An experienced dog bite lawyer in Defiance can play a crucial role in helping you navigate these issues. By understanding your rights and the legal process, you can ensure that you receive the compensation and support you need.
At Charles Boyk Law Firm, we have over 40 years of experience in representing dog bite victims throughout Defiance and the surrounding areas. Our skilled attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. We will help you understand your options and take the first step toward starting your case.
Dog Bite & Attack Statistics
Dog attacks are a significant concern across the United States, with many people underestimating the risks involved. Research shows that there is a 1 in 50 chance each year of being bitten by a dog. If you do experience a bite, there is a 1 in 6 chance that you will need hospital care. This care can range from emergency treatment to more complex procedures such as surgery and multiple follow-up visits.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with those under the age of 14 facing a higher risk of being bitten. Injuries often occur in critical areas such as the face, hands, arms, and legs. These types of injuries can be particularly severe, leading to scarring that may affect a child’s physical appearance and emotional well-being. Many individuals find it challenging to return to their normal lives after sustaining such injuries. Our goal is to develop personalized recovery plans for each client, helping them heal more quickly, manage medical expenses, and restore their quality of life.
Currently, there are approximately 52 million dogs in the United States. While many of these dogs are well-behaved, a significant number pose risks to both adults and children. Studies over the past decade have shown a 30 percent increase in reported dog bites, despite only a modest rise in the dog population. It is estimated that around 13,000 dog bites occur daily, resulting in over $100 million in annual medical costs.
We are dedicated to preventing our clients from becoming mere statistics. Our Defiance dog bite lawyers are committed to exploring all possible legal avenues to ensure you receive the maximum settlement. Achieving a fair dog bite settlement will provide you with both financial compensation and peace of mind, helping you move forward from this traumatic experience.
Bitten in the Face by a Dog?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Defiance, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover a range of costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the costs associated with plastic surgery if needed for scar revision or reduction. Dog bite claims are typically filed against the dog’s owner or keeper.
In addition to covering medical expenses, victims are also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and psychological injuries resulting from the attack. Many victims experience ongoing emotional distress, such as nightmares and a heightened fear of unfamiliar dogs, which can significantly impact their mental well-being. The psychological effects of a dog bite can be profound and long-lasting, often requiring victims to seek therapy or counseling to manage their symptoms effectively.
Medical expenses related to dog bite injuries can exceed $100 million annually. This amount does not include future treatment costs such as physical therapy or psychological counseling, which can add significantly to the overall financial burden. Working with a skilled Defiance dog bite lawyer is crucial for managing these growing expenses and ensuring you receive the compensation you need.
Common Reasons for Dog Bites
Understanding why dog bites occur can help prevent future incidents and provide insight into the nature of your case. One major factor contributing to the rise in dog attacks is the popularity of certain breeds often labeled as “attack” dogs. Breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies are sometimes chosen as pets without fully understanding their needs and characteristics. When these dogs are not properly trained or cared for, they can exhibit aggressive behavior.
Just as children who face abuse or neglect can develop harmful behaviors, dogs raised in neglectful or abusive environments can become unpredictable and dangerous. Many owners of these breeds fail to recognize the significant responsibility involved in raising such powerful and potentially dangerous dogs. For example, a Pit Bull can exert a bite force of up to 2,600 pounds per square inch (psi), which is more than enough to cause serious injury or even death to an adult.
Owners who neglect their responsibilities may not realize the impact of their actions. Proper training, socialization, and care are crucial for ensuring that these breeds are well-behaved. Unfortunately, many owners do not provide the necessary care, leading to dangerous situations.
Our Defiance dog bite attorneys are committed to holding negligent pet owners accountable for the injuries and harm you have suffered. You are entitled to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, and we will fight to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Pit Bull Fatalities
Pit Bulls are often cited as one of the most dangerous dog breeds, and while this reputation is partially justified due to their powerful build, it is important to consider the broader context. Pit Bulls are popular pets, and because of this, incidents involving them are more frequently reported. However, it is not always the breed itself that is to blame but rather the circumstances and the owner’s behavior.
In Ohio, Pit Bull attacks have been linked to fatalities. Since tracking began, over 4% of all Pit Bull attack fatalities in the United States have occurred in Ohio. Between 2021 and 2023, Lucas County, Ohio, witnessed four fatal dog attacks, with all but one involving Pit Bulls that were family pets. It is important to note that these attacks are often the result of neglectful behavior or harmful training practices by the owner rather than the dog’s inherent nature.
