Holland Dog Bite Lawyer

Like many cities, Holland is full of animal lovers. Many residents have pets and enjoy coming home at the end of the day to a happy greeting from their dog or cat. Most of the time, dogs bring their owners joy and put smiles on the faces of people who walk by. However, sometimes dogs bite people, and those bites can permanently change a person’s life.

If you suffered damages and injuries in a dog bite attack, you might be able to take civil action against the dog’s owner or handler. An experienced Holland dog bite lawyer can meet with you to discuss your legal options. Reach out to Charles E. Boyk Law Offices to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

When is a Dog’s Owner Responsible for an Attack?

Fortunately, the laws in Ohio favor victims of dog bite attacks. Unlike in many other states, there is no one-bite rule that favors dog owners or that requires victims to prove that the dog that bit them had aggressive tendencies. In Ohio, individuals only need to prove that their bite resulted in injuries and damages.

As outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), Ohio has a strict liability standard for dog owners. To succeed in a legal claim, an injury victim does not need to prove that the dog’s handler or owner acted negligently by failing to control their dog. A claimant (the person seeking damages) just needs to show that the dog attacked them and that the attack was unprovoked.

However, if a dog’s owner has evidence that the claimant teased or tormented the animal, the owner would likely not be legally responsible. This is also the case if the claimant was trespassing on the property where the attack occurred. A knowledgeable attorney from our firm can explain the relevant statutes and how they might apply to a specific dog bite attack in Holland.

Compensation Available After a Canine Attack

Dog bite victims frequently face hardships following their attacks. A trusted Holland dog bite attorney will work hard to ensure both economic and non-economic forms of losses are adequately calculated in a demand for compensation. This could include:

• Medical expenses related to emergency treatment of wounds, as well as follow-up visits and long-term treatments,
• Cosmetic procedures and restorative surgery to reduce the appearance of disfiguring scars,
• Therapy to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or other results of emotional trauma from the attack,
• Pain and suffering,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and/or
• Lost income from missing time at work or a lost earning capacity if the attack impacts the individual’s future ability to work.

In the event that the injured person suffers fatal injuries, our compassionate legal team can help the family file a wrongful death suit.

Work with a Holland Dog Bite Attorney to Pursue the Compensation You Need

Dog attacks can leave people with more than just a little scratch. Some individuals face disfiguring scars and catastrophic injuries that can permanently alter their lives. Others might develop a debilitating fear of dogs to the degree that they can no longer interact with their once beloved family pet.

If a canine attacked you, a Holland dog bite lawyer can help you hold the owner responsible and demand the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Call Charles E. Boyk Law Offices today to learn more. We charge no up-front fees and only collect payment if we are successful in our efforts to recover for your losses.