Dog Bites and Personal Injury — What You Need to Know
Beloved by many, yet dangerous to some.
Our canine companions represent our best friends, but — in the worst-case scenarios — can also serve as a source of fear and pain for our neighbors and community.
Dog bites affect thousands of Americans annually, yet not enough people are aware of the legal implications. In many cases, the victim of a dog bite has a legal right to file a personal injury claim against the owner of the biting dog.
When it comes to personal injury cases, it all boils down to answering this fundamental question: Is the defendant liable for the damages you suffered, and, if so, what is the extent of your damages?
If you’re the victim of a severe dog bite, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your second step, though, should be to seek the assistance of an attorney to determine whether you have a personal injury claim and what damages you may be able to recover (hint: we recommend contacting Taubman Law).
Many victims don’t realize the extent of damages that can be sustained at the expense of a biting dog:
* Medical bills
* Pain and suffering
* Lost wages
* Property damage
In Ohio (but not in all states), the owner of a dog is legally responsible to a victim of a dog bite, regardless of whether that dog owner was negligent. In other words, owners are responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog had an easygoing temperament and hadn’t been perceived as dangerous prior to the incident.
In the event of a dog bite, time becomes of essence — you must make sure you can identify both the dog and its owner before they vanish. If the dog has bitten anyone previously, punitive damage can also be sought.
There are various potential defenses to a dog-bite lawsuit. For instance, if the dog owner kept the dog fenced and had a “Beware of dog” sign, that owner may be protected from owing compensation. From a liability standpoint, Ohio law requires dog-bite victims to prove they were not trespassing, teasing, tormenting or abusing a dog on its owner’s property.
At Taubman Law we strive to make sure you know your personal injury rights. Should you ever be bitten by a dog, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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This post was written by Cleveland attorney Bruce D. Taubman, who practices workers’ compensation, personal injury and medical malpractice throughout Ohio.
