Maumee, Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer
Each year, thousands of people are bitten by someone else’s dog, and many of them are left startled and confused and searching for a Maumee dog bite attorney. If you or someone you love was the victim of a dog attack, you must understand your legal rights and why it is important to report the incident. Facing legal action after a dog bite injury can feel overwhelming, but speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Maumee, Ohio will help you understand your rights and legal options during this turbulent time.
Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws
Ohio has strict laws in place regarding dog bites and dog attacks. Owners are held liable under these laws for any injuries caused by their dog if they knew (or should have known) they had dangerous tendencies before the incident occurred. The law also states that negligence by the owner or keeper can lead to liability, meaning even if an owner didn’t know their dog was dangerous, they might still be held responsible for any injuries caused by their pet.
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
Dog bite injuries can be severe and result in long-term medical and psychological care, so you must act immediately. Taking the proper steps after a dog attack can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover these costs. After a bite, document and seek prompt treatment for your injuries. Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack and any other supporting evidence regarding the attack such as no collar, or an unsecured yard where the dog was prior to attacking you. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Maumee, Ohio who is familiar with personal injury law and has also handled local dog bite cases successfully in the past. They will be able to determine whether moving forward with legal action is something you should do.
Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Maumee, Ohio
If someone’s dog injured you, you might have a valid claim for damages against the owner. You must prove that negligence by the owner or caretaker of the dog was directly related to their failure to prevent your injury. You must also confirm your injuries and other damages, like lost wages and trauma, were caused by this negligence. If you file a claim against someone other than the pet’s owner, like another person caring for them when your injury occurred, you must prove they had some control over the dog when it caused you harm. Working with a dog bite attorney who has experience with cases and claims involving an animal attack, you will learn more about their process in how Ohio dog bite cases and claims are filed.
How are Damages Determined in a Dog Bite Case?
When determining damages in a dog bite case in Maumee, Ohio, one can be awarded for injuries sustained from a dog bite. To determine fair compensation, the courts consider multiple factors. Some of these include the severity of the injury, disfigurement or scarring, medical bills related to treating the injury, lost wages resulting from missing work, pain, and suffering, as well as other losses or expenses. These factors are considered on a case-by-case basis, with each defendant’s damages acknowledged. Whether you receive basic compensation to cover direct losses or more extensive reimbursement to address long-term trauma depends on how thoroughly and accurately you are able to document and prove these damages.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to note that a statute of limitations is in place when filing legal claims related to dog bites. In Ohio, you have two years to file a lawsuit from the date your injury occurred. It is in your best interest to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Maumee, Ohio as soon as possible after being injured so they have time to gather all necessary evidence to support your case.
Who is Liable for Dog Bite Injuries?
Ohio law holds dog owners strictly liable for a dog bite, providing the injury occurred under certain conditions:
- The injured person was not committing (or trying to commit) a crime.
- The injured person was not trespassing.
- The injured person did not tease, torment, or abuse the dog to provoke it.
To make a successful claim against the owner or handler of a dog, you do not have to prove that the dog has a prior history of aggression. In other words, the dog could be the sweetest thing on earth with a kind, responsible owner, and this could be its first and only act of aggression, but it doesn’t matter. The owner can still be held liable for the bite.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If your claim is successful, you may recover damages from the incident. It is essential to keep track of all expenses related to the incident and photographic evidence of your injuries so that you can include them in your claim. Further damages may be awarded if the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive nature, yet the dog was allowed the opportunity to attack anyway.
Where Can You Find a Dog Bite Lawyer in Maumee, 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.
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.
At Arthur Law Firm, we fight hard for dog bite victims in Maumee, Ohio because we believe you are entitled to fair compensation for what you’ve endured. Contact us at (419) 782-9881 for a free consultation right away. We can help you get the settlement you need to recover and move on.
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