"When I was injured due to inadequate security at a retail center in Columbus, I felt completely lost. This firm quickly stepped in, investigated the facts, and held the property owner accountable for their negligence. They treated my case with dignity and professionalism, securing a settlement that covered my medical bills and lost wages. I highly recommend them for any crime-related injury on someone else's property."
Experienced Aggressive Animal Attack Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
Free Consultation
Ohio Aggressive Animal Attack Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Aggressive Animal Attack Injury throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Aggressive Animal Attack Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Aggressive Animal Attack Lawyers: Failure to Post Warning Signs
Being attacked by an aggressive animal on someone else's property—whether it’s a dog with a history of violence or another dangerous animal—is a traumatic event that often leads to severe and lasting injuries. While Ohio law provides strong protection for victims, a property owner's negligent failure to post proper warning signs about a known danger can significantly strengthen your claim for compensation.
Under Ohio's Premises Liability law, property owners have a duty of care to their guests (invitees and licensees) to warn them of known, hidden dangers. If you were seriously injured because an owner failed to alert you to the presence of an aggressive animal, our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team will fight to hold the negligent owner, keeper, or harborer accountable.
Warning Signs and the Duty of Care in Ohio
Ohio's dog bite statute (R.C. 955.28) imposes strict liability on the owner, keeper, or harborer for injuries caused by a dog, regardless of prior knowledge. However, when an animal is known to be aggressive or vicious (as defined by R.C. 955.11), the owner has heightened duties related to containment and warning guests, which directly ties into Premises Liability and negligence claims.
We investigate the owner’s breach of duty, focusing on the absence of proper warning:
- Dangerous/Vicious Dogs: Owners of dogs classified as dangerous or vicious must follow special registration and containment rules. This explicitly includes posting clearly visible signs at their residence warning both minors and adults of the dog's presence (R.C. 955.22(I)). A failure to post these signs is a breach of a statutory duty.
- Aggressive Dogs (Common Law): Even if a dog is not officially "dangerous," if the owner knew it was aggressive or had vicious propensities, the lack of a warning sign contributes to a negligence claim.
- Strict Liability for Wild Animals: Owners of Dangerous Wild Animals (DWAs) are subject to strict liability and are also required to post conspicuous signs at all normal entrances warning of the animal's presence (OAC 901:1-4-12).
- Hidden Danger: The lack of a warning sign turns a known aggressive animal into a hidden danger, which property owners must disclose to invitees and licensees.
Overcoming the "Beware of Dog" Defense
While some homeowners may post a generic "Beware of Dog" sign, Ohio courts have held that a sign does not automatically absolve the owner of liability under the strict liability statute. The defense may try to use a sign to argue comparative negligence—claiming you assumed the risk or were partially at fault for proceeding onto the property.
Our firm counters these defenses by arguing:
- Inadequate Warning: A generic sign is often not a sufficient warning, especially if the dog is legally classified as dangerous and the sign does not meet the requirements of R.C. 955.22.
- Owner Negligence Prevailed: We demonstrate that the owner's negligence—such as failing to securely confine the dog or knowing the fence was broken—was the primary cause of the attack, not your minor negligence (if any). Under R.C. 2315.33, you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault.
- Vicious Propensities Known: If the owner knew the animal was prone to attacking and failed to use secure enclosures and proper warning signs, their conduct goes beyond simple negligence.
Securing Compensation for Serious Animal Attack Injuries
Injuries from an aggressive animal attack can lead to long-term physical and emotional suffering. We fight tirelessly to secure comprehensive compensation for the harm caused by the property owner's negligent failure to warn:
- Medical Bills (Emergency care, reconstructive surgery, anti-infection treatment)
- Future Medical Needs and Therapy
- Psychological Counseling for PTSD and Animal Phobias
- Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress
The statute of limitations for a Personal Injury claim in Ohio (R.C. 2305.10) is two years from the date of the attack. It is crucial to consult an attorney immediately to investigate the premises and secure evidence of the absence of warning signs before they can be added.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one were seriously injured by an aggressive animal kept on a property without proper warning signs, do not hesitate to seek justice. We are ready to help you navigate Ohio's complex animal liability statutes.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule your Free Consultation.
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
Contact Us Today!
Office:
5000 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220
Call: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297
What Our Clients Say
After prolonged exposure to toxic mold at my workplace, I started experiencing severe health issues. Proving the connection to the business's negligence felt impossible until I hired this firm. They were brilliant, connecting my health problems to the landlord's failure to address water damage. They gave me my health and my life back by securing a significant settlement. For mold-related injury cases, they are unparalleled."
"My accident at a poorly maintained apartment complex pool in Dayton was terrifying. I suffered a serious head injury. This law firm was incredible; they immediately started investigating the pool's safety records and maintenance log. Their work resulted in a successful claim against the property management. If you've been injured at a pool in Ohio, you want this firm on your side."
"The defective stairs at a restaurant in Toledo caused a significant knee injury. The property owner initially refused to pay, but this firm took on the challenge. They brought in experts to show the code violations and built an undeniable case. Thanks to their legal expertise, I received a fair settlement that allows me to focus on my recovery. They truly excel with cases involving unsafe property conditions."
"My child was tragically bitten by a dog at a neighbor's property in Akron. Navigating the aftermath and dealing with the owners was incredibly stressful. The team at this law firm was compassionate yet fiercely effective. They understood Ohio's dog bite laws thoroughly and fought to ensure my child received the necessary medical care and compensation for their trauma. They are the best dog bite attorneys in the state."
"I had a terrible slip and fall accident on a wet floor at a grocery store in Cincinnati that led to a serious fracture. The store tried to deny responsibility, but this firm's meticulous preparation and dedication proved the store's negligence. They were communicative throughout the entire process, making a stressful situation much easier to handle. Choose them if you need a top-notch slip and fall lawyer."
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PH: TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 • OFFICE LOCATION • 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Columbus, OH 43220