The Kruger & Hodges team of experienced dog bite lawyers understand the physical and emotional toll that dog bites can have on victims. Ohio has a high rate of dog bite incidents, with thousands of people being bitten each year. Dog bites can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm, and Kruger & Hodges is dedicated to helping victims recover compensation for their injuries.
Ohio Dog Bite Law
Ohio follows the “strict liability” rule for dog bite cases, which means that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities. However, if a person was trespassing or teasing the dog, the owner may not be held liable for any injuries.
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Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites can range from minor to severe and can result in a variety of injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds: These are the most common injuries from dog bites, and they can range from minor to severe.
- Infections: Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths that can cause infections if they enter a person’s bloodstream through a bite wound.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement, especially if they occur on the face or hands.
- Broken bones: A powerful dog bite can fracture or break bones.
- Nerve damage: A dog bite can cause nerve damage that can result in long-term pain or numbness.
- Emotional trauma: Dog bites can cause fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some people.
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Dog Bite Prevention
Educating dog owners and the general public about dog safety is essential to prevent dog bites. Dog owners should properly socialize and train their dogs, keep them on a leash or in a fenced area, and ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations. The public should also be educated on approaching dogs and avoiding behaviors that may provoke them, such as teasing or taunting.
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If You’ve Suffered a Dog Bite in Washington Court House, OH
If you are bitten by a dog in Washington Court House, OH, there are several important steps that you should take:
- Seek medical attention: The first thing you should do after a dog bite is to seek medical attention. Even if the wound appears minor, it’s important to have it examined by a medical professional. In addition to cleaning and dressing the wound, a doctor can check for signs of infection and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
- Identify the dog and its owner: If possible, try to identify the dog and its owner. This information can be crucial if you decide to pursue a legal claim. Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number, as well as the dog’s breed and any other identifying information.
- Report the incident: Report the dog bite to the Washington Court House Police Department as soon as possible. If the dog is a stray, animal control may be able to capture it and test it for diseases such as rabies.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the wound and the incident’s location. If there were any witnesses to the attack, try to get their names and contact information. This information can be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action.
- action.
Contact a dog bite lawyer: Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer in Washington Court House, OH as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. - Follow your doctor’s orders: Follow your doctor’s orders for treating the wound and preventing infection. Keep all medical records and bills related to the injury.
Remember, dog bites can be serious and even life-threatening. It’s important to take action as soon as possible after a dog bite to protect your health and your legal rights.
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What is a “Dangerous Dog” versus a “Vicious Dog”?
Under Ohio law, a “dangerous dog” is one that has caused injury to a person, killed another dog, or been the subject of a previous finding by a court or animal control authority that the dog is dangerous. A “vicious dog,” on the other hand, is one that has killed or caused serious injury to a person without provocation. Owners of dangerous or vicious dogs may be subject to additional legal requirements, such as obtaining a special license or insurance policy.
Basis for a Legal Claim
If someone is bitten by a dog in Ohio, they may be able to pursue a legal claim for damages against the dog’s owner. To do so, they must prove that the dog owner was negligent in some way, such as by failing to properly control the dog or by allowing a known dangerous dog to roam freely. In addition, Ohio follows a “strict liability” standard, which means that the dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether they were negligent.
How can I Choose the Best Dog Bite Lawyer for My Claim?
When choosing from dog bite lawyers in Washington Court House, seeking one with experience handling dog bite cases is crucial. Kruger & Hodges has a successful track record of helping dog bite victims recover compensation for their injuries. They offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of the case and determine the best course of action.
Call or text 740-807-5079 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form