Union County Dog Bites Attorney

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences. The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the dog’s size, the location of the bite, and how much force the dog used. Some common injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds: Deep puncture wounds are common in dog bite cases. These can cause significant pain and damage to muscles, nerves, or bones. If untreated, they may lead to infections.
• Fractures: In severe cases, a dog bite can cause bone fractures, especially if the dog bites down with strong force or targets limbs.
• Nerve Damage: A dog bite can lead to nerve damage, particularly if the bite affects the hands or face. Nerve injuries may cause numbness, tingling, or even paralysis in the affected area.
• Infections: Dogs carry bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to infections like cellulitis. If the bite isn't properly cleaned and treated, it could lead to more serious health issues.

These injuries can result in chronic pain, permanent scarring, and long-term psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some victims.

How to Determine Liability for a Dog Bite in Ohio

In Ohio, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that the owner is responsible for the dog’s behavior, regardless of the dog’s past history of aggression. However, liability may also extend to others connected to the dog:

• Owner: The person who owns the dog is generally the primary party liable for any injuries. For example, if a neighbor’s dog bites you while walking on their property, the owner is responsible.
• Harborer: A harborer is someone who may not own the dog but controls where the dog lives. For instance, a landlord could be held liable if a tenant’s dog attacks someone in a shared space.
• Keeper: A keeper is anyone temporarily in control of the dog, such as a dog-walker or friend. If they fail to keep the dog properly restrained, they may be held responsible for injuries.

What Compensation Can You Receive for Dog Bite Injuries?

Victims of dog bites may be eligible for various types of compensation:

• Economic Damages: These cover direct financial losses, such as:
  • Medical bills for treatment of the injuries.
  • Lost wages if the victim is unable to work due to the injury.
  • Costs for future medical care or rehabilitation.
• Non-Economic Damages: These account for the pain and suffering caused by the injury, including:
  • Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD.
  • Permanent disfigurement or scarring.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or recklessness, the court may award punitive damages to punish the dog owner for their actions and to deter others from similar behavior.

The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Ohio

In Ohio, victims of dog bites have a limited time to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the attack. After this period, the victim may lose the right to pursue a claim.

It’s crucial to act quickly, as delaying can hurt your chances of obtaining compensation. Evidence may deteriorate, witness memories may fade, and the defendant may argue that too much time has passed. Filing a claim as soon as possible allows you to gather the necessary evidence and protect your rights to financial recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dog Bites in Union County, Ohio

• What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog?
  • Seek medical attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it's important to get checked by a doctor to prevent infections or further complications.
  • Report the bite: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to file a report and document the incident.
  • Collect evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene. Gather witness statements if possible. 
• Can I file a lawsuit if I was bitten by a dog I know?
  Yes, in Ohio, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether you know the dog or not. This means you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries, even if the dog is a pet you’re familiar with. In cases of wrongful death, if a loved one is killed as a result of a dog bite, the family may also file a lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for their loss. Ohio law allows family members to claim damages for medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional distress caused by a wrongful death due to a dog attack.
• Can I get compensation for emotional trauma from a dog bite?
  Yes, emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, is considered a non-economic damage. If you suffer psychological harm from the dog attack, you may be able to receive compensation for these emotional injuries.
• What happens if the dog that bit me has no owner or the owner is unknown?
  If the dog’s owner is unknown, it can complicate the case, but you may still have options for pursuing compensation. For example, you might be able to file a claim through your own homeowner’s or renter’s insurance if the incident happened on your property, or the local authorities might be able to help identify the owner.
• How do I prove liability in a dog bite case?
  To prove liability, you need to demonstrate that the owner, harborer, or keeper was responsible for the dog and that their negligence led to the bite. This might include showing that the dog had a history of aggression or that the individual failed to control the animal properly.
• How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a dog bite?
  In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit is two years from the date of the attack. It's important to act quickly, as failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to claim compensation.
• Are punitive damages available for dog bite cases?
  Yes, in cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar actions. However, punitive damages are not awarded in every case.