Ohio law allows you to hold a dog’s owner liable if it attacks you and causes injuries. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a Columbus dog bite incident, the Bressman Law team is standing by to review your case. Let us explain your rights and help you understand your legal options. A dog bite lawyer with our firm can build a strong case and pursue compensation on your behalf.
We can discuss your legal options in a free consultation today.
Bressman Law Can get the Job Done for You
Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §955.28, we can try to hold the dog owner liable for your accident-related expenses and losses. In order to do so, we must build a case to convince the other party’s insurance company or a jury that you are entitled to compensation. So, as your legal team, we can:
- Collect evidence, such as witness testimony and photos of your injuries
- Update you on the progress of your case
- Negotiate a settlement
- Protect your right to compensation by managing all communication related to your case
- Document your losses and expenses
- Take legal action on your behalf
If the insurance does not award you a settlement, we can file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner to go after the compensation you need to cover your damages. Dog bites are strict liability cases with only very limited exceptions to liability in Ohio. A dog bite lawyer with our team will present the case they built in court and ask the judge to award you with a payout that covers your expenses and losses.
Make Sure You Comply with Ohio’s Deadlines
In Ohio, you generally have six years after a dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite accident, unless you were under 18 years old at the time of the accident. If you were younger than 18 when you were attacked, you have up to six years after you turn 18 to file suit.
If you do not take legal action during this period, the state could bar you from filing a suit in civil court to pursue compensation altogether. It will then be your responsibility to cover all your damages.
Given enough notice, our dog bite lawyers serving Columbus can help you abide by this timeline.
Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Case
It’s not enough to say that a dog bit you, and therefore you are entitled to compensation. Applying the four elements of negligence to your case is what qualifies you to recover your damages. The Legal Information Institutes (LII) affirms that they are:
- Duty of care: The dog owner owed you a duty of care by properly training their dog.
- Breach of duty: The dog owner failed to train their dog and let their dog near the public.
- Causation: Their dog attacked you.
- Damages: You are now suffering damages due to your injuries.
If there is evidence that you provoked the dog or that the dog owner did not owe you a duty of care, you might not qualify for damages. Our lawyers can help you make sure you meet each one of these criteria for negligence.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bites attorney in Columbus, call (614) 538-1116
Bressman Law Can get the Job Done for You
At Bressman Law, we will fight for the payout you deserve. If we can negotiate a fair out-of-court settlement agreement or win a verdict in court, you may be eligible to recover compensation for many different expenses and losses you suffered.
We cannot give you a potential value for your case until we complete our investigation and understand all the factors that go into estimating your losses. Some of the most common recoverable damages in Ohio dog bite cases include:
Economic Damages
Compensation for these losses can cover your financial hardship, such as:
- Past and future medical care
- Past lost wages
- Diminished future earning power
- Miscellaneous related expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Compensation for these losses can cover your emotional and physical hardship, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
If your loved one passes away because of their dog bite injuries, you may be eligible to pursue additional compensation through a wrongful death claim. If your immediate family member suffered a fatal injury, you can sue for their pain and suffering, medical bills, and funeral arrangements.
Don’t think that you can only qualify for the damages listed here. Once one of our lawyers reviews your case, they can assess all your damages and put a price on each one.
Columbus Dog Bites Attorney (614) 538-1116
How a Dog Bite Accident Can Affect Your Life
Dog bite wounds can have a high risk of infection. Even minor bite injuries require medical treatment because of this risk. If you suffer more serious injuries, you may require emergency department treatment and even hospitalization.
Some potential dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Torn flesh
- Ripped muscles, tendons, or ligaments
- Broken bones
- Infection
- Amputation
- Scarring, especially on the hands or face
- Lasting impairment
- Emotional and mental anguish
Start documenting how the dog bite incident affected your life as soon as you can. Collect any documentation connected to the accident and consider keeping a diary. A Columbus personal injury attorney from our team can use this proof to strengthen your claim.
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Get Help From a Dog Bite Lawyer with our Firm Today
We have been serving personal injury clients in Ohio for more than 30 years, so you can count on us to take on your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you want to learn more about how we can help you with your dog bite case in Columbus, OH, a team member at Bressman Law is standing by to assist you.
We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency-fee-basis, so you owe us no attorney’s fees unless we recover a payout for you. Call us today to get started. Our case reviews and initial consultations are always free.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
