A dog bite can be serious and even life-threatening, particularly for children. With years of experience in the field and a deep understanding of the laws surrounding dog bites in Ohio, Kruger & Hodges is committed to helping victims of dog bites get the compensation they deserve. If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, it is important to seek medical attention right away and report the incident to your local animal control agency or police department. From there, consider contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer at Kruger & Hodges. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Ohio Dog Bite Statistics
Per the CDC, nearly 5 million dog bites are reported annually with many requiring immediate medical attention. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 4,602 dog bite-related emergency department visits were in 2019. This is a significant increase from the year prior when there were 4,418 such visits. Many of these incidents involved children under the age of 10. In fact, children are at the highest risk of being bitten by a dog, and they are more likely to suffer serious injuries.
“Dangerous Dogs” versus “Vicious Dogs” in Ohio
In Ohio, a “dangerous dog” is defined as a dog that, without provocation, has caused injury to a person, or a dog that has been declared “dangerous” by a court of law. A dog may also be considered “dangerous” if it has killed another dog, or if it belongs to a breed that is commonly known as dangerous. Additionally, a dog may be considered “vicious” if it has caused serious injury or death to a person, or if it has been declared “vicious” by a court of law. The owner of a dangerous or vicious dog may be subject to additional legal requirements, such as increased liability insurance or restrictions on the dog’s movement and behavior.
The legal definition of a “vicious dog” is similar to that of a “dangerous dog” but with one important distinction. A “vicious dog” is a dog that has caused serious injury or death to a person, while a “dangerous dog” is a dog that has caused injury to a person or has been declared “dangerous” by a court of law.
So, while a dog that has caused injury to a person may be classified as “dangerous,” it is not considered “vicious” unless the injury is serious or fatal. The legal consequences for owning a vicious dog are typically more severe than for owning a dangerous dog, as the risks to public safety are greater. Owners of vicious dogs may be required to take more stringent measures to protect the public, such as muzzling the dog in public or keeping it in a secure enclosure.
Preventative Measures
One of the best ways to prevent dog bites is through education. This includes teaching children how to interact properly with dogs and educating dog owners on responsible pet ownership. Some other preventative measures include:
Avoiding contact with strange dogs
Never leaving young children alone
Avoiding aggressive or threatening behavior toward dogs
Properly socializing and training dogs
Keeping dogs leashed and under control in public areas
What Should I Do First If I’ve Been Bitten by a Dog?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is important to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
Seek medical attention: Even minor dog bites can lead to infection, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Document your injuries and keep copies of all medical bills and records.
Report the bite: Contact your local animal control agency or police department to report the bite. They can investigate the incident and help ensure the dog is properly contained and monitored for signs of rabies.
Identify the dog and its owner: If possible, try to identify the dog and its owner. Get the owner’s name, address, contact information, and any information about the dog’s vaccination history.
Contact an experienced dog bite attorney: The attorneys at Kruger & Hodges have years of experience representing dog bite victims in Circleville, OH. They can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do not discuss the case with the dog owner’s insurance company: Insurance companies often quickly contact a dog bite victim and offer a settlement. However, these settlements are often far less than the victim’s entitlement. It is important to speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
Ohio Law and Dog Bites
In Wilmington and throughout Ohio, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. If a dog bit you, the owner is responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Ohio law also requires dog owners to keep their dogs under reasonable control and take steps to prevent them from biting or attacking others. If a dog owner fails to meet these requirements, they may be held liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner may not be liable for the injuries. Additionally, if the dog was a police or military dog acting in the line of duty, the owner may not be held responsible.
You should consult with our experienced dog bite lawyer to determine if you have a legal claim. They can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal rights and options.
How to Choose a Dog Bite Lawyer
When choosing a dog bite lawyer, looking for someone with experience in handling dog bite cases is important. It would help if you also looked for someone who is compassionate, responsive, and has a track record of success in handling similar cases.
At Kruger & Hodges, we understand the physical and emotional toll that a dog bite can take on a victim, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to contact us at our Wilmington, OH offices for a free consultation.
