"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 Dog Bite Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
Free Consultation
Ohio Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Dog Bite Injury throughout the State of Ohio.
Call TOLL FREE: (800) 848-5297 today to schedule a Free Consultation with on of our Experienced Dog Bite Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Dog Bite Injury Lawyers: Strict Liability for Animal Attacks
A dog attack is a terrifying event that often results in severe physical injuries, permanent scarring, and deep emotional trauma, especially for children. Unlike many other states, Ohio law provides strong protection for dog bite victims through a strict liability statute, meaning dog owners are held legally responsible for injuries regardless of the dog's past behavior.
If you or a loved one were bitten or injured by a dog in Ohio, you do not need to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. Our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team knows exactly how to navigate Ohio Revised Code § 955.28 to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain, and suffering.
Understanding Ohio's Dog Bite Strict Liability Law (R.C. 955.28)
Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B) imposes strict liability on the dog's owner, keeper, or harborer for any injury, death, or loss caused by the dog. This is a critical distinction from the old "one-bite rule"—in Ohio, the owner is liable even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
Key aspects of the Ohio statute that affect your claim:
- No Proof of Negligence Required: You only need to prove the defendant was the owner, keeper, or harborer and that the dog caused your injury.
- Liability Extends Beyond the Owner: "Keeper" (someone with temporary physical control, like a dog walker) and "harborer" (someone who gives shelter to the dog, which can sometimes include a landlord) can also be held liable.
- Premises Liability Connection: We investigate both the strict liability statute and a claim of Premises Liability to secure the strongest possible case, especially if the owner knew the dog was dangerous or violated local leash laws.
Defenses to an Ohio Dog Bite Claim
While Ohio law favors the victim, there are limited exceptions where the dog's owner, keeper, or harborer is *not* liable under R.C. 955.28(B). The defense will attempt to prove you fall under one of these narrow exceptions. Our firm works quickly to secure evidence to defeat these claims:
- Trespassing: The injured person was committing or attempting to commit criminal trespass or another criminal offense on the property.
- Provocation: The injured person was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog at the time of the attack.
We ensure that evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and your medical records demonstrate you were on the property lawfully (as an invitee or licensee) and did not provoke the animal.
Recovering Damages for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio
Dog bite injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, infectious disease treatment, and plastic or reconstructive surgery. We fight to recover comprehensive compensation for all damages, including:
- Medical Expenses (Past and Future)
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
- Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
- Psychological Treatment (e.g., for PTSD or Cynophobia)
Under Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 2305.10, the statute of limitations for a Personal Injury claim arising from a dog bite is generally two years from the date of the injury. It is critical to consult an attorney immediately to protect your right to compensation.
Contact Our Ohio Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a family member have suffered a painful injury from a dog attack, you need an attorney who understands the nuances of Ohio's strict liability laws. We handle all communication with the dog owner and their insurance company, often homeowners' insurance, to get you the full financial recovery you deserve.
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