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Dog bites can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Whether visiting a friend, playing with a family member’s dog, or simply walking close to someone else’s dog, a seemingly harmless situation can quickly become a painful dog bite incident.
When a dog attack causes harm, holding the owner or handler accountable is crucial to prevent future attacks.
If you’ve been a dog bite victim in Ohio, our skilled Ohio dog bite lawyers are here to help at our Columbus or Mansfield locations!
At Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, we tirelessly advocate for Ohioans, leveraging our extensive experience in diverse cases to fight for countless victims. We understand the financial burden of serious injuries, so we operate on a contingency fee basis. You won’t owe us any fees unless we win your case.
Our dedicated legal team has secured millions in compensation for accident victims, prioritizing compassion and attention to detail. Our Ohio dog bite lawyers can help you hold the owner accountable if you’ve suffered a dog bite injury. Contact our personal injury lawyers today at 419-529-2020, and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
Why Do I Need A Dog Bite Lawyer?
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may be unsure if you need an Ohio dog bite lawyer. Here are some factors to consider:
- Severity of the Injury – Significant injuries with medical expenses, scarring, or long-term consequences may require legal assistance from an Ohio dog bite lawyer to pursue appropriate compensation.
- Liability and Responsibility – Determining liability can be challenging, but an Ohio dog bite lawyer can investigate, gather evidence, and establish liability for damages caused.
- Legal Knowledge – State laws vary, so an experienced Ohio dog bite lawyer familiar with local regulations can navigate complexities and build a robust legal strategy for your case.
- Insurance Claims and Negotiations – Dealing with insurance companies can be complex, but an Ohio dog bite lawyer can handle communication and negotiations to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.
- Peace of Mind – Hiring an Ohio dog bite lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while they handle paperwork, procedures, and deadlines, providing peace of mind.
If you need more clarification, schedule a consultation with our team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys. Our team will assess your situation, offer personalized advice, and provide continuous guidance.
Seeking Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Ohio, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages. Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome and deserved compensation.
Dog bite incidents can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens, and it is vital to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Know Your Rights – Ohio Dog Bite Law
In Ohio, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs under certain circumstances.
Ohio Strict Liability Law
Ohio Revised Code – Section 955.28(B) states that the owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog had shown previous aggressive behavior or the owner was aware of their pet’s tendency to bite.
The Strict Liability Law provides a legal basis for pursuing compensation for your injuries and losses.
Ohio Dog Attack – Statute of Limitations
While there is no official timeframe for dog bite claims, these cases typically fall under personal injury claims (Ohio Revised Code – Section 2305.10), which states lawsuits must be filed within two years from the date of the injury.
Why Choose a Dog Attack Attorney From Rinehardt Injury Attorneys?
When handling your case, choosing Rinehardt Injury Attorneys can provide numerous advantages and peace of mind. Here are some compelling reasons to choose our law firm:
- Dedicated Legal Team: Our dedicated attorneys, paralegals, and support staff will work collaboratively to investigate your case diligently, gather evidence, and develop a robust strategy tailored to your circumstances.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and address your specific needs with open and honest communication throughout the process.
- Strong Advocacy: Our primary goal is to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. We are passionate advocates for our clients and will tirelessly pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.
- Track Record of Success: Rinehardt Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of success. We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, enabling them to recover financially and move forward with their lives.
- Compassion and Support: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face due to your injury. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process. We are here to listen, offer empathy, and help alleviate the burden on you and your family.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We believe everyone should have access to justice. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover your compensation.
Ohio Dog Bite Cases We Handle
At Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, we recognize the varying degrees of physical damage that can result from these incidents and have experience handling a wide range of dog bite cases. Whether you have suffered from minor puncture marks, deep wounds, or even disfigurement, you deserve high-quality representation to help you recover the expenses related to your injuries.
It is essential to understand the severity of these injuries, which can be classified into different stages. Here is an overview of the stages as provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information:
- Stage I – These are more superficial injuries that do not cut into the musculature. While they are the least severe, they can still become infected if not treated properly.
- Stage II – Deep wounds that affect the muscle. These injuries are often more painful and typically require medical attention.
- Stage III – These are severe wounds that affect the muscle and may involve tissue loss or necrosis.
- Stage IVA – These wounds directly affect muscles, tissues, and nerves. Nerve damage can lead to permanent loss of feeling or function in certain limbs.
- Stage IVB – These injuries directly affect muscles, soft tissues, nerves, and bone. Dog bites that penetrate down to the bone are considered the most severe and should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.