If you have been injured by a Pit Bull, consulting with a knowledgeable Defiance dog bite attorney is crucial. Your lawyer can help establish the connection between the owner’s negligence or abusive treatment of the dog and the resulting attack. This connection is essential for building a strong case and securing the compensation you need.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Scratches, Punctures, and Lacerations: These are the most frequent types of injuries resulting from dog bites. They can vary in severity, from minor surface wounds to deep punctures and lacerations that may require stitches or surgery.
- Disfigurement: Severe bites may cause long-term disfigurement, affecting your appearance and potentially leading to emotional distress. In some cases, victims may need reconstructive surgery to address the damage.
- Scarring: Many dog bite injuries leave scars, which can be both physical and emotional. Scarring can have a lasting impact on a person’s self-esteem and body image.
- Broken Bones: Bites can sometimes cause fractures, especially if the dog has a strong bite force or if the victim tries to defend themselves.
- Nerve Damage: In some cases, bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Death: Although rare, severe dog attacks can result in fatalities. In such cases, the legal process may involve both civil and criminal proceedings.
Not all injuries from a dog bite are immediately visible. Psychological trauma and stress are also significant concerns. Victims may experience post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues that require professional treatment. A Defiance dog bite lawyer can assist in obtaining compensation for both physical and emotional damages and help you find appropriate treatment.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
If you are bitten by a dog, taking the following steps can help ensure your safety and support your legal case:
- Cover the Injury and Stop the Bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to control bleeding. If the bleeding is severe, seek emergency medical help immediately.
- Carefully Wash the Wound: Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol, as these can further irritate the wound.
- Take Photographs: Document the injury with clear photos from different angles. This evidence can be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of the attack.
- Use a Sterile Bandage: Cover the wound with a clean, sterile bandage to protect it from further contamination.
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible to get professional medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor, a medical professional can assess the risk of infection and other complications.
- Notify the Local Police: File a report with the local police to document the incident. This report can be an important piece of evidence in your case.
- Contact Charles Boyk Law Offices: Schedule a free case review with our experienced attorneys. We will help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you have the right to seek compensation for your pain, medical bills, and emotional suffering. This is especially important for children, who may face long-term physical and psychological effects from dog bites.
Suing a Relative’s Dog Owner
If you are bitten by a relative’s dog, you might wonder if you can take legal action. Often, the claim is filed against the homeowner’s insurance rather than the relative directly. This means that the insurance company will handle the financial compensation, not your relative’s personal funds.
When you report a dog bite involving a relative, the local police, often animal control officers, will investigate the incident. They will check whether the dog has a history of aggression and ensure it is up to date with vaccinations, such as rabies. The dog may be quarantined as required by local laws, and a file will be created for the bite. Our Defiance dog bite lawyers will obtain this report to help build your case and prove liability to the insurance company.
Postal Carriers and Dog Bite Claims
Dog attacks on delivery drivers have increased significantly in recent years. With more delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Grubhub, and Doordash, postal carriers are encountering more dogs than ever before. In Ohio, dogs have been ranked among the top threats to postal workers, with some cities appearing on lists of high dog bite rates.
Postal carriers have several options when dealing with dog bite claims. They may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim through their employer, which can cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. If negligence can be proven, they may also pursue a claim against the dog owner for additional damages, including pain and suffering.
Our Defiance dog bite lawyers can help postal carriers navigate both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, ensuring they receive the compensation they need for their injuries.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
Yes, you can sue for a dog bite if you have been injured in Defiance. If you were on the property legally at the time of the incident, you have the right to seek compensation. This applies to various individuals, including salespeople, contractors, maintenance workers, delivery drivers, and postal carriers, if they were performing their duties lawfully.
To succeed in a dog bite lawsuit, you must prove that the dog owner was negligent. This involves showing that the owner had a duty to control their dog, that they breached this duty, and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. Documenting the incident with photos and medical records will strengthen your case.
Dog owners are required to keep their pets on leashes or under control in public and ensure they are restrained when guests are present at home. If you can demonstrate that the owner failed in this duty and that this failure resulted in your injuries, you have a strong case.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is generally six years from the date of the bite. If you are under 18 years old at the time of the incident, you have until six years from your 18th birthday to file a claim. However, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is handled promptly and all evidence is preserved.
