Dogs have a reputation as man’s best friend. However, dogs are still animals, and sometimes, they act aggressively or dangerously, leading to an attack. Dog bites can cause injuries, mental trauma, and other serious consequences.
Fortunately, you can hire our dog bite lawyer serving Pickerington if you – or a family member – sustained injuries due to an animal attack. Our team at Bressman Law puts you first in this situation, getting the job done to bring you compensation for your losses.
Can You Claim Compensation for a Dog Bite?
You may face expensive medical bills and other losses after a dog bite in Pickerington. Fortunately, you have legal options to seek damages to cover your expenses for:
- Emergency care
- Treatments and surgeries
- Antibiotics to deal with possible infections
- Pain medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Many individuals face extensive scarring after a dog bite, especially if they wait to get medical care. Our team focuses on all of your losses after an animal attack. We will gather data and records to show that the attack directly led to your losses and then work on building your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite attorney in Pickerington, call (614) 538-1116
What a Lawyer on Our Team Can Do to Support Your Pickerington Dog Bite Case
You can leave your dog bite case in our attorney’s hands. They will:
- Collect evidence, such as the incident report and medical records
- Name the liable dog owner
- Maintain communication with other parties
- Study applicable laws
- Fight for a fair settlement
- Argue your case in trial, if necessary
This aid will be available to you on a contingency-fee basis, so there won’t be any fees unless and until we resolve your case.
Pickerington Dog Bite Attorney (614) 538-1116
Facts About Dog Bites in the U.S.
According to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), over 4.5 million dogs bite people every year. Around 800,000 of these attacks require medical attention, and children end up facing the majority of these animal attacks.
Dog bites can involve a beloved family pet, an animal out with its owner on a walk or at a dog park, or a dog allowed to run loose through a public area. Regardless of the animal involved in the attack, our team steps in to provide you with compassionate and understanding care.
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Ohio’s Laws on Dog Bite Liability
As with any personal injury claim, you can only secure compensation for your losses if someone else caused the accident. Our team understands the laws, such as Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28, surrounding dog bite liability in Pickerington. Ohio uses strict liability laws to handle animal attacks.
Strict liability means that dog owners carry a responsibility to cover the losses of anyone their dog bites, even if the dog has never behaved in an aggressive manner.
Generally, individuals pursue a claim through homeowners insurance to secure compensation after an animal attack.
Regulations Related to Dangerous Dogs
Some dogs are classified as “dangerous” in Pickerington. Dogs that have already harmed or attacked another person receive this designation under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22. Dangerous dogs have to be:
- Kept on a short leash
- Locked in a yard or cage
- Registered at the county auditor
They also have to wear a special tag. If the owner decides to sell their dangerous dog, they must inform the potential buyer of the dog’s designation.
If a dangerous dog attacks someone again, the dog’s owner may face harsher penalties under the law in Ohio. In addition, the state may require the dog owner to have the dog put down.
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Move Quickly to Handle Dog Bite Claims in Pickerington
Ohio uses a statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits. If you wait until this statute expires, you may no longer have a way to recover damages. Generally, you have six years from the date of your attack to file your lawsuit.
However, these regulations change if you are under 18 at the time of the dog attack. In situations involving minors, they have up to six years from the time they turn 18 to seek legal compensation for their losses.
You can begin the legal process today with our dog bite attorney serving Pickerington or a nearby area. Getting help quickly can allow your lawyer to gather evidence and speak with witnesses while they have clear memories of the event.
Steps to Take After a Pickerington Dog Bite
We understand the stress and confusion associated with a dog attack in Pickerington. In the aftermath of the attack, make sure that you:
- Seek treatment for any injuries you sustained.
- Speak with the dog’s owner and get their contact information.
- Talk to any witnesses who saw your attack.
- File a report about the dog bite.
It’s important to move quickly after a dog bite. Waiting can make it more difficult for a lawyer to build a claim to handle your case. You can reach out to us right away and find out more about how we have helped other clients by checking out our client reviews.
What Happens After a Dog Bite Is Reported in Ohio?
You need to file a bite incident report after an animal attack. You only have 24 hours to file this report, which should include information about:
- The name of the dog’s owner
- What the dog looked like
- The place where the attack occurred
- How the bite happened
- The dog’s rabies vaccination status
Moving quickly allows the professionals to perform a rabies exposure risk assessment and immediately quarantine the dog. According to Ohio Revised Code Section § 955.261, after a bite report, the dog goes into quarantine for 10 days in Ohio. After 10 days, the owner can remove the dog from the county.
Speak to Bressman Law After a Dog Attack in Pickerington
You don’t have to try to deal with an animal attack in Ohio on your own. Hire our dog bite lawyer serving Pickerington instead. Our team at Bressman Law puts you first and stands up for your legal rights.
Call us at (877) 538-1116 to discuss your options during a free consultation.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
