Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately five million people are bitten by dogs every year, and 800,000 of those victims required medical treatment for their injuries. Any dog bite injury is traumatic but depending on the severity of the bite, there are times when these injuries are particularly devastating. If you or someone you love has been injured, you can file a claim against the dog owner to recover compensation. These claims are very difficult to prove in Ohio, though. Our Columbus dog bites lawyer can help you navigate the process so you obtain the full settlement you deserve.
Ohio Law on Dog Bites
Ohio is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that even if the dog has never bitten someone in the past, or has never shown aggressive tendencies in the past, dog owners can still be held liable for any injuries their animal causes. After a dog has bitten someone, the owner must also take special care to ensure it does not happen again.
Restrictions on Dangerous Dogs in Columbus
Dogs that have bitten or otherwise caused harm to someone must be registered as a dangerous dog. Under the dangerous dog classification, owners must comply with serious restrictions. Dangerous dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet, and owners must keep them in a locked yard or cage with a top. These animals must also wear an identifying tag at all times indicating that they have been classified as a dangerous dog.
Reporting Dog Bites in Columbus
Individuals who are aware of a dog bite must report it to the Columbus Health Commissioners. A report must be made by either the person who was injured by a dog bite, the owner of the dog, or anyone else who knows about the incident. The report must be made within 24 hours of the bite.
Dog bite victims should also seek medical attention as soon as possible after they are bitten and inform the doctor about how they were injured. Medical documentation can make it easier to prove the nature and severity of the injuries, as well as how they were sustained.
Liability for Dog Bites in Columbus
Generally speaking, there are three potential liable parties for dog bites in Columbus. The first and most obvious is the dog owner. However, under the law, harborers of a dog can also be held liable. Harborers are individuals who control the home of the dog. For example, if an adult child moved in with their parents and had a dog, the parents would be considered harborers of the animal. Lastly, landlords can also be held liable for a dog bite, but only if the attack occurred on common property.
Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Columbus Can Help After an Injury
If you have been hurt by a dog, speak to our Columbus dog bite lawyer at Oliver Law Office today. We will review the circumstances of your case and determine how to best pursue your claim. Call or text us today at 614-220-9100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
