Dogs are lovely pets that many Americans enjoy having in their homes. Approximately 46% of households in the United States have a pet dog. With so many dogs, it is understandable that our canine companions are considered man’s best friend. But what happens when our canine companions decide not to play so nice? The sad truth is that a huge number of people seek medical treatment every year for dog bites. If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, you have several options available for seeking compensation for your resulting damages and should consult Kruger & Hodges dog bite attorneys in Eaton, Hamilton and Middletown.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite
Being bitten by a dog can be a painful experience, and it can leave lasting scars — both physical and psychological. Dog bites account for around three quarters of all bites reported to people in the state of Ohio. Even after the initial trauma of the dog bite, victims are at risk of serious disease and potential infections if the wounds are not treated.
While enduring a dog bite can be traumatizing, there are some important steps to take immediately following the incident. If you are bitten by a dog, take a picture of the animal, if possible, and record the necessary contact information for the dog’s owner. Find out if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, and seek medical attention promptly either way. Finally, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help guide you through the steps of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit seeking damages.
Dog Bite Laws in Eaton, Ohio
There are several Ohio Codes that deal with proper conduct around animals, whether they be your pet or someone else’s. If these laws are broken, a defendant can be convicted of a misdemeanor.
While self-defense is permissible against an attacking dog, it is possible that an injured victim might be accused of trespassing, depending where the incident took place. It is important to clear up this information with your attorney, as your claim for damages in a personal injury case will require that you were not provoking the dog by trespassing.
Dog bites can have serious effects on the mental and physical health of the victims. Under Ohio Code Title IX Section 955.28, the owner of the dog is held liable for the damages caused by the dog. This section states that someone who is being attacked by a dog may use force to protect themselves without being possibly charged with animal abuse.
Following a bite, the dog who was responsible for the biting must be quarantined until it can be inspected for rabies and other potential pathogens. The dog can not be killed during this time; it must be properly checked for any diseases it might be carrying.
Damages That May Be Sought
When it comes to damages, there are a few common claims typically made by victims of dog bites. The damages typically claimed include but are not entirely limited to:
Medical Expenses
Property Damage
Lost wages from any missed time at work
Non-economic losses including mental anguish or including compensation for pain and suffering or other psychological trauma
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine what damages you can claim in your dog bite case. Your lawyer will also help you gather and present the necessary evidence to show that you did not incite the attack through trespassing or provoking the dog in any way.
Call Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Eaton, Ohio
Dogs are generally lovely creatures that provide companionship and joy to those with whom they share a home. Although dogs can be cute and cuddly, there is always a potential for dangerous dog bites to occur. It is as unfortunate as it is stressful and traumatizing to be bitten or attacked by a dog. Because of the serious health risks involved with dog bites, an injured victim should always seek medical attention right away. After that, know that you need not cover those medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages all on your own. Your skilled legal team will help you pursue the compensation you need to start getting back to your old self.
Our law office here at Kruger & Hodges consists of caring and experienced attorneys ready to protect your rights and help you fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses. Call our Eaton law office today to schedule your free no-risk consultation. Our team of dog bite attorneys in Eaton, Hamilton and Middletown are ready to answer any and all questions or concerns you might have regarding your dog bite case.