Examples of Our Dog Bite Case Settlements
Settlement Example 1
Friend’s Party Results in Facial Scars – Our client, a single middle-aged man, went to a friend’s neighborhood party. The neighbor’s dog escaped out of the house, jumped on our client, and bit him on his lip. He was taken to the emergency room and received stitches. Unfortunately, scar tissue developed causing interference when he opened and closed his mouth. Further, the lip scarring was painful and very noticeable. We filed a lawsuit, took depositions, and eventually the case settled at mediation for $135,000. We increased the value of the case by obtaining before, after, and professional 1 year later photos of our client’s face. Further, we obtained a prognosis report from a board-certified plastic surgeon of future surgical costs. In addition, we obtained prior dog warden incident reports to show that the dog owner was aware of prior incidents with the dog.
Settlement Example 2
Woman and Her Service Dog Mauled by A Dog Running Loose – Our client was walking near her own home with her small service dog. It was winter and there was a Level 3 Snow Emergency. They encountered a neighbor’s dog that was running loose. This dog had previously attacked our client’s dog. The dog attacked and knocked our client down and started to attack the small service dog. Our client got in the middle of the fight and was seriously injured. She did not seek immediate medical attention because of the weather. Eventually, she sought care, and the medical diagnosis was a tear to her right rotator cuff, right bicep tendon, and various sprains and strains. She ended up having to undergo rotator cuff surgery. After a lawsuit was filed, depositions were taken, and at mediation the case settled for $200,000.
Settlement Example 3
Movie Night Results in a Woman and Her Dog Being Attacked – Our 24 year old female client went over to a friend’s house with her dog for a movie night. As soon as our client entered the house the owner’s dog attacked our client’s dog and all hell broke loose. In an effort to save her dog, our client intervened. Injuries to the dog and vet bills were incurred. The result to our client were face and leg scarring and post-traumatic stress disorder. This happened a few months before her wedding. The insurance company was not cooperative and a lawsuit resulted. After paper discovery, depositions, and a mediation the case settled for $150,000. We added value by obtaining before and after photos of our client and her dog. Prognosis reports with future costs were obtained from both the plastic surgeon and the clinical psychologist.
Settlement Example 4
4-Year-Old Girl Bit By Relative’s Dog in the Face – Our client and her parents were visiting a relative in another state. The relative wanted to take a picture of the little girl and the relative’s rottweiler. The dog bit the girl in the face. The first hospital was not equipped to deal with the situation. The second hospital had a pediatric surgery department and did immediate surgery requiring 30 stitches. We were hired to achieve the best result. We took professional photos, and we found the best local plastic surgeon who determined that future surgery was possible but needed to be done after the girl became a teenager. The scar improved over time but was still visible. We were able to obtain a $300,000 policy limits settlement. We worked with a structured settlement advisor so the young girl will receive the money as an adult for any future medical care and a nest egg for education and buying a house.
How Much Can I Expect in Settlement?
The amount of compensation you can receive in a settlement varies depending on several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the attack. The insurance coverage of the dog owner will also influence the settlement amount. If the owner has limited insurance coverage, you might need to file a lawsuit to recover the full extent of your damages.
Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to substantial amounts for severe injuries and long-term consequences. For example, cases involving permanent scarring or significant nerve damage may result in higher settlements. Our experienced Defiance dog bite lawyers will evaluate the specifics of your case, help you understand its value, and negotiate with the insurance company to secure the best possible outcome.
Is a Dog Bite a Felony?
The classification of a dog bite as a felony or misdemeanor depends on various factors, including the severity of the injuries and the dog owner’s history. Typically, dog bites resulting from negligence or failure to control the dog are considered misdemeanors. However, if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or if the attack is particularly severe, the case may be treated more seriously.
In Ohio, a dog bite that causes significant harm or death may lead to a fourth-degree felony charge against the owner. In cases of extreme negligence or repeated offenses, additional criminal charges and penalties may be applied. Alongside criminal proceedings, victims may pursue civil lawsuits to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
No Fee Until You Get Your Settlement
At Charles Boyk Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Our commitment goes beyond just winning your case. We ensure that our fees are never greater than the amount you receive, and we assist you throughout the entire recovery process, including managing medical bills and securing treatment.
Contact the Best Defiance Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been bitten by a dog and are facing significant medical expenses and other challenges, you need a lawyer who will advocate for your best interests. Our consultations are free, and we only get paid if you do. With over 40 years of experience, the team at Charles Boyk Law Firm is dedicated to helping you through this difficult time.
We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the support you need. Do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We are here to help you achieve justice and obtain the compensation you deserve.
