Ohio Dog Bite Cases: What You Need To Know
We love dogs and normally have three to five dogs in the office each day. Most dogs are very good, but just like most drivers are good, they still get into accidents, but a large number of our cases involved dog bites and dog attacks. Under Ohio law, the owner of a dog is strictly liable for bites or if the dog chases someone and causes injuries. The only exceptions are if somebody is teasing or tormenting the dog, or if someone is trespassing on their property.
In Ohio, you can collect for injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and if there’s any permanent injuries such as scarring and psychological
damage. Normally homeowners’ or renter’s insurance will cover dog bites, but if it happens at a business establishment, we look to commercial liability policies. Charles Boyk Law Offices does a background check on the dog and the owner to see if there are any prior biting incidents. We gather witness statements and get video and photos of any bites or scarring. We collect the doctor’s report, medical bills, and records. If there’s a psychological injury, we refer the client to a psychologist and get their report.
It normally takes a year after the event, for the plastic surgeon to evaluate whether there is a permanent injury. We request a report from a board-certified plastic surgeon, to indicate what, if any, future costs will be for plastic surgery. Dog bite cases are serious, and we’ve been handling them for 40 years. If you have a dog bite case, we would be happy to get involved, and zealously represent you, to help you maximize the recovery.
Ohio’s statute of limitations for most cases is two years. Ohio dog bite cases have a six-year statute of limitations. If the dog bite victim was a minor, you actually have six years after their 18th birthday to pursue a claim. Our firm has represented clients in other matters who mentioned they were the victims of dog bites when they were minors. In such cases, we retrieved copies of the old dog bite reports and pursued claims from years earlier. Dog bites can often cause serious injuries, and we can potentially get a very fair and lucrative settlement for the injured party.
Our Law Firm has handled hundreds of dog bite cases, and we have learned over time how to maximize the recovery and find insurance coverage when many other firms can’t. We can locate the dog owner, and witnesses, to help prove the case and get results for the client.
If you or someone you know is a dog bite victim, contact our office as soon as possible to determine your legal options and to maximize your recovery.
Chuck’s Tips for Preventing Your Dog from Biting Someone
When I’m talking to my clients that have animals here are my recommendations:
– Carry homeowner’s, or renter’s insurance. If you own a business, buy commercial insurance coverage to protect yourself, in case something happens.
– Even the best dog can bite someone if it’s frightened or somebody makes a quick movement. Try to avoid those situations.
– Prevent unknown people or little kids from petting your dog.
– Be alert to potentially risky situations and use common sense to prevent them.
