Best Dog Bite Attorney in Strongsville, OH
People who have been injured by a dangerous or unrestrained dog can turn to a Strongsville dog bite lawyer for help. Dog bites and attacks can cause serious injuries, including deep lacerations, infections, permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, and even long-term emotional distress. Many victims are forced to go through an extended period of medical treatment, recuperation, and emotional healing.
At The Czack Hobbs Law Firm, we work with injured victims in Strongsville to pursue compensation for these losses. We can explain the details of Ohio’s dog bite laws and the claims process.
Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer
At The Czack Hobbs Law Firm, we understand that a serious dog attack can result in unexpected medical bills, intense harm, and emotional trauma. With over 40 years of combined trial experience in advocating for injured Ohioans, we are here to provide responsive, one-on-one legal representation.
From investigating liability to negotiating with insurance companies, we work directly with our clients and advocate for their interests at every stage of the claims process.
Ohio’s Dog Bite Liability Law
In Ohio, dog owners, keepers, and harborers are generally strictly liable for a dog bite injury. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), the injured person usually does not have to prove that the dog’s owner or keeper knew of the dog’s vicious propensities to recover compensation, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Identifying the dog’s owner, keeper, or harborer is an important step when pursuing a claim. A basic understanding of Ohio’s dog bite law and how it may apply in your case can clarify your legal options.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can result in:
- Puncture wounds
- Deep lacerations
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Permanent scarring
- Serious infections
Victims of dog attacks, particularly young children, can also face significant emotional trauma that may last for years to come.
In 2024, the U.S. Postal Service reported 350 dog bite incidents to postal employees in Ohio, the third-highest number in the nation. Although many dog attacks do not involve a mail carrier, this data shows how often serious dog attacks happen across the state.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Dog Bite?
A dog bite victim can potentially recover compensation for economic and noneconomic losses. The exact damages will depend on the particular facts of each case. They may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement, including permanent scars
The value of a dog bite case depends on many factors, including the extent of all injuries, the victim’s recovery, and the available evidence. Each case should be reviewed based on its own facts.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Strongsville
The actions you take after a dog bite can have an important role in protecting both your health and any future legal claim. Regardless of the injury’s severity, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if the wound is superficial, a dog bite can result in a serious infection, so it is in your interest to get medical treatment immediately.
Report the dog bite to Strongsville Animal Control or your local animal control agency. The health and vaccination history of the dog, along with the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior, may be investigated. Dog bites must be reported to the local health commissioner in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 955.261.
Preserve evidence by taking photos of your injuries, identifying the dog’s owner, and keeping medical records of your treatment. Then, hire a dog bite lawyer to go over your legal options.
FAQs
Can Ohio’s Dog Bite Law Apply, Even If the Dog Never Bit You in Strongsville?
Ohio’s statutory dog bite law generally applies only when a dog bite occurs. If the dog did not bite you, you may still have a negligence claim, depending on the circumstances. Injuries that are caused after being knocked down or chased by a dog may be compensable, for instance, depending on the circumstances. Discussing the events leading to the injury can clarify which legal options are possible under Ohio law.
Can Dog Owners Raise Defenses Against a Dog Bite Claim in Strongsville?
Ohio law does provide some defenses against a dog bite claim, but they are only applicable in limited circumstances. Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B) allows for limitations on liability if the injured party:
- Was trespassing.
- Engaged in a criminal offense beyond a minor misdemeanor.
- Provoked, bothered, or mistreated the dog.
Whether a defense is possible depends on the facts of each situation.
Why Is It Important to Identify the Dog After an Attack in Strongsville?
Identifying the dog can determine its ownership, vaccination status, and whether insurance coverage may apply. It also allows the healthcare provider to better assess the potential exposure to rabies or other infectious diseases.
Approximately 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations following possible rabies exposure annually, according to the CDC. In addition, knowing the dog’s identity may enable your attorney to preserve evidence if a legal claim needs to be filed.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Claims in Strongsville?
Homeowners insurance policies might cover a dog bite claim if the policy has personal liability coverage and there are no applicable exclusions. Policy coverage will vary by insurer and policy, and some homeowners insurance policies exclude certain breeds or specific circumstances. The applicable insurance policy can be reviewed to determine whether coverage may be available for injuries caused by a dog attack.
Why Are Children More Likely to Be Injured in Dog Attacks in Strongsville?
Children are especially vulnerable to serious injuries from dog attacks due to their smaller size. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that over 4.5 million individuals in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, with children accounting for at least half of the roughly 800,000 people who require medical care. A medical evaluation is recommended as soon as possible following a dog bite in a child.
Contact a Strongsville Dog Bite Attorney
At The Czack Hobbs Law Firm, our attorneys work with injured victims to assert their rights under Ohio’s dog bite laws. We provide them with the individual attention and representation they need. Schedule a consultation today about pursuing a dog bite claim.
