When a young child suffers serious injuries from a dog attack, no family should feel powerless. The recent case of 9-year-old Oscar Koon, mauled by two pit bulls while playing in his Columbus yard, has shocked the community and reignited debate over Ohio’s dangerous dog laws. A Franklin County judge is now deciding whether Luna, another pit bull owned by the same family and previously labeled “dangerous,” should be returned home. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland dog bite lawyers stand with families like Oscar’s and remain committed to protecting Ohioans from preventable harm.
In March, tragedy struck when two pit bulls, Nacho and Beto, escaped their property and attacked young Oscar on the 3000 block of Hiawatha Street in North Linden. The child suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where he underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries. Police were forced to euthanize both dogs at the scene.
The same owner also kept a third pit bull, Luna, previously designated as a “dangerous dog” following a 2024 bite incident. Though Luna did not participate in the March attack, she was later seized by Franklin County Animal Care and Control after officers discovered she was not properly confined under state law. Prosecutors and the Koon family oppose returning Luna or her puppies, arguing that the owners have repeatedly ignored safety rules meant to prevent attacks.
Ohio takes dog ownership seriously. Under Ohio Revised Code §955.11, a “dangerous dog” is one that, without provocation, causes injury to a person or another domestic animal. Once designated, strict legal responsibilities apply.
According to Ohio Revised Code §955.22, owners must:
Failure to comply can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges, especially if another attack occurs. These regulations exist to safeguard the public and ensure accountability when pet owners neglect their duties.
Dog attacks often result in catastrophic harm, especially to children. Victims may experience:
Beyond the physical injuries, families endure immense emotional and financial strain. Medical costs, therapy, and lost income can add up quickly. That is why Ohio dog bite victims have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland dog bite lawyers help victims recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We fight to hold negligent dog owners fully accountable under Ohio law.
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, take immediate action to protect your rights:
Our legal team at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni helps victims gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for their losses.
The Columbus case underscores the need for stronger enforcement of dangerous dog laws. Preventing future tragedies requires:
Every Ohioan can play a role by reporting violations, obeying leash laws, and staying alert to signs of animal aggression. Community vigilance saves lives.
Families across Ohio trust our firm because we bring compassion, legal strength, and results to every case.
Why clients choose us:
Our Ohio personal injury attorneys understand the laws, the system, and the emotional weight families carry after a traumatic attack.
Oscar Koon’s story is heartbreaking, but it also highlights an essential truth: laws only protect the public when they are enforced. Families deserve safety and accountability, not repeated violations that endanger children and neighbors. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, we are proud to represent dog bite victims across Ohio, from Cleveland and Columbus to Cincinnati, Toledo, and beyond. Our mission is simple: to make Ohio communities safer while helping injured victims rebuild their lives.
Schedule your free consultation today with Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers. You pay nothing unless we win. Call 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) or reach out online to discuss your case. If you or your child was attacked by a dog in Ohio, our legal team is ready to fight for your safety, recovery, and peace of mind.