If a dog has bitten you, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately. Although most bites come from domestic pets treated for rabies and other diseases, it is wise to have a doctor confirm the status of your injury and provide appropriate treatment.
Understanding Compensation: Types of Damages Covered in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite injury involves understanding the various damages that compensation may cover. From immediate medical costs to long-term emotional impact, each aspect of your experience warrants careful consideration to ensure you receive the support you need for a comprehensive recovery.
Compensation cases involving dog bite injuries cover various types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses include initial medical treatment, emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and future medical costs related to the injury.
- Lost wages – If the dog bite injury has caused you to miss work or decrease earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost or will lose.
- Pain and suffering – Dog bite injuries can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation may be available for the pain and suffering endured as a result of the incident.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Serious dog bite injuries can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, affecting your appearance and self-esteem. Compensation can help address the physical and psychological impact of these injuries.
- Property damage – In some cases, a dog bite incident may damage personal property, such as torn clothing or broken glasses. Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of these items.
Working with a skilled dog bite attorney increases your chances of obtaining fair and total compensation for your damages. If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Ohio, do not hesitate to seek legal advice.
Ohio Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites can have serious consequences, and understanding the statistics surrounding them can provide valuable insights. Here’s some information from the American Veterinarian Medical Association:
- Every year in the United States, nearly 4.5 million people become victims of dog bites.
- Of these bite victims, approximately half are children.
- The likelihood of dying from a dog bite is around 1 in 112,400.
- Unneutered male dogs account for 70% of dog bites.
- Out of the 46 dog attack fatalities reported in 2019, pit bulls caused 33.
- Pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 77% of dog bites reported.
- The Kangal dog breed has the most forceful recorded bite force, measuring 743 pounds per square inch (to put that into perspective, a lion has a bite force of 650 PSI).
- Pit bulls have a temperament rating of 86.7%, indicating their generally favorable disposition.
- Globally, tens of millions of dog bites occur each year.
While these statistics are alarming, it’s important to note that many dog bites can be prevented. Proper education, responsible pet ownership, and understanding dog behavior and body language are crucial to preventing dog bites and other potentially dangerous situations with dogs.
Dog Bite FAQ
If you are bitten by a dog there are simple steps that you should take after the attack.
- Seek medical attention. Immediately after an attack you should get treatment for your injuries. Dog bites can be very dangerous as they are high risk for infection. It is also important that you save all paperwork related to the treatment of your dog bite.
- Document details of the attack. Take down the location the attack occurred and the dog owner/home owner’s name and contact information. You should also ask the dog owner/homeowner if they have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance and obtain the policy information. If a witness or witnesses were present you should also obtain their names and contact information. This information in addition to your treatment paperwork will be useful when seeking to file a legal claim.
- Contact local authorities. A police report is an official document that will describe what happened during the attack. This will provide evidence for your case when you decide to file a legal claim. You must also file a report with the local health commissioner where the attack occurred within 24 hours after the incident. If you have not filed a report, the treating physician is required to file a report. Veterinarians who treat dogs involved in a bite or attack are also required to report the attack.
- Get help from a dog bite attorney. If you’ve been bitten by a dog it is likely that you will have medical bills to pay from the treatment you’ve received. You are entitled to seek compensation from harm caused by the dog. Contact Rinehardt Injury Attorneys for a free consultation and to discuss your rights.
Yes. You should report a dog attack to the dog warden if it results in injury. Dog Wardens respond to calls for dog abuse, stray dogs running at large, abandonment, neglect and any other violation of Ohio’s dog laws. (Ohio R.C. 955 et seq.).
If you’re attacked by a dog in Mansfield, contact the following agencies and report the bite:
Richland County Public Health: (419) 774-4500
Richland County Dog Shelter: (419) 774-5892
Columbus:
Animal Care & Control: 614-525-3400
Columbus Health Department: 614-645-6134
Franklin County Public Health: 614-525-3160
In most cases, the owner of the dog is legally responsible for bites and other injuries caused by their animal. There are certain instances when another individual may also be liable. This includes if the dog owner was younger than 18 years of age, a person other than the owner had care or control over the animal, or the landlord had knowledge of the dog being aggressive and dangerous but did nothing about it.
Every dog bite injury case is unique, but damages that may be available for victims to recover usually include:
- Medical bills and hospital fees
- Loss of wages
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
We hope these answers have provided clarity and guidance on your Ohio dog bite concerns. For a more comprehensive understanding and additional information, please visit our main FAQ page on dog bites.
