Dog bites are serious injuries that deserve prompt medical care. Victims also deserve justice and compensation from the negligent party whose negligence caused or contributed to the incident.
An Oregon personal injury lawyer from Groth & Associates can lead your case for damages, such as your medical bills and pain and suffering. We have helped Ohio’s injured for more than 30 years, advocating for financial recovery that helps them pay their bills while they heal.
Call us today for a free consultation. We can discuss your case, outline your legal rights and options, and tell you how our Oregon dog bite lawyer can help you.
Important Things to Know About Dog Bite Laws in Ohio
If you choose to work with a lawyer on your case, it helps to have a general understanding of Ohio’s dog bite laws. Below are some key points to keep in mind:
- Strict liability: Ohio follows a strict liability rule, meaning dog owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression.
- Victim’s actions: For the owner to be held liable, the victim must not have been trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the dog.
- One bite rule: Ohio does not follow the “one bite rule,” which means a dog owner can be held liable for the first bite.
- Comparative negligence: If the victim is partially responsible for the incident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a court finds them 20% at fault, they will receive only 80% of their financial award.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Oregon, call (419) 930-3030
Our Oregon Dog Bite Lawyer Will Seek Maximum Compensation
The lawyers at Groth & Associates understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite injury can take on your life. We are committed to holding the liable parties accountable for the pain and discomfort you have endured.
Our experienced team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather all necessary evidence, and advocate fiercely on your behalf to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
When we lead your case, we will:
- Talk with you during a free consultation to learn how the incident happened.
- Investigate the situation to establish what happened.
- Identify all potential liable parties from whom we can seek compensation for your losses.
- Gather evidence to prove the severity of your injuries, the medical care you received, and how the incident occurred. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, video footage, photos, and other relevant proof.
- Assess your damages to determine the potential compensation you may receive.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to advocate for a fair settlement that covers your expenses and protects you from offers that do not meet your needs.
- Prepare and file a lawsuit on your behalf if we cannot settle your case.
- Represent you in court and fight for your financial award at trial.
You will receive updates on your case’s status so that you know what’s going on at all times. We can explain Ohio’s dog bite laws and answer your questions.
Ohio law limits personal injury lawsuit cases to a two-year filing deadline, starting on the day of the accident or injury. Call us today to protect your right to sue within the statute of limitations.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
Damages Are Available in Oregon, OH, Dog Bite Injury Cases
Our Oregon dog bite attorneys will pursue the full range of damages you are entitled to receive. This includes not only covering your medical expenses but also seeking compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the injury.
Other losses include:
- Lost future earning potential (if their injuries affect their ability to work)
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (such as funeral and burial expenses if a relative dies from a fatal dog bite injury)
No two injury cases are alike. As our case results show, we look after our clients and work to help them recover financial awards that cover their losses. We will review several factors, including the extent of your injuries and how much compensation you can pursue.
If you or a loved one suffered severe injuries in a canine attack, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or broken bones, our Oregon catastrophic injury lawyers can determine how much compensation you will need for long-term care.
If your family is eligible to recover damages if your loved one died from a fatal dog bite injury, our Oregon wrongful death lawyers may be able to sue the negligent party for you.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Accidents in Ohio?
In Ohio, it’s not just the dog owner who can be held liable for a dog bite. If someone else was responsible for the dog at the time of the incident, such as a dog sitter or a friend watching the pet, they could also be held accountable.
This expands the potential sources of compensation for the victim. If more than one party owes you damages, our Oregon dog bite attorneys will communicate with each one and determine their percentage of fault and how much they owe.
Other potential liable parties include:
- Landlords: If they knew about a dangerous dog on their property and did nothing to address it.
- Property owners: If the incident occurred on a property and the owners failed to take precautions to prevent it.
- Business owners: If the dog bite happened to be on their premises and they did not maintain a safe environment.
- Dog trainers: If they were negligent in training the dog or handling it improperly.
- Dog walkers: If they were responsible for the dog at the time of the bite and failed to control it.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How to Take Care of an Injury if a Dog Bites You
Taking immediate action after a dog bite is important. By doing so, you can prevent infection and other complications. Here are some steps to follow:
- Seek medical attention: Visit a healthcare professional to assess the wound and determine if you need antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
- Clean the wound: Gently wash the bite area with soap and water to remove any bacteria.
- Use an antiseptic: You can apply an antiseptic solution to disinfect the wound.
- Cover the wound: Use a clean bandage to protect the bite area from further contamination.
- Monitor for infection: Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Dog bites can also lead to unexpected complications such as nerve damage, which can result in long-term mobility issues or sensations in the affected area. Get a medical exam so a healthcare professional can address the visible and hidden aspects of an injury.
Reporting a Dog Bite Injury to the Proper Authorities
Reporting a dog bite injury to the proper authorities can help you hold negligent parties accountable. Here’s how to do it:
Report the bite to your local animal control agency. The office will document the incident and investigate if necessary.
If the bite is severe, file a report with the police. This can provide an additional official record of the incident.
When reporting the injury, discuss all details, including:
- Date and time of the incident: Specify when the bite occurred.
- Location: Provide the exact location of the incident.
- Dog description: Describe the dog, including breed, color, and size.
- Owner information: If known, include the dog owner’s name, address, and contact details.
- Injury description: Detail the nature and extent of your injuries.
- Witness information: Provide contact information for any witnesses to the incident.
Including these details helps ensure a thorough investigation and supports your case if you seek compensation for your injuries.
Call Us Today for Help From an Oregon Dog Bite Lawyer
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to Groth & Associates for a free consultation. Our Oregon dog bite lawyers are up to date on Ohio’s dog bite laws and will seek compensation from those responsible for the dog harming you or your loved one.
You deserve to begin the healing process. Contact us today to start your case.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form