If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog while on private or public property in Swanton, one of our skilled dog bite lawyers can help you navigate the legal obstacles. Depending on your case, it might be possible to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner for the injuries you’ve suffered.

Here at Charles Boyk Law Offices, we have been assisting dog bite victims in Swanton for over 40 years. We can offer you a free review of your case and help you start the process of getting the compensation you deserve.

How Much Will a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us until we win your case. Our fee is always less than what you receive, ensuring that you get the majority of your settlement. We’ll guide you through the recovery process, including managing treatment and ensuring your medical bills are paid. If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, we’ll work to secure compensation for lost wages as well. There’s no fee until you get your settlement.

Common Reasons For Dog Bites

Dog attacks have been increasing lately, partly because some breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds are becoming more popular as pets. These breeds can be friendly and well-behaved if they are properly trained and cared for. However, many owners don’t provide the right training or care, which leads to the dogs having aggressive and dangerous behavior.

Pit Bulls, in particular, have a very strong bite that can cause severe injuries. Some owners get these dogs without understanding the full responsibility required to care for them properly. When owners neglect their duties or use harmful training methods, it can lead to serious attacks.

For instance, a Pit Bull can have a bite force of 2600 pounds per square inch (psi), which is strong enough to cause serious harm or even kill an adult. Owners often spend a lot of money on these breeds but don’t invest the necessary time and effort to train and care for them properly. If you’ve been bitten, a Swanton dog bite attorney can help you hold these negligent owners accountable for your injuries.

Dog Bite & Attack Statistics

There’s a 1 in 50 chance that you could be bitten by a dog in the next year. If you are bitten, there’s a 1 in 6 chance that you’ll need medical treatment, which might include surgery and multiple visits. Children under 14 are at a higher risk of being bitten and may suffer more severe injuries, especially to the face, hands, arms, and legs. These injuries can lead to long-term scarring.

Many people struggle to return to their normal lives after a severe dog bite. Our goal is to help you recover faster, manage your medical bills, and get back to your normal life.

There are around 52 million dogs in the United States, and a significant number of them can be dangerous to both adults and children. Despite only a slight increase in the dog population over the past decade, studies show a 30 percent rise in reported dog bites. Around 13,000 dog bites happen every day, costing over $100 million in medical expenses annually.

What To Do After A Swanton Dog Bite

If you’re bitten by a dog, follow these steps:

1. Cover the injury and stop the bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
2. Carefully wash the wound: Use soap and water to clean the affected area thoroughly.
3. Take photographs: Capture clear images of the injury as soon as possible and to continue to document your wounds over time.
4. Use a sterile bandage: If you have one, cover the wound to protect it from infection.
5. Seek medical care immediately: Go to a hospital or clinic for a professional evaluation and treatment. This will not only
6. Notify the local police department: File a report about the bite. This is important for making a legal record of the incident.
7. Contact Charles Boyk Law Offices: Reach out for a free review of your case as soon as possible so we can help start the process of getting you the compensation and justice that you deserve.

When a dog owner’s negligence results in injury to someone, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Children, who are the most frequent victims of dog bites, can suffer long-lasting emotional and psychological damage in addition to their physical injuries. With the help of a skilled dog bite attorney, victims can pursue damages that reflect the full extent of their injuries and losses.

Pit Bull Fatalities

While most household pets never cause harm to anyone, there are times when dogs attack lead to injuries. As a popular breed, Pit Bulls often get a bad reputation as one of the most dangerous dog breeds. While their reputation is only somewhat justified, it’s important to know that many attacks are due to the owner’s negligence rather than the breed itself. Pit Bulls are powerful dogs, and attacks can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

In Ohio, Pit Bull attacks have been responsible for a significant number of fatalities. Between 2021 and 2023, there were four fatal dog attacks in Lucas County, all involving Pit Bulls. In three out of four cases, the dogs were family pets, and all the victims were adults. It’s crucial to understand that these attacks often result from the owner’s neglect or harmful training practices rather than the breed’s nature.

If you’ve been injured by a Pit Bull, consulting with a knowledgeable Swanton dog bite attorney is essential. They can help establish the link between the owner’s negligence or abusive behavior and the attack.

Is A Dog Bite A Felony?

