In an ideal world, no one would have to contend with the stress, pain, and trauma of a dog bite accident. Unfortunately, some dog owners can’t control their pets. Others make conscious decisions to stress their pets out, making you suffer the consequences of their reckless decisions.
What can you do to recover from a dog bite? When in doubt, ask the dog bite attorneys in Napoleon for guidance. Groth & Associates can walk you through your right to civil action while representing your best interests in conversations with a liable party. Are you ready to learn more? Get in touch with our Napoleon personal injury lawyers today for a free case evaluation.
Assigning Liability for a Dog Bite
There are specific circumstances under which a dog’s owner must assume liability for their dog’s bad behavior. You have the right to sue for dog bite damages.
Fortunately, you have Napoleon dog bite attorneys on your side. Our team can manage the investigation into the dog owner’s negligence while you get the medical care you need to get back on your feet.
Some exceptions allow dog owners to throw off liability for your dog bite injuries. You may struggle to bring a case against a dog’s owner if:
- You trespassed on the dog owner’s property in a criminal capacity
- You were engaging in criminal activities at the time of an accident, barring minor misdemeanor misconduct
- The owner can present evidence of abuse leading to the bite
If the defendant in your case tries to argue that they are exempt from liability for your accident under one of these exceptions, our team can fight back. You can bring concerns about the arguments a liable party may make against your right to accident compensation to a free case evaluation with Groth & Associates today.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Napolean, call (419) 930-3030
A Dog Owner’s Responsibilities After a Dog Bite Accident
Dog owners must take certain steps after a dog bite regardless of whether or not they’re found liable for misconduct in civil court. According to Ohio Rev. Code § 955.22, owners whose dogs have harmed others must register their animal as a dangerous dog with the county. Said owners must also remain in the county following a biting incident to ensure the victim’s health.
Dogs who bite others may not be put down under Ohio Rev. Code § 955.22(2)(a). The only exception to this rule may see a dog put down if its health or other factors make it an immediate danger to its community.
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How to Hold a Negligent Dog Owner Accountable for Your Losses
If you want to demand accident compensation from the dog owner liable for your recent accident, you can work with a Napoleon dog bite attorney to:
Compile Evidence of Owner Negligence
You have an obligation to meet Ohio’s burden of proof if you want a case against the dog’s owner to move forward in civil court. This means that you must prove that the dog’s owner owed you a duty of care and violated that duty. The evidence you bring forward to make your point can include the following:
- Statements regarding the dog’s violent behavior
- Videos of the accident
- Input from animal behavior specialists
- Photos from before and after the accident
- Medical records addressing the severity of your losses
You do not have to interact with the violent dog or its owner to gather this evidence. Our investigators can step in and manage your case while you prioritize your health and safety.
Calculate the Value of Your Dog Bite Accident Losses
The damages you can take away from a dog bite accident case will vary depending on the conditions that led to your accident as well as your specific losses. Precedent has seen dog bite accident survivors like you come away from victorious cases with compensation for their:
- Emergency medical care
- Long-term treatment
- Lost time at work
- Emotional distress
- PTSD and mental anguish
- Essential psychological therapy
Our dog bite attorneys in Napoleon make a point to back every request you make for loss-based damages with evidence tying that specific loss to your accident. You can count on our team to make the process of calculating your case’s value as transparent as possible.
File Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
You must bring a dog bite claim forward within the two-year deadline established in Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10 if you want to demand fair compensation for your accident-related losses. Judges can dismiss your right to a civil trial if you try to file your claim after your statute of limitations expires.
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Groth & Associates Can Help You Fight for Justice After a Dog Bite Accident
Dog owners must take responsibility for the actions of their dogs, barring a few rare circumstances. Accepting liability may not undo the damage from your accident, but it can help you get back on your feet again.
If you need help holding a dog owner financially liable for losses sustained in a recent accident, let Groth & Associates know. We can pair you with a team of experienced dog bite lawyers in Napoleon who can help you explore your right to legal action. Contact us today for more information about the civil process.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form