Dogs can be very loyal and great companionship, making them “man’s best friend.” However, those that have ever been bitten by a dog might think otherwise. A dog bite can be a very traumatic experience. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you should discuss your injury with a qualified attorney, today. We, at Paulozzi LPA, have a dedicated team of dog bite attorneys to help you with your case.

Dog Bite Claims in Ohio

Dogs are the number one household pet in American. Over 63 million households in the U.S. own a dog. The American Veterinary Medical Association says Dog bite claims are on the rise across the U.S. and nearly 400,000 people are treated for non-fatal dog injuries each year, the majority of those injuries were sustained by children.

Ohio is near the highest in the country for dog bite claims. A recent report from the Cleveland 19 News, found that Ohio ranks third in the country for dog bite claims. Further, Ohio ranks sixth in the U.S. when you factor in the number of claims and the cost of dog bite claims.

In the latest report year, the Insurance Information Institute reported:

  • 779 dog bite claims in Ohio
  • $38,009 was the average cost per claim
  • 35.5 million was the value of all claims

Dog Bite Liability in Ohio

When it comes to dog bite claims, Ohio is a strict liability state. This means that a dog owner is responsible for the injuries sustained to a person (or sometimes their property) whether or not the owner knew the dog had a “vicious propensity.”

A dog owner is liable for:

  • Any injury caused by the dog
  • Any death caused by the dog
  • Any loss to property caused by the dog

A dog owner is exempt from liability when:

  • An individual was committing or attempting to commit criminal trespass
  • An individual was committing or attempting to commit another criminal offense other than a minor misdemeanor against any person or on the property of the owner
  • An individual was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner’s property

Usually, being bitten will be enough to hold the owner liable, as long as you do not fall within one of the exceptions.

Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney

Ohio laws make it relatively easy to hold dog owners responsible for bites, but that does not mean the case will not be complicated. Working with insurance companies can be difficult and they might try to argue who is at fault. If the owner does not have insurance, the matter will likely become more complex.

Our Cincinnati dog bite attorneys can accurately evaluate your claim, determine which laws apply, ensure the right parties are held liable, and effectively present the evidence. Not hiring an attorney could result in inadequate compensation.

Call us at Paulozzi LPA today for a free consultation. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your animal bite cases with us and obtain reliable information and advice. It is important that you contact an injury attorney as soon as possible to prevent evidence from being lost, witnesses disappearing, and deadlines for filing a lawsuit expiring. Contact us today, so we can answer your questions and get started on your claim.

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