If you or your child were attacked and injured by a dog, you might be able to file a claim against the owner for compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages. These types of claims can be tricky to collect full reimbursement, so it’s a good idea to have a dog bite lawyer represent you and pursue the compensation to which you’re entitled.
Proving a Dog Bite Claim
Ohio dog bite liability laws are covered in Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B). The law is fairly straightforward. It provides: “The owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog…”
Unlike other states, in Ohio, dog bite victims do not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent in order to win the claim. They only have to prove that the dog caused their injuries and demonstrate the severity of the injuries to the court.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bites lawyer serving Hilliard, call (614) 538-1116
Exceptions to the Rule
In most cases, dog bite victims can file a claim against the owner for compensation for damages. However, if the owner proves any of the following, you may not win your case.
- You were trespassing. (Note that sales persons, delivery persons, mail persons, etc. are not considered trespassers under dog bite law. If you were attacked by a dog while delivering or making a sales house call, the dog owner still may be liable for your injuries.)
- You were committing or attempting to commit a crime.
- You provoked the dog.
It’s not uncommon for dog owners’ attorneys to use one of the above defenses to try to limit liability and avoid paying damages. The owner might claim you provoked the attack, but you may present evidence to counter this accusation. This is another reason why enlisting in the help of an attorney can be important. Your lawyer will foresee the possible defenses and prepare accordingly to combat any false accusations.
Hilliard Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (614) 538-1116
The Effect of a Dog Attack
Dog attacks can cause extensive physical and emotional damages. Crush injuries, bone and flesh wounds, loss of limb, internal damage, and facial injuries are not uncommon. Victims may need multiple surgeries and long-term rehab, suffer from permanent disability and experience complications such as infection.
Plus, there are the emotional aspects of a dog attack that victims often deal with. They may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, depression, anxiety and multiple social disorders. Victims’ emotional damages can be so great that their work, school, family social lives, and sense of well-being and security are affected.
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Types of Compensable Damages
Your lawyer can help paint a clear picture of the extent of your injuries. Medical records, photographs, and medical and mental health expert testimonials can all be helpful in substantiating your claim.
If your case is successful, below are some of the damages for which you may be able to collect reimbursement.
- Emergency room bills
- Medical visits
- Surgeries
- Medications and other treatments
- Lost wages
- Mental health visits, counseling and treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
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Free Consultation with Dog Bite Lawyer David Bressman
If you or your loved one were injured in a dog attack in Hilliard, call attorney David Bressman for help. Bressman has a deep passion for justice and for helping victims get the compensation that they need and deserve.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us today at 877-707-1385. You also may wish to check out our testimonials and watch our video, Dog Bite: What to do/What to expect.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
