Dog bite incidents are some of the most complex to deal with. This is because although dog owners owe you a duty of care when handling their dogs, the law protects them to a certain degree. That is why it is always advisable to consult experienced dog bite lawyers serving Monroe, OH.
Ohio has made headlines several times when it comes to dog bite incidents. For instance, in 2017, the state recorded four dog bite deaths, the highest in the United States that year.
Preventative Measures
Dog bites often occur unexpectedly, but some incidents are preventable. Here are some quick preventative tips:
Stay alert always
Do not run when a dog barks at you – running only motivates the dog to chase you
Learn to recognize warning signs such as growling, teeth showing
Do not tease a dog or bother it when feeding, sleeping, or relaxing
Do not pet a dog without the owner’s permission
What to Do After a Dog Bite
As mentioned, frequently dogs attack without warning. Other times, there’s nothing much you can do to avoid the attack, even if there were signs. In either case, it is important to know what to do after the attack.
Consider the following tips if you or your loved one has suffered dog bite injuries:
Seek immediate medical attention. Dogs can spread diseases through bacteria found in their saliva. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better for your health.
Identify the dog and the owner if possible. If not, make sure you have a good description of the dog.
Identify any witnesses to the dog bite incident. If possible, request their contact information.
Collect any relevant information about the incident. These include photos of the injuries, the location of the incident, and any other significant information that could help prove your case.
Ohio laws require that you file a report with the local health commissioner, per the Ohio Administrative Code 3701-3-28.
Contact a dog bite attorney serving Monroe.
The last thing you want is to file a dog bite claim without legal representation. Even though you or your loved one may be the victim of a dog bite, you’ll be surprised to learn how things could quickly turn against you. For example, your actions during the incident could influence the course of the case.
The defense might claim that you provoked the dog or should not have been at the premises when the incident occurred. These are just some of the many defenses the other party could use against you to avoid liability.
Dog Bite Claims Process Explained
Experienced dog bite lawyers serving Monroe, OH, can walk you through the claims process. However, since these cases also involve a lot of health concerns, you’ll have to file a lot of complex and time-sensitive paperwork.
The dog bite claims process begins with a case evaluation when you contact Kruger & Hodges. The case evaluation aims to determine whether you have a case against the other party.
If established that you have a valid claim, the attorney will conduct investigations into the incident and collect important evidence. This helps support your claim, limiting the other party’s chances of denying liability.
Once your attorney builds a strong case, they will file a claim with the dog owner’s insurer. The attorney will then act as the intermediary between the insurer and you, the bite victim.
Throughout the process, your attorney will keep your interests at heart, ensuring you receive the compensation you need and deserve after such a traumatizing incident.
How Much is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The compensation for dog bite cases varies significantly from one incident to another. The extent of the injury is one of the most important factors that determine how much you may be eligible as compensation for your injuries.
For example, suppose you needed multiple surgeries after the dog bite incident. In that case, you may be entitled to more compensation than someone who suffered minor bruises.
For this reason, only a seasoned dog bite attorney can determine your case’s worth. The attorney will consider every aspect of the case and devise ways to maximize your claim.
For instance, did you know that more than one party might be responsible for the dog bite incident? There are times when it may be necessary to file a separate claim against the property’s landlord if they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.
How Do I Choose the Best Dog Bite Lawyer For Me?
When looking for the best dog bite lawyer in Monroe, Ohio, consider the following factors:
How well do they understand dog bite laws in Monroe and Ohio generally?
Do they have any references or reviews you can check out?
Are they empathetic to the situation surrounding your injury?
Are they available to work on this case right away?
What’s their payment structure like?
Do they have the legal resources to fight for you?
Are they willing to take the case to court if the other party refuses to settle?
The attorney’s answers to these questions will help you decide whether or not to work with them.
How K&H Dog Bite Lawyers in Monroe, OH, Can Help
One thing that makes Kruger & Hodges stand out is that we have a team of attorneys with decades of combined experience practicing law.
We know what to expect from the defendant’s side and how best to fight for your rights. All you have to do is contact our Middletown office for a free case evaluation and have your case reviewed by dog bite lawyers serving Monroe, OH. And if you have a valid claim, we will walk you through the journey to compensation, keeping your best interests at heart.
