"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 / Animal Attack Personal Injury Attorneys Protecting the Rights of Individuals throughout The State of Ohio
Free Consultation
Ohio Dog Bite / Animal Attack Personal Injury Lawyers
Experienced Premise Liability Injury Attorney providing Personal Injury representation involving Dog Bite or 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 Dog Bite / Animal Attack Personal Injury Attorneys.
Ohio Animal Attack Lawyers: Comprehensive Premises Liability for Animal Injuries
Injuries caused by animal attacks or encounters—whether a dog bite, an aggressive exotic pet, or a collision with escaped livestock—fall under the complex area of Premises Liability in Ohio. Property owners, keepers, and harborers have strict legal duties to protect the public from harm caused by animals on their land or under their control.
Our experienced Personal Injury Attorney team is well equipped in navigating the strict liability statutes and common law principles governing animal attacks. We are dedicated to securing maximum compensation for victims of animal-related injuries across Ohio, covering all types of premises-based animal liability claims.
Claim 1: Dog Bites (Strict Liability under R.C. 955.28)
Ohio operates under a strict liability dog bite law (Ohio Revised Code § 955.28), which is highly favorable to victims. This law holds the owner, keeper, or harborer liable for any injury or loss caused by the dog, even if the dog has never shown aggression before (eliminating the "one-bite rule").
We work to prove the owner's liability and counter the only limited exceptions recognized under the statute:
- Strict Liability: We only need to prove the defendant owned, kept, or harbored the dog, and the dog caused the injury.
- Exceptions: The owner may try to argue that you were committing trespass or a criminal offense on the property, or that you were teasing, tormenting, or abusing (provoking) the dog at the time of the attack. Our goal is to secure evidence proving you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the animal.
Claim 2: Attacks by Exotic Pets (Strict Liability)
Attacks by exotic pets or Dangerous Wild Animals (DWAs) that are not properly contained or secured fall under a powerful common law doctrine of strict liability. Because these animals are inherently dangerous, the law holds the owner, keeper, or harborer liable for all injuries the animal causes, even if the owner was not negligent in supervising the animal.
We investigate liability against both the animal's owner and the property owner, focusing on:
- DWA Act Violations: Violations of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 935 (The Dangerous Wild Animal Act) regarding permits, containment, and required insurance (minimum $100,000 policy) can establish immediate negligence.
- Premises Failure: We examine whether inadequate enclosures, locks, or other failures of property maintenance allowed the animal to escape, strengthening the Premises Liability claim.
Claim 3: Injuries Caused by Escaped Farm Animals (Negligent Fencing)
Under Ohio Revised Code § 971.18, an owner of livestock who negligently permits the livestock to run at large out of its enclosure is liable for all resulting damages. If you were injured in a collision or attack by an escaped farm animal (including horses, cattle, sheep, or goats), you have a claim.
The law creates a prima-facie (initial) presumption of negligence if the animal is found running at large. We counter the owner's defense by showing their lack of ordinary care in fence maintenance:
- Negligent Fencing: We document broken posts, unlatched gates, or other signs of neglect that allowed the animals to escape the negligent fencing.
- Rebutting Defenses: We challenge the owner's claims that the escape was due to an unforeseeable event (e.g., from a storm) by proving the fence was structurally unsound prior to the incident.
Claims 4 & 5: Failure to Warn of Animal Dangers (Premises Liability)
For certain animal-related risks, liability hinges on the property owner's duty to warn guests (invitees and licensees) of known or knowable hazards:
Allergic Reactions (Undisclosed Animals)
If you suffered anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction to an animal in a public place, and the owner failed to disclose their presence, you may have a claim for negligent failure to warn. Liability is established when the owner knew or should have known that allowing the animal without warning created a foreseeable hazard for allergic individuals, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Aggressive Animals (No Warning Signs)
When an aggressive animal (especially a dangerous or vicious dog under R.C. 955.11) is kept on the property without proper warning signs, the owner breaches their duty. For legally classified dogs, R.C. 955.22(I) mandates conspicuous warning signs be posted. A failure to post adequate signs transforms a known threat into a hidden danger, bolstering a Premises Liability claim.
Compensation & The Statute of Limitations (R.C. 2305.10)
Animal attacks often cause serious injuries, including lacerations, scarring, fractures, and severe emotional distress (PTSD). Our firm fights to recover the full range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses (Past and Future Surgery, Therapy)
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity
- Compensation for Scarring, Disfigurement, and Disability
- Pain and Suffering and Emotional Distress
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, the statute of limitations for most animal attack and Premises Liability claims is two years from the date of the injury. It is crucial to act quickly to secure evidence and protect your claim.
Contact Our Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one were injured by an animal due to negligence or strict liability on someone else's property, contact us immediately. We understand the specific statutes, including R.C. 955.28 and R.C. 971.18, that govern your case.
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