A dog bite is traumatizing and can leave you with lasting physical and emotional pain. If you or a loved one has been bitten, it’s important to talk to a New Albany dog bite lawyer who can help protect your rights.
At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, we understand how distressing these situations can be. While dogs are often considered loyal companions, their behavior can be unpredictable. When an attack occurs, those responsible should be held accountable.
Reach out to a New Albany personal injury lawyer at The Stuckey Firm, LLC. Our team has over three decades of combined experience and is here to help guide you in the right direction.
Understanding Dog Bite Law in Ohio
Ohio follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under Ohio Revised Code § 955.28(B), the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog. All you need to prove is that the dog was in the care of the responsible party.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule:
- If you were committing a crime or trespassing when the bite occurred
- If you were teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner’s property
These exceptions apply in wrongful death cases as well. If you or a loved one has been affected by a dog bite, our team can review your case and discuss your legal options.
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Liability for a Dog Bite in New Albany, Ohio
In Ohio, the dog’s owner is primarily responsible for any harm the dog causes. However, other parties may also be held accountable under certain circumstances:
- Harborers are those who own or control the property where the dog lives, such as homeowners, apartment complexes, or businesses.
- Keepers are individuals who temporarily care for the dog, such as dog walkers or those in charge of boarding kennels.
Figuring out who is responsible for your injuries is an important step in your case. New Albany dog bite attorneys are here to help you understand who was in control of the dog when the bite happened and explore the insurance options that can support your claim.
Professional. Personable. Proven effective.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Ohio?
If a dog has injured you, state law allows you to bring a claim against the dog’s owner or another party responsible for the animal’s actions. Whether it’s a bite, scratch, or another injury caused by someone else’s dog, you may have the right to seek justice.
Injuries from a dog bite may include:
- Puncture wounds from bites
- Broken bones or fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the head, face, or neck
- Eye trauma
- Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, especially in the extremities
- Nerve damage
- Emotional distress following the attack
It’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible so your injuries are properly documented. Also, be sure to keep track of any financial or emotional losses you’ve experienced because of the injury, as this will play a big role in supporting your claim.
“Everything he did was over and beyond what we would expect an attorney to do. He made it so that we didn’t have any worries.”.
Client | Auto AccidentCompensation for a Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. New Albany dog bite attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to identify all potential damages.
Possible damages may include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Costs for ongoing care, surgery, or rehabilitation
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Scarring, disfigurement, or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life
Dog bite injuries can be costly, not just physically and financially, but emotionally, especially for children. Dog bite attorneys in New Albany can gather evidence and consult with experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses.
Professional. Personable. Proven effective.
What if You’re Accused of Causing the Dog Bite?
In New Albany, dog owners, keepers, harborers, and their insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto victims when a dog bite occurs. They might claim that you provoked the dog or were trespassing in an attempt to avoid responsibility for the injuries caused.
Proving you didn’t provoke the dog or weren’t trespassing can be challenging. Eyewitness testimony is often key to showing that you weren’t at fault and that the blame lies with the responsible party.
Witnesses and evidence can help if you were going door-to-door for sales or volunteering, as Ohio law protects individuals in these situations. If you’ve been accused of causing a dog bite, reach out to New Albany dog bite attorneys to protect your rights.
Important Time Limits for Dog Bite Claims in Ohio
When it comes to dog bite claims in Ohio, there are key time limits to keep in mind:
- Personal injury claims, including dog bites, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). This deadline is important to make sure you don’t lose your right to pursue your claim.
- If a child is bitten, the claim must be filed within two years of the victim turning 18 (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.16).
- Wrongful death claims related to dog bites also have a two-year limit, starting from the date of the victim’s death (Ohio Revised Code § 2125.02).
It’s important to take action as soon as possible. Even if you don’t need to file a lawsuit, waiting too long could prevent you from recovering the damages your family deserves.
Let a New Albany Dog Bite Lawyer Help You Fight for Your Rights
A dog bite can leave lifelong scars, both physically and emotionally. Having a New Albany dog bite lawyer on your side can help you take action and protect your rights. At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, our team brings over three decades of combined experience to your case.
We’re committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions. You don’t have to handle this on your own—we’re here to support you through the entire process.
Reach out today to speak with The Stuckey Firm, LLC. Let us help you get the justice and support you need after a dog bite injury.
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