Rossford, Ohio is where people feel safe, but a dog bite can happen at any time, even if the dog in question doesn’t have a history of aggression. Even a dog that seems docile may attack when feeling threatened, even if you have done nothing to provoke the dog. In addition, dog bite injuries can be very serious and cause long term medical as well as psychological problems, and when you are the victim of a dog bite that is not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

What Do I Do After Being Bitten By a Dog?

The first thing to do after a dog bite is ensure that you and the dog are separated, and the dog is removed from the area. Once you feel safe from further attacks, you need to focus on getting medical attention for your injuries. Even if the bite injury seems minor, you should still get treatment. The puncture wounds from a dog bite combined with the bacteria found in a dog’s mouth can cause a serious infection if left untreated.

In addition to seeking medical treatment, it is important in dog bite injuries to make sure that you get the name, phone number, and address of the dog’s owner, as well as their insurance information, particularly if they are not someone you know. If there are any witnesses to the attack, you should also get their contact information. Take pictures of the area, the injuries, and anything else that could be relevant later on. Dog bites need to be reported to animal control within 24 hours in the state of Ohio, so having all the information can be helpful.

Young lonely woman on bench in park dealing with dog bite trauma.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

The damage you can recover after a dog bite will be dependent on the seriousness of the bite. Some dog bite injuries are minor and will require minimal medical treatment. Other dog bite injuries are more severe and can cause significant damage or disfigurement, resulting not only in long-term medical care, but will also allow you to collect damages for pain and suffering as well as disfigurement that can reduce your quality of life.

Many dog bite victims, even those with no prior fear of dogs, will face psychological trauma after a dog bite, and those damages should be covered by the overall settlement as well.

Who is Liable for my Injuries After a Dog Bite?

Ohio has strict liability for dog bite injuries, which means that the owner of the dog is almost always liable for any injuries caused by the dog. There are two exceptions to this liability. One is if the victim was trespassing on the property where the dog resides and the dog could be viewed as protecting the home from an intruder (for example, if the victim was bitten in the act of breaking into the home), and the other is if the victim was provoking the dog into an aggressive state.

In most cases, the dog owner’s liability insurance, which falls under the homeowners’ insurance policy, will cover the damages, even if the dog bite occurred elsewhere. Many dog owners of breeds that are considered to be aggressive will have an additional rider to cover dog bites. However, if the owner does not have coverage for dog bites, the owner themselves will be responsible for the compensation needed. After a dog bite, it is important to find out if the dog’s owner is covered.

What Will Happen to the Dog?

Many dog bite victims worry about what will happen to the dog after an incident. It’s important to report all dog bites to animal control, as this helps determine if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. If the dog doesn’t have a history of attacks, it may simply be quarantined to ensure there’s no risk of rabies. However, if the dog has a history of aggression, more serious consequences might follow.

How Do I Make a Claim for Damages? Do I Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?

While you can handle a claim on your own, having an attorney greatly increases your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. To make a claim for damages, the first step is to contact the dog owner’s insurance company and file the claim. You’ll need documentation of the attack, your injuries, and any related consequences, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, or psychological distress.

An experienced dog bite lawyer knows how to navigate the process effectively. Many victims worry that hiring a lawyer might seem unfriendly, especially if they know the dog or its owner. However, having an attorney handle negotiations with the insurance company can actually keep things more civil and professional.

Choosing the Right Dog Bite Lawyer in Rossford, Ohio

When you are looking for an attorney to handle your dog bite injury claim, you need someone who will fight fairly for what you need to move forward after a traumatic event. Not every personal injury attorney has experience with dog bites, so it is important to look for an attorney who has handled other dog bite cases and will know how to proceed and what evidence and documentation are necessary.

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.

As the victim of a dog bite, you should not feel guilty about seeking the compensation you need to move forward. Having an attorney on your side can make the aftermath of a dog bite far less stressful. Arthur Law Firm has an excellent reputation representing dog bite victims, and we will work hard to get you the settlement you deserve.