Dog Bite Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Since 2000, our Columbus personal injury attorneys at Oliver Law Office have understood everything changes when negligence turns our Ohio clients’ lives upside down – including those who are bitten or attacked by dogs.

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 require medical treatment for their injuries.

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 to obtain the full settlement you deserve.

Our law firm founder and managing attorney, Jami S. Oliver, has been voted 2024 Lawyer of the Year in Columbus, Ohio, for Product Liability and named to the Best Lawyers 2024 list in multiple practice areas. Allow our skilled team, led by one of Ohio’s best, to review your dog bite injury claim during a free consultation today so you can start making informed decisions about your case and future.

Lawyers for Dog Bite & Injury

We Handle All Ohio Dog Bite & Injury Cases on a Contingency Basis

At Oliver Law Office, our Ohio dog bite attorneys and team have successfully represented clients for nearly 30 years. We have intimate knowledge of Ohio’s personal injury laws and how to obtain maximum compensation from all insurance coverages and policies for each client’s unique recovery needs.

What we do differently is ensure our clients know how important they are to us. You are not simply another case. You are not a number. You have gone through a physically and emotionally traumatic experience, and you deserve our full attention.

Oliver Law Office was built to prioritize and support you through unparalleled communication and commitment to your individualized needs by delivering an experience that instills trust and encourages the ethical and passionate pursuit of justice.

We handle all injury cases on a contingency basis, which means we advance all the costs necessary to pursue your claim, and we only charge you a fee if and when there is a successful result.

Your complete recovery is essential, and you are worth the fight. Getting your life back on track means not giving up on the process. We won’t either. Contact us today to learn more.

What are Ohio’s Dog Bite Laws?

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, 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. If you have questions about how our Ohio dog bite laws impact your personal injury claim, we have answers. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a claim.

Restrictions on Dangerous Dogs in Columbus, Ohio

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 always wear an identifying tag, indicating they have been classified as dangerous dogs. If you have been bitten by a dangerous dog in Ohio, we want to hear your story during a free consultation.

Reporting Dog Bites in Columbus, Ohio

Individuals aware of a dog bite must report it to the Columbus Health Commissioners. A report must be made by either the person injured by a dog bite, the dog’s owner, 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 and how they were sustained. Once you have sought medical care, contact our skilled Columbus dog bite attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue a successful claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio?

Generally speaking, there are three potential liable parties for dog bites in Columbus.

  • The first and most apparent is the dog owner.
  • However, under the law, harborers of a dog can also be held liable. Harborers are individuals who control the dog’s home. 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 liable for a dog bite, but only if the attack occurred on common property.

Notably, 77% of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog. This means pursuing a neighbor, friend, or family member for your dog bite damages can lead to an uncomfortable conversation that can potentially damage your personal relationship.

We can help. Our skilled Columbus dog bite attorneys will directly pursue the liable party’s insurance coverage for your complete damages, removing you from the conversation. This means running all communication with the home or property owner’s insurance representative directly through our offices so you can preserve your personal relationship while still getting the financial support you need to cover your damages. Contact our Columbus dog bite attorneys today to learn more.

What are the Most Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites in Ohio?

Dog bites and attacks can result in various injuries, from minor to severe. The severity of injuries often depends on factors like the size and breed of the dog, the victim’s age and size, and the circumstances of the incident.

Common injuries associated with dog bites and attacks include:

  • Puncture Wounds

Dogs have sharp teeth that can cause puncture wounds, which may be deep and prone to infection.

  • Lacerations and Tears

Some dog bites can cause cuts and tears in the skin and underlying tissues, requiring medical attention and possibly stitches.

  • Bruises and Contusions

Blunt force trauma during a dog attack can result in bruises and contusions.

  • Fractures and Broken Bones

A strong bite or forceful attack can lead to fractures or broken bones, particularly in smaller bones like fingers or toes.

  • Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can occur during a dog attack, leading to pain and potential long-term issues.

  • Infection

Bites puncture the skin, creating an entry point for bacteria. Infection is a common complication and may require medical treatment, including antibiotics.

  • Nerve Damage

Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to temporary or permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected area.

  • Scarring and Disfigurement

Serious dog bites may result in scarring or disfigurement, especially if the victim is a child.

  • Emotional Trauma

Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks can cause emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  • Rabies Transmission

Although rare in well-vaccinated dogs, there is a risk of rabies transmission through a dog bite. Immediate medical attention and rabies vaccination may be necessary.

It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for any dog bite, even if the injury seems minor. In addition, reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities can help prevent future incidents and ensure public safety.

Once you have a treatment plan in place and the dog is no longer a danger to anyone else, contact our law office for help navigating your claim so that you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

We Also Focus on the Following Areas in Columbus:-

Contact Our Skilled Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, Today

If you, your child, or another loved one has been bitten by a dog in Ohio, contact our dedicated Columbus dog bite injury attorneys today by calling us at (614) 756-6774. There is never a charge to speak with an attorney or any upfront or out-of-pocket costs to associate with our law firm in an injury or death matter.

Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing the individualized needs of each client: Confidence, Courage, and Determination. Let’s get started on your claim today.

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