Dog bite injuries can be physically and emotionally traumatic, leaving victims to deal with a complex recovery. If you or a loved one is in this situation, you are not alone. We are here for you. You can review your legal options, even if you’re in the hospital or at home.
A Perrysburg dog bite lawyer from Groth & Associates will guide you through every step of your case, from understanding Ohio’s laws to pursuing a fair settlement for your injuries.
For over 30 years, our Perrysburg personal injury lawyers have helped Ohioans with personal injury cases, and we want to help you. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our Perrysburg Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Will Lead Your Case
The lawyers at our full-service law firm have years of experience handling dog bite cases. We know the nuances of Ohio’s strict liability laws and how complex these cases can be, so we can handle the entire legal process from start to finish.
We care about you and your recovery. We offer empathetic support to help you manage the emotional and physical challenges of a dog bite injury.
When we represent you, we will:
- Listen to you and evaluate your needs so we can develop a legal strategy for your unique case.
- Carefully review the details of the dog bite incident, including circumstances, evidence, and potential witnesses.
- Collect vital evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs of injuries, to build a solid case.
- Identify all parties that owe compensation and establish their percentage of fault.
- Manage all interactions with insurance companies to protect your rights and potential award.
- Seek financial recovery for your current and future needs.
- Negotiate a settlement that adequately covers your expenses and pain and suffering.
If we cannot reach a fair settlement, our experienced trial lawyers will fight for your compensation in court. Throughout your case, we will update you and address your questions or concerns. Call and explore your legal options during a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Perrysburg, call (419) 930-3030
What to Do if a Dog Bites You in Perrysburg, OH
If you suffer a dog bite, it is important to take prompt action. Seek immediate medical care to address any injuries and prevent infections. Report the incident to local animal control or the Perrysburg Police Department. This helps create an official record of the incident.
You should also take photos and/or video footage of your injuries, gather witness statements, and track your medical treatments and expenses. Getting help from our dog bite attorneys in Perrysburg can help you determine how much compensation to seek.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030
We Will Seek Full Compensation for Your Dog Bite Losses
Several factors can influence the amount of damages you may recover in your dog bite case. These include the severity of your injuries, your expected recovery period, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
Typical recoverable damages in dog bite cases include:
- Medical expenses (including future medical costs)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income
- Loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Impaired or reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Property damage
Our Perrysburg dog bite lawyer will review all your damages and advise you on your potential compensation. As our case results show, we take our clients’ recoveries seriously and work to ensure they get maximum recovery.
The dog owner’s insurance coverage and policy limits can influence your compensation award amount. In some cases, pursuing additional legal avenues may be necessary to obtain financial recovery.
Who Can You Hold Responsible for Your Dog Bite Attack?
Under state law, the dog owner is the primary party responsible for a dog bite injury. Ohio follows a strict liability rule, which means the animal’s owner is liable for any injuries the dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior.
While the animal’s owner is typically the main party held responsible, some exceptions to suing the dog owner for the dog attack can apply to your situation. Additional parties that might be liable can include:
- Caretakers: If the dog was under another person’s care at the time of the bite (such as a dog sitter or a kennel), that individual or entity might share responsibility for the incident.
- Property owners: If the dog bite occurred on a property owned by someone other than the dog owner, the property owner might be held liable if they were aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies and did not take appropriate precautions.
- Landlords: In cases where a tenant’s dog bites someone on rental property, the landlord might be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and did not act to mitigate the risk.
In some situations, more than one party may be responsible for a dog bite injury. For example, if a dog bites someone while being walked by a professional dog walker on a property with poor fencing, the dog walker and the property owner might share liability for your damages.
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Common Challenges With Dog Bite Claims in Ohio
Dog bite injury cases may seem straightforward, but they can involve other challenges that complicate your case. We will work through any complexities that arise, such as:
Establishing Liability
While Ohio’s strict liability laws make it easier to hold dog owners accountable, the dog owner may deny ownership or claim that the bite was provoked, which can complicate the case.
If the dog has multiple owners or caretakers, it can be challenging to determine who is mainly responsible for the incident.
Comparative Negligence
In some cases, the defense may argue comparative negligence, suggesting you share some responsibility for the incident. The defense might argue that you provoked the dog, reducing the owner’s liability.
If the bite occurred while you were on the owner’s property without permission, the owner might claim you were trespassing, which can complicate your claim.
Statute of Limitations
We also must consider Ohio’s statute of limitations deadline when considering your dog bite case. State law sets a two-year deadline from the date of the dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If you fail to file your claim within this time window, you risk losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries. We encourage you to consult our Perrysburg dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. If we work on your case, we will file it on time.
Call Us Today for Help From a Perrysburg Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, Groth & Associates can lead your case while you rest and focus on recovering from the incident. We know it can be difficult to file an insurance claim or lawsuit while injured.
Our Perrysburg dog bite attorney will significantly pursue your deserved compensation while you heal from the incident. Call us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you take your first step toward recovery.
Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form