A dog attack can be incredibly traumatic. In addition to physical injuries, dog bite victims often suffer psychological harm, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you were injured in an attack, recovering compensation can be essential for covering your medical costs and other expenses. Fortunately, an experienced dog bite lawyer in Berkey can help get you money.
At Groth & Associates, our experienced team of Berkey personal injury lawyers has been helping victims of dog bites in the community recover money from those liable for their damages for decades. We will work diligently to help ensure a favorable result for your case. Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial case review with a member of our staff.
Dog Bite Liability Laws in Ohio
When pursuing compensation after being bitten by a dog, you need to be aware of the dog bite laws that apply to your case. There are two primary methods for recovering damages in a dog bite case. The damages available in your case will depend on the path you are taking in your pursuit of compensation.
Strict Liability
According to Section 955.28 of the Ohio Revised Code, dog owners are strictly liable for any damages or injuries caused by their dogs. This means that injury victims can recover compensation from dog owners without having to prove fault. You will not have to prove that the owner provoked their dog into attacking you or was negligent in preventing the attack.
Under this law, dog owners are liable for the actions of their pets. Owners are responsible for taking proactive measures to prevent their dogs from attacking others. While recovering money through strict liability is the easiest option, the damages you will be able to collect will be limited and may not cover the full extent of the damages you incurred.
Common Law Negligence
Under Ohio’s common law, dog bite victims can also attempt to recover damages based on the owner of the dog acting in a negligent manner or deliberately provoking their dog into attacking you.
While proving fault in these cases can present a greater challenge, the compensation available if you win your case will also be more extensive. An experienced lawyer can review your case to determine if there is enough evidence to pursue compensation in this manner.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Berkey, call (419) 930-3030
Get Started on Your Case Early to Help Ensure a Favorable Outcome
When pursuing damages following a dog bite, you need to take action quickly to put yourself in the best position for a positive result to your case. Delays can result in evidence being corrupted or lost. Furthermore, any witness testimony that supports your case will be most reliable soon after the attack.
Hiring a lawyer shortly after suffering injuries caused by a dog bite is also the best way to ensure you meet all the deadlines that apply to your case. The Ohio personal injury statute of limitations typically gives dog bite victims two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Failure to file on time could mean you are out of options for recovering damages.
However, it’s also important to understand that exceptions may apply to your case that limit the amount of time you have to pursue a lawsuit. An experienced Berkey dog bite attorney from Groth & Associates will help identify the precise deadline by which you must file and ensure that all your paperwork is filed correctly and on time.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Damages an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Berkey Can Help Secure on Your Behalf
After suffering injuries related to a dog bite, there are several damages you will likely be eligible to claim. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Berkey can help you identify all the damages you qualify to recover so you can maximize your compensation. The types of damages most often claimed in dog bite cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning ability
- Decreased quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are only used in cases involving criminal negligence or intentional harm. These damages differ from the compensatory damages listed above in that they are not used as a means of replacing losses incurred by the accident victim but are instead meant to punish the liable party.
If you lost a loved one in a dog attack, a Berkey wrongful death lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim to recover a wide variety of damages, including funeral and burial costs.
Hire an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Serving Berkey Today
Following a dog bite that resulted in serious injuries, securing fair compensation from the liable party can be essential. Your physical and psychological health can both suffer significantly as a result of a dog attack, and the resulting medical expenses can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to increase your chances of getting the money you need.
At Groth & Associates, our experienced team of Berkey dog bite accident attorneys will do everything in our power to get you the money you deserve so you can put your life back together. Contact us by giving us a call, filling out our online contact form, or using our chat tool to set up a free case review with someone from our legal team.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form