Dog Bites are much more common than we might think. There are many reasons why dogs can bite – perhaps a young child is playing too rough, or perhaps the dog feels threatened by a stranger. Sometimes dogs bite for no discernible reason. No matter the cause, dog bites can result in serious injuries for the victims. If you have been bitten by a dog, you have the right to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. The dog’s owner is responsible for making you whole again. Contact our skilled Darke County dog bite lawyers today for help with your dog bite case.
Which Dogs are Considered Most Aggressive?
Dogs are considered aggressive and/or dangerous when they exhibit violent or threatening tendencies without provocation. If a dog is aggressive, it must be kept confined to its property or to a leash when outside its property. When dogs present aggression, they should not be allowed to be outside without the supervision of their owner.
Despite popular opinion, dogs are not naturally aggressive, regardless of their breed and age. The factors that cause a dog to behave aggressively typically relate to training or past abuse. However, some breeds are more likely to attack, statistically speaking, and those are American Pit Bull terriers, Rottweilers, and German shepherds.
Who is Responsible for a Dog Bite Attack?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is the one who is held legally responsible for dog bites. However, there are a number of exceptions that may apply to dog bite cases, such as the following:
The owner of the dog is minor, in which case those responsible would be the minor’s legal guardians.
The victim was disturbing or mistreating the animal on the dog owner’s property.
The victim was trying to invade the private property where the dog was located.
The victim was committing a crime of medium or greater severity, such as robbery or assault.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, both internal and external. The severity of the injury will depend on the breed and size of the dog. The most common types of injuries that can occur are:
The following are some general steps to follow if you have been bitten by a dog. As always, your health and safety are the top priority:
The first thing to do is get away from the dog. Finding a safe place is important to visually assess your injuries.
Seeking medical attention is essential in these cases, since dog bites can be more dangerous than they seem at first glance. It is important to contact the owner of the animal to check its health and make sure it is up-to-date on its vaccinations.
In order to create a legal case, document the details of the attack and its consequences as much as possible – through photographs, videos, and medical bills.
It is always good to contact the authorities to let them handle the situation in a professional manner. Describe the scene of the attack as accurately as you can. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact animal control or veterinarians specialized in dog bites.
It is important to report dog bite accidents, especially because of the high risk of rabies contagion. If the dog has its vaccinations in order, it will greatly facilitate the medical attention that the victim must receive.
Laws About Dog Bites in Ohio
In Ohio, the dog bite laws are simple and straightforward. The person responsible for the dog at the time of the accident will also be the person responsible for the dog’s actions. That is to say, they will be responsible for all the damage that the animal may cause as well as all the repercussions of those actions. However, since there are exceptions in relatively specific scenarios, it is always best to seek the advice of a lawyer who specializes in dog attacks.
To make a complaint or claim, the law offers several opportunities for the person attacked to formally report the incident. In order to file a claim, the victim must be able to prove that the dog caused an injury without previous provocation by the victim; and that the victim was not committing any offense or violation of the law when the bite occurred.
Were You Bitten by a Dog in Darke County, Ohio?
If you find yourself in the middle of a situation involving a dog bite accident, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney with experience in handling such cases. We here at Kruger & Hodges understand how terrifying and traumatizing a dog bite can be, and we can help educate you about your rights after a dog bite attack. To learn more, please contact us today to schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation with our team of dog bite attorneys.
