victims receive the full compensation they need to cover these costs. After a bite, make sure to document and seek treatment for the injuries. Obtain contact information for those who witnessed the attack, as well as any other supporting evidence regarding ownership of the animal. Lastly, contact an experienced injury lawyer familiar with Ohio’s laws surrounding dog bites to discuss your potential claim and determine whether or not pursuing legal action would be beneficial.
If you’ve been injured as a result of someone else’s pet, you may be able to file a claim for damages against the pet owner or keeper. In order to do this, you must prove that the dog bite injury was caused by negligence on the part of the owner or keeper and that your injury is directly related to their negligence. You must also show proof that your medical expenses and other damages were due to this negligence (for example, lost wages). In addition, if you are filing a claim against someone who is not the pet’s owner, such as another person who was caring for them at the time of your injury, then you must show proof that they had some form of control over the animal when it caused your injury.
When determining the amount of damages that someone can collect for injuries sustained from a dog bite in Ohio, the courts will consider multiple factors. Some of these include the severity of the injury and any scarring or disfigurement caused by the incident, medical bills related to treating the injury, missed wages resulting from having to take off work because of the incident, pain and suffering associated with the bite, as well as other losses or expenses that may be connected to it. All of these elements are taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis, with each defendant’s individual damages respected and acknowledged. Whether a victim receives only basic compensation to cover straightforward losses or more expansive recompense to address long-term trauma depends largely on how thoroughly and accurately they were able to document these damages.
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations in place when it comes to filing legal claims related to dog bites in Ohio. You only have two years from the date of your injury or when you discovered it (whichever came first) in order to file a claim against an individual or business entity responsible for causing your harm. It is best practice to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after being injured so that they can advise you on how best to proceed with filing a claim within this timeline.
Facing legal action after being bitten by someone else’s dog can feel overwhelming and intimidating but understanding your rights and options can help ease some stress during this difficult time. We hope this guide has provided helpful information about dog bite injury legal claims in Ohio so that those affected can make informed decisions about what actions are best suited for them moving forward. If you would like more information regarding these types of cases please don’t hesitate to contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
In Ohio, the owner of a dog can be held liable for any injuries inflicted by their animal if they knew or should have known that their pet had dangerous tendencies. If a reasonable person would have known that the dog was likely to cause harm, then they can be held liable for any injuries caused by the animal. The law also holds people responsible if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from injuring another person—even if they did not know that their pet had dangerous tendencies.
If you are successful with your claim, you may be able to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work days, pain and suffering, and emotional distress suffered as a result of the incident. It is important to keep track of all expenses related to the incident so that you can include them in your claim.
After being bitten by someone else’s dog, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately—even if it appears that only minor injuries were sustained at first glance. It is also important that you gather evidence such as pictures or witness statements after an incident occurs so that they can be included when filing your claim later on down the line. Lastly, make sure that you contact an experienced lawyer who specializes in personal injury law so that they can help guide through this difficult process from start-to-finish
Gathering Evidence
To strengthen your case and ensure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses, it is essential to collect as much evidence as possible. Photos of the wound are necessary evidence, as well as medical records detailing any treatments received due to the bite (e.g., hospital visits). Additionally, eyewitness accounts from people who saw what happened can be very helpful in proving negligence on behalf of the dog’s owner.
Finally, any records related to previous incidents involving this or other dogs owned by the same person should also be collected—these documents could prove useful in establishing a pattern of careless behavior on behalf of the defendant (i.e., that they knew their pet posed a risk but failed to take appropriate action).
Pursuing a dog bite injury case in Ohio requires an understanding of both the relevant state laws as well as the legal process. In Ohio, victims of dog bites have the ability to bring a claim under its specific statute, which addressed strict liability to victims for a feeding dog’s injury. Additionally, the law also recognizes certain exceptions in limited circumstances where the victim was negligent or voluntarily assumed risk. The legal process may require meeting with attorneys, filing pleadings and follow legal briefs as per required by court regulations. It is important to keep track of dates and deadlines provided by court orders in order to make sure they are met throughout the proceedings. Gathering evidence is also an important part of supporting your case in court. With these tools and an understanding of Ohio’s statutes, those injured through a dog bite can pursue their rights and seek damages through a civil lawsuit.
It is a common misconception that dog bite and injury claim cases are very difficult to win in Ohio. In fact, the Courts in the state typically err on the side of caution when determining who is accountable for any incidents involving man’s best friend. Paulozzi LPA has extensive experience with such cases and can help you decide if filing a claim is right for your situation. Our Ohio law experts will be able to guide you toward an appropriate legal decision that works best in your favor. Don’t delay; contact Paulozzi LPA today to start formulating a plan of action for your case.
Ohio is a pet-friendly state and has resources available to assist victims of dog bites who need legal help. Victims should first seek medical attention and then take note of the identity of the animal, including their owner’s contact information. After treatment has been obtained for any physical damage, victims can explore the various legal options that are available. Some free programs offer pro-bono services and representation from an experienced attorney in Ohio. In addition, there are a number of consumer resources that educate victims on how to navigate the complex process of filing a lawsuit after being attacked by a dog. Ultimately, having access to all these resources enables victims in Ohio to make informed decisions, allowing them to pursue justice for themselves and/or their loved ones who may have been affected by these incidents.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek both medical attention and legal assistance as soon as possible. There are many myths surrounding dog bite cases, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.
The attorneys at Paulozzi LPA have successfully represented many victims of dog bites in Ohio, and we have the knowledge and resources to help you with your case. Contact our team at any of our offices which are located throughout Ohio including: Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Toledo,, Mantua, Columbus, Cincinnati, Fairview Park and Lorain, Elyria and Medina. Get in touch today for a free consultation.
You can reach our team at Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers at contactus@lawohio.com, or by calling 888-710-0040.