The legal consequences for dog bites can vary. If a dog owner repeatedly fails to restrain their dog, they may face a criminal misdemeanor charge if their dog bites someone. However, if the dog kills someone and the owner has failed to register or restrain the dog, it can result in a fourth-degree felony charge. For other serious injuries and cases that result from a dog bite, the court may also decide and order that the dog be euthanized.

Bitten In The Face By A Dog?

If you’re bitten in the face in Swanton, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical costs, lost wages, and the expense of plastic surgery to reduce or revise scars. You can also seek compensation for pain, emotional trauma, and psychological injuries resulting from the attack.

Many victims of severe dog bites face ongoing emotional distress, including nightmares and a fear of unfamiliar dogs. These issues can significantly impact their mental well-being and daily life. The medical costs and hospital visits for dog bite injuries can exceed $100 million each year, not including future treatment costs like physical therapy or mental health care. A Swanton dog bite lawyer can help you cover these growing costs and seek fair compensation.

Boyk Law Cases of Interest: Dog Rips off Half of Client’s Nose

Our client was at a friend’s house for a party. As he was getting up to leave, the dog attacked our client and took off half of their nose. The amount of blood was instantly shocking. Our client rushed themselves to a local hospital, which could not handle the severity of the attack. With time being of the essence, our client was rushed to a Level 1 Trauma Hospital where he underwent two surgeries to repair the damage. After many follow-up appointments, our client was able to regain use of their nose for breathing and smelling, but many cosmetic issues remained. The issue with this case was in finding insurance coverage. The actual owner of the dog was not the owner of the house where the attack occurred. We had to scour databases in order to find the dog’s owner, who lived in a different city. Our client was fortunate that the dog’s owner had a substantial insurance policy, and luckier still that we were tenacious in securing the settlement limits of that policy.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause various injuries, including:

• Scratches, punctures, and lacerations: These are the most common types of wounds from dog bites. They can vary from minor to severe and may require stitches or other medical treatment.
• Disfigurement: Severe bites can cause permanent changes to a person’s appearance.
• Scarring: Deep bites can leave lasting scars that might need surgical treatment to reduce their appearance.
• Broken bones: In some cases, a dog bite can cause broken bones, especially if the dog is large with a strong jaw.
• Nerve damage: Bites near nerves can cause long-term pain or loss of function in the affected area.
• Death: In rare cases, severe dog attacks can lead to fatalities.

Not all injuries are visible. Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also be a significant part of the pain and suffering after a dog bite. A Swanton dog bite lawyer can help you recover damages for both visible and invisible injuries and guide you through the legal process to seek justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

Can I Sue For A Dog Bite?

Yes, if you’re bitten by a dog in Swanton, you can sue for damages. It doesn’t matter if the property where the bite happened is public or private, as long as you were on the property lawfully. This includes salespeople, contractors, maintenance professionals, delivery drivers, and postal carriers. These claims are often covered by homeowners’ insurance if the owner is found to be negligent.

To win your case, you need to prove that the dog owner was negligent and that you have injuries from the bite. It helps to document the incident, take photos of the injury, and take good care of the wound. You must also show that the homeowner had a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and that this failure caused your injuries.

Dog owners are expected to keep their dogs on leashes in public and to restrain them when guests are present at their home. If you can prove damages, that the owner owed a duty of care, and that this duty was breached, we can help build your case.

In Ohio, you have six years from the day you were bitten to either settle your claim or file a dog bite lawsuit. If you’re a minor (under the age 18) when you were bitten, you have six years after your 18th birthday to either settle your claim or file a dog bite lawsuit.

Boyk Law Cases of Interest: Dog Attacks Client and Her Service Dog

Our client was a block from her house walking her service dog when she was attacked by a dog running loose. Two years prior to this attack, our client had a smaller run-in with the same animal. This time, the loose dog (which was by far the larger of the two dogs) attacked our client and her dog. Our client tried to get in the middle of the fight and ended up with a torn rotator cuff and significant facial scarring. The service dog survived the attack but with substantial vet bills. Our client needed surgery for her shoulder, and we were forced to file a lawsuit in order to secure the $200,00 settlement for our client. We had to be vigilant at mediation to fight for our client’s rights, and as a result our client had enough money to cover her bills and supplement the Social Security Disability money she was relying on to support herself.

