Dog bites are not only painful but can be traumatic. Whether you loved dogs or had a fear of dogs prior to the bite, many victims find themselves facing injuries and a new fear of dogs that can linger for much longer than anticipated and have long-term consequences.

If you have been bitten by a dog in Napoleon, Ohio, even if the owner is a friend of yours, you should contact an attorney to help you get the necessary settlement you need to recover.

I’ve Been Bitten by a Dog – What Do I Do Now?

The first thing to do after a dog bite is to make sure that you are separated from the dog and safe from any further attacks and to treat your injuries. You should make sure to get medical attention, even if you think you can bandage the wound on your own, as you may need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent infection. Get the name, phone number, and address of the dog’s owner, and if the owner has insurance that covers dog bites (which will typically be homeowner’s insurance), get that information as well.

If there were any witnesses to the bite, document their account of the incident while it is still fresh and make sure you have their contact information as well for potential follow up. Take pictures of your injuries, the dog, and even the scene if it is relevant. You need to make sure that you have all your documentation and evidence gathered if you need it.

Do I Need to Sue the Dog’s Owner After a Bite?

In a close-knit community like Napoleon, filing a lawsuit might feel like a big step, but protecting your rights and getting fair compensation is crucial. After a dog bite, it’s important to prioritize your health and financial recovery. Even if you’re hesitant about legal action, consulting with a personal injury attorney who has experience in dog bite cases can help you explore your options. They can guide you on whether pursuing a lawsuit is necessary or if there are alternative ways to secure the compensation you deserve.

Will the Dog Be Punished After Biting Me?

If you’ve been bitten, it’s important to report the incident to animal control as soon as possible. In Ohio, you have twenty-four hours to report a dog bite. The dog may need to be quarantined to ensure it isn’t rabid, especially if its vaccination status is unknown or if it has a history of aggression. Medical staff treating your injuries often file the report for you, so having the dog owner’s contact information ready can be helpful.

Wprried woman leaving the house for the first walk after a dog bite injury and she is worried.

Is the Owner Liable After a Dog Bite?

In some cases, the dog owner may be liable for a dog bite. The only exceptions would be where the dog was clearly provoked by the victim, or if the victim was trespassing on the property. As a victim, as long as you were invited into the same space as the dog (for example, if you were invited to the home of a friend or neighbor) or were in a public space such as a park or playground, and you did not provoke the dog, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries as a result of the dog bite.

Strict liability means that the dog owner is automatically liable for any injury caused by the dog, with the understanding that the dog owner needs to be responsible for any damage done by the dog.

Unlike other areas of personal injury law, the burden of proof does not fall on the victim to prove that the owner was negligent or the dog was dangerous. However, when determining a settlement, you will need to prove the extent of your injuries as well as any additional trauma caused by the incident.

What is Included in My Settlement?

As with other accidents, your settlement should cover any financial damages you face during your recovery period. This will include any medical expenses, including long-term treatment, which may be necessary for severe bites requiring reconstructive surgery, lost wages from missed work, loss of future earning potential, and compensation for pain, suffering, and disfigurement. Many dog bite victims face psychological trauma as well as physical injury, and many settlements include compensation for this.

Why Should I Consider Legal Help After a Dog Bite?

In a small town like Napoleon, hiring a lawyer might feel like an overreaction, but it can actually make the process smoother and less confrontational. A lawyer can handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf, acting as a neutral advocate who presents your case clearly and fairly. With their experience in dog bite cases, they can secure a fair settlement, allowing you to focus on recovery without the stress of handling everything alone.

How Can I Find a Good Dog Bite Lawyer in Napoleon, Ohio?

The best dog bite lawyer will be one who has handled similar cases and understands how to best present your documentation and evidence. Many personal injury attorneys only handle certain types of accidents, so finding one who has handled dog bite injuries is important. Your initial consultation should be free, and during that time it’s important to ask questions about prior cases and their outcomes.

During your consultation, it is also important to get a feel for how your attorney will connect with you. You need to know that you can trust your attorney to negotiate on your behalf, and the initial consultation is a good start. At Arthur Law Firm, we offer a Fair and Square Fee Guarantee, ensuring that you will never pay more in legal fees than you recover from your settlement. With our fair fee structure and the potential for a much higher settlement, you can confidently pursue your claim.

A dog bite can be traumatic, but the aftermath doesn’t need to be. Arthur Law Firm has the right team with experience in settling dog bite cases, and our Fair and Square guarantee assures you that your legal fees will not exceed your settlement. We are prepared to fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.