So many Columbus residents have family dogs or have close friends and neighbors with dogs as pets. Even seemingly docile dogs can bite, however, and young children often suffer the consequences of those dog bites.
According to DogsBite.org, young children between the ages of 0 and 2 account for nearly 30% of all dog bite fatalities, and infants under the age of 1 are at greatest risk of a deadly dog attack. Adults can also suffer serious and fatal injuries from dog bites. About 1,000 Americans require treatment in emergency departments every day as a result of a serious dog bite injury, and more than 14,000 people require hospitalization.
Given my experience as a Columbus catastrophic injury attorney, I know first-hand how devastating a dog bite injury can be. Many people are permanently disabled and disfigured as a result of dog bites, and I want to make sure you know that I’ll Make Them Pay!® In the meantime, here are five things to know about dog bite claims in Columbus.
- You Are Not Alone in Filing a Claim Against a Dog Owner You Know
If you are worried you are one of the only people to file a claim against a dog owner you know—for example, a friend or neighbor—you should know that this is not true. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 36% of American households have dogs, and dog bites are more likely to happen in those homes.
- Dog Owner Does Not Need to Have Knowledge of Dog’s Viciousness to Be Liable
While some states require a dog owner to have previous knowledge of a dog’s viciousness or propensity for biting in order to be liable, Ohio is not one of those states. Under Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Section 955.28), as long as the dog caused the injury and the injured person was not doing something unlawful or provoking the dog, the owner is liable.
- Ohio Allows Strict Liability or Negligence Claims for Dog Bites
Injury victims can file a dog bite claim using a theory of strict liability or negligence in Ohio. I can tell you more.
- You Must File Your Lawsuit Within Two Years from the Date of the Animal Attack
Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Section 2305.10) requires most dog bite claims to be filed within two years from the date of the animal attack. Waiting any longer can lead to a time-barred claim.
- Dog Owner Can Use Provocation or Trespassing as a Defense
You should know that a dog owner does have defenses. If you were trespassing or committing a crime at the time of the dog attack, or if you provoked the dog, the owner may not be liable. I can help to prove that you deserve full compensation and that the owner is responsible for your injuries.
Contact Me for More Information About Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Columbus
Whether you were bitten by an unknown dog or a dog belonging to a family member or acquaintance, I know it can be difficult to file these types of claims. In particular, you may be wondering whether it is really the best idea to file a claim against a family member or neighbor after a dog attack.
Let me emphasize that any dog can bite, and you deserve to be compensated for your significant losses. In dog bite claims in Columbus, Ohio, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me at 877.614.9524 today to find out more about filing a dog bite claim.
