Dog bite attacks are oftentimes unforeseeable and tragic events, and they can lead to long-term consequences for victims. The fact is, dogs are common pets, and most individuals come in contact with them on a weekly, if not daily basis. This is one reason why these assaults are frequently unexpected, as nobody expects their loyal family pet to turn on them. Dealing with the aftermath of a dog attack can be stressful, and knowing some basic facts about these sorts of incidents, as well as certain Ohio laws related to them, can be beneficial.
Which Dog Breeds are the Most Aggressive?
Aggressive and/or dangerous dogs are those that may attack and cause damage without being provoked. A dog that is aggressive must be kept on the owner’s premises and watched closely by its owner. When dogs display these aggressive tendencies, they should not be allowed outside without the supervision of their owners.
It is important to note that, regardless of breed or age, dogs are not naturally aggressive animals, contrary to popular perception. While certain kinds of breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Rottweilers, may be more likely to react violently to provocation, a dog often becomes aggressive due to a variety of external factors. These include its training, background, and the environment it faces at home.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
If you or a loved one gets attacked by a dog, the first thing you should do is think about your health and safety. If you find yourself in a situation in which you must defend yourself, keep in mind that there are Ohio laws that shield you from responsibility in the event that you injure the animal while fending off or fleeing from the attack.
After you have reached a secure location, you should focus on seeking medical help, since untreated dog bite injuries may lead to significant consequences. It is essential to go to the emergency department or visit your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have the time and you feel comfortable doing so, it is recommended that you get the name and address of the dog’s owner. Taking pictures of the incident scene, the dog, and your injuries might help if you are unable to acquire their contact information at the moment.
After you have gotten medical attention, you should report the case to your local animal control agency. If the dog was loose or a stray, this step is important, as their team will assist in ensuring that the dog does not harm anybody else in the future.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries on the inside and outside of the body that may vary in severity depending on the breed and size of the dog. The following are the most common injuries:
When a dog has bitten you, it is reasonable to wonder who is legally liable for your resulting damages. The majority of the time, it is the dog’s owner who is held legally responsible for the incident. There are, however, a few exceptions to this rule that may allow the dog owner to avoid responsibility, including:
If the dog’s owner is under the age of 18. In this case, their legal guardians will be held liable for any damages.
If the victim was attempting to access the dog’s private property when they were attacked.
If the bitten individual was disturbing or mistreating the animal on the owner’s property.
If the victim was committing a medium or higher-level crime, such as robbery or assault.
Laws Regarding Dog Bites in Ohio
The dog’s actions are the duty of the person in charge of the dog at the time of the accident. As such, they will be held responsible for any and all damages caused by the animal as a result of its actions, as well as the repercussions of such behavior.
When it comes to dog assaults, several jurisdictions have enacted the “one-bite legislation.” It states that, if the dog does not have a history of aggression before the occurrence, neither the dog nor its owner may be held liable. The state of Ohio, however, does not have this regulation.
Have You Been Bitten by a Dog in Miamisburg, Ohio?
Being attacked by a dog can cause quite a lot of damage to a victim, both physical and emotional. Here at Kruger & Hodges, we understand how stressful this can be for you, and we can help you better understand your rights after being bitten by a dog. In addition, we can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve following the attack. To learn more, or to schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation with our team of personal injury attorneys, contact us today.