Toledo dog bite attorney, Arthur Law Firm, can help you if you’ve been injured after a dog bite. Dogs are loved and cherished companions. So much so that many dog bite victims don’t want to report an injury because they know the dog owner and don’t want them to get into trouble or are afraid the dog will be put down. It’s required under Ohio law to report any dog or animal that bites or attacks a person. Not only will this help protect your health and safety, but it will also help protect others in the future.
Toledo, Ohio Dog Bite Attorney
What Should I Do After Being Bitten?
If someone’s dog bites you, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately, no matter how minor your injuries first seem. It is also essential to gather evidence after the incident, including pictures of the area where the dog attacked you and witness statements. This information will be needed when filing your claim. Lastly, ensure that you contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Toledo, Ohio who is familiar with cases like yours so they can help guide you through this challenging process from the beginning.
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Gathering Evidence
Collecting as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case will help to ensure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Photos of the wound are necessary evidence, and medical records detailing any treatments received after the bite are important to include. Firsthand accounts from those witnessing what happened help provide information relevant to the negligence of the dog’s owner.
Any records of previous incidents involving the dog or other dogs owned by the same person should also be collected, and your Toledo, Ohio dog bite attorney will help you gather evidence important to proving your case. These documents will be necessary in establishing a pattern of careless behavior on behalf of the defendant, like proving they were aware that their pet posed a safety risk but then failed to take appropriate action to prevent it from happening again.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Pursuing a dog bite injury case in Toledo, Ohio requires an understanding of the relevant state laws and the legal process. In Ohio, dog bite victims can bring a claim under its specific statute, which addresses strict liability to victims of a dog injury. The process may require meeting with attorneys, filing pleadings, and following legal briefs as required by court regulations. It is essential to keep track of dates and deadlines provided by court orders to make sure they are met throughout the proceedings. Gathering evidence is also a necessary step in supporting your case in court. With these tools in place and an understanding of Ohio’s statutes, those injured from a dog bite can seek damages through a civil lawsuit.
Common Myths About Dog Bites and Injury Claims
It is a common misconception that dog bite cases are challenging to win in Toledo, Ohio. The courts typically err on the side of caution when determining accountability for incidents involving a man’s best friend. Arthur Law Firm has extensive experience with dog bite cases in Toledo, Ohio and can help you decide if filing a claim is suitable for your situation.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Toledo, Ohio
Under state law, anyone who is bitten by a dog or aware of a dog bite must report the incident to the local dog warden. The bite should be reported in the county in which the bite occurred, and the report should be made within 24 hours.
It is not only dog bite victims required to report bites and attacks. Licensed veterinarians must report any time they learn of a dog biting someone, and healthcare providers must also report these instances.
What Happens After a Dog Bite Report?
Several things happen immediately after the local dog warden learns of a dog bite. First, the health department will assess the animal to determine if there is any risk of rabies.
The dog will be in the custody of the health department for a minimum of ten days. If a risk of rabies is present, the health department will hold the dog in quarantine for a certain length of time. Sometimes this quarantine takes place in a kennel or local shelter, but it can also occur at the dog owner’s home. There are instances in which the health department does order the animal to be put down humanely so other tests can be performed.
The local health department will also evaluate the dog further to determine if the animal is up to date on their vaccinations. If there are issues with vaccinations, the health department will inform the victim of this.
After a dog bite is reported, the health department will also investigate the incident. They do this to determine if the dog is any of the following:
- A vicious dog that seriously injured someone.
- A dangerous dog that has a history of biting or injuring people.
- A nuisance dog that tries to bite, attack, or chase people.
The health department will also try to determine if the dog owner violated any laws or ordinances prior to the attack.
How a Toledo, Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
You must seek medical and legal assistance immediately after suffering a dog bite. Myths often surround dog bite cases, but an experienced Toledo, Ohio dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the claims process to ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages and injuries.
When you are considering an attorney, look for one who not only has experience in personal injury law, but who has handled local dog bite cases in the past. For the best outcome, you want an attorney who is well versed in the local laws regarding animal attacks. At Arthur Law Firm, we have experience navigating dog bite cases successfully, and can advise you of your right to file a claim for compensation after a dog bite or attack in Toledo, Ohio.
Dog bite injuries can result in significant physical and psychological damages. With our Fair & Square Fee Guarantee, we promise that when your case is resolved, our attorney fee will never exceed your net recovery. Contact us at (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation right away. We can help you get the compensation you need and a settlement you deserve.
Arthur Law Firm Fair & Square Fee Guarantee
Arthur Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing upfront. Our Fair & Square Fee Guarantee is our commitment to you that once your case is resolved, our fee will not exceed your net recovery.
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