Work With An Experienced Dog Bite Litigator
Dog owners need to provide food, shelter and socialization for their pets and, just as importantly, keep them from harming others. Ohio and West Virginia’s dog bite laws underscore this by ruling that a dog’s owner or caretaker is liable for damage caused by their dog’s behavior, including dog bite injuries.
A Serious Situation
If you or a loved one gets attacked by a dog, the injury usually goes deeper than the break in the skin. After more than 10 years of practicing law, attorney Nathan J. Stuckey knows that an attack from a dog can cause:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Muscle and bone injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Psychological trauma
Seek Medical Attention
Another medical reality is the chance of contracting rabies if the dog involved does not have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. That is why it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a dog attack that breaks the skin. Depending on the circumstances of the animal attack, you may have a personal injury claim against the owner and/or harborer of the dog.
The Stuckey Firm is ready to gather the evidence needed to successfully prosecute your claims and fairly compensate you after a dog bite injury.
Explore Legal Options
In the state of Ohio, there are two options for filing a case about an injury from a dog: strict liability and negligence. The strict liability option does not require proof that the owner or caretaker of the dog was negligent. Ohio case law provides for the negligence option, which requires evidence that the dog’s handler was careless or acted with malice.
Answers To The Four Most Asked Questions
We know you have questions as to what to do and about what happened. Here are the most frequently asked questions we get and their answers.
Do I have a dog bite claim?
Every case is different. However, if a dog attacked or bit you or a child, it’s very likely you have a case. Why? Because Ohio is what is known as a “strict liability state,” this means the state holds the owner responsible for the dog’s behavior.
We know that you are upset and unsure of what to do. First, please get medical attention and rabies treatment if indicated. Rabies is almost always 100% treatable if caught early, but it is always fatal if not treated. The treatment these days is a very simple, not painful, course of four shots, usually in the upper arm (deltoid muscle). Second, after the doctor’s visit, call and speak with us for a free consultation. We will answer your questions.
What if my child provoked the dog?
In most cases, provocation is difficult to prove, especially if it is a child who is bitten. There are actions that are not considered provocative, such as walking toward the dog, hanging your hands over a fence, feeding a dog, reaching toward a dog or petting or playing with a dog. It’s best to speak with an Ohio attorney any time an adult, teen or child is bitten so that you can understand your rights.
Does it matter where the dog attack occurred?
Not really. Every dog owner has a duty to keep their dog under control. If someone else is watching the dog or pet sitting, the owner is still responsible for what the dog does.
Does it matter if the dog was leashed?
Most cities have ordinances that require dogs to be leashed or under the verbal command of the owner. A dog that is on a leash is under the owner’s “strict liability.” A dog owner (harborer or keeper) can be held responsible in both civil and criminal court for their dog’s behavior and the injuries the dog causes. In short, the owner needs to have control over their dog. In Ohio, the victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Give The Stuckey Firm, LLC a call at 937-471-3837 to reach our Springfield or Columbus law offices or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our lawyer. We are here to provide appropriate advice and direction regarding your dog bite case.