What Are My Legal Rights If I Was Bitten By A Family Member’s Dog?

If you’re bitten by a relative’s dog, you might wonder if you can still sue. Often, the lawsuit is filed against the homeowner’s insurance company rather than the relative directly. We can help you determine the best way to pursue justice. The dog owner’s insurance typically handles the claim, so your family member wouldn’t have to pay out of their own pocket.

When you report a dog bite involving a relative, the local police department or animal control will investigate. They will check if the dog has bitten before and if it is up to date on rabies vaccinations. The dog might be quarantined for a period, and a file will be opened on the bite. Our dog bite lawyers can obtain this dog bite report for you as part of our service.

Can Postal Carriers or Delivery Drivers File A Dog Bite Claim?

Dog attacks on delivery drivers have increased significantly, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohio has been a high-risk area, with dogs attacking postal carriers and other delivery drivers—such as Doordash, Grubhub, and Uber drivers—more frequently. In 2012, Ohio had two cities in the top 10 for dog bites against postal workers.

Postal workers and delivery drivers have options if they’re attacked. They might be able to file workers’ compensation claims to cover lost wages and medical treatment. If we can prove that the dog owner was negligent, the dog owner might also be responsible for repaying these benefits. Additionally, the negligent owner could be liable for pain and suffering, disfigurement, and other damages. Our dog bite lawyers at Charles Boyk Law Offices can help postal workers and delivery drivers navigate both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.

How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The amount of compensation you can expect from a dog bite claim or lawsuit depends on various factors, such as:

• Age of the victim: The age of the victim at the time of the dog bite can affect the psychological impact of the bite as well as the time it takes for the physical injuries to heal.
• Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries plays a significant role. More severe injuries, like deep wounds, broken bones, or permanent scarring, typically result in higher compensation.
• Medical Expenses: The costs of medical treatments, including emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing therapy, are considered. Higher medical bills for legitimate treatment usually lead to greater compensation.
• Lost Wages: If you miss work due to the injury, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes any future income you might miss out on if your injuries affect your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you endure from the bite. The more intense the suffering, the higher the potential compensation.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation can increase if the bite causes noticeable scarring or disfigurement, impacting your appearance and self-esteem.
• Long-Term Impact: If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disabilities, you might receive more compensation to cover ongoing medical needs and adjustments to your lifestyle.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurance companies often cover dog bite claims, with the average claim amount typically exceeding $30,000. The amount available from the dog owner’s insurance policy can affect the settlement amount. Policies with higher limits can lead to larger settlements. However, you should be cautious when accepting a settlement offer and consult with one of our dog bite lawyers before doing so.
• Liability and Negligence: How clearly negligence or fault is established affects the claim. If it’s clear that the owner was at fault for not controlling the dog, compensation may be higher.

Each case is unique, and these factors are evaluated to determine a fair settlement amount for your specific situation.

Before accepting any settlement, it’s important to consult with a lawyer. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later. If there is no insurance coverage, you might need to file a lawsuit to recover damages. One of Charles Boyk Law Office’s dog bite lawyers will help determine the best approach for your case and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Boyk Law Cases of Interest: Young Bride Attacked by Friend’s Dog

Our client took her dog to a friend’s house to watch movies. The friend’s dog attacked our client’s dog, and our client attempted to intervene and save her dog. She was attacked on and around her face and required months of counseling after the attack. Her permanent facial scarring could not have come at a worse time; she was to be married two months after the attack. We obtained before and after photos, filed a lawsuit, and produced reports from a psychologist and plastic surgeon who both attested the significant future impact on her life. We settled the case for $150,000 and our client used the money to buy her first home with now-husband.

Contact The Best Swanton Dog Bite Attorney

If you’ve been injured by a dog and are facing high medical bills, you need a lawyer who will advocate for your rights. We offer free consultations to review your case and determine the best course of action. With over 40 years of experience, the Charles E. Boyk Law Firm is dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve.

Call us anytime, 24/7. Our team is ready to support you through this challenging time. For the best dog bite lawyer in Swanton, contact Charles E. Boyk Law LLC and let us help you get the justice you deserve.