A Dog Bite Can Result in More Than a Wound

With over three decades of combined experience, our legal team understands what it takes to build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve. We have served thousands of clients and take pride in offering personalized representation tailored to each client’s unique situation.

Our dog bite lawyers in Wheeling, WV can handle the legal process from start to finish, giving you the time and peace of mind to focus on healing. Reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

How Our Wheeling Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help

Dog bite injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts. At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, our Wheeling dog bite attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process, whether that involves filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are committed to thorough case preparation, conducting in-depth investigations to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case tailored to your unique situation. 

We explore every legal avenue to ensure your claim addresses all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future needs. We also educate our clients throughout the process, explaining their options and empowering them to make informed decisions. We’re also here to support you during recovery, helping you focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities. If negotiations with insurers don’t yield fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.

West Virginia’s Dog Bite Laws

West Virginia’s dog bite laws are governed by West Virginia Code § 19-20-13, which establishes a strict liability rule in certain situations. A dog owner can be held legally responsible if their dog bites or injures someone, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior.

Strict liability applies if the victim was lawfully on the property or in a public place and did not provoke the dog. Unlike states that require proof of negligence or a history of aggression, West Virginia’s strict liability law focuses on holding dog owners accountable for their dog’s actions. Additionally, the law protects victims from dogs running at large and emphasizes dog owners’ responsibility to contain and control their pets properly. Our dog bite attorneys in Wheeling, WV can carefully evaluate the circumstances of your injury to determine an appropriate path forward, whether that involves negotiating with insurers or filing a personal injury lawsuit.

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Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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"In January I was injured by a dog. PJ's and his staff were compassionate, helpful, and explained every step. I've never needed to hire a lawyer before and they were extremely kind and willing to help me understand the process. They were also excellent with communication, I was always clear on what was happening and what would happen next. In the end we were able to come to a settlement that I am extremely happy with. Thank you so much PJ and Holly! I hope I am never in this situation again but if I am I would certainly be a return client." 

—Alexandria P.

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What to Do After a Dog Bite

There are important steps you should take in the wake of a dog bite to protect your health and legal rights. Acting quickly and thoughtfully can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. Take the following steps as soon as possible:

  • Get medical treatment right away: Dog bites can lead to infections, scarring, or even long-term complications if left untreated. Clean the wound immediately and visit a doctor to ensure proper care. A medical professional can document the severity of your injuries, which may be important for a potential claim.
  • Find out about the dog and its owner: If possible, try to identify the dog and its owner. Ask for contact information and whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, especially rabies. If the dog is a stray, write down its description and where the attack happened.
  • Report the dog attack: Contact your local police department. Filing a report not only helps protect others from future incidents but also creates an official record of your case.
  • Document everything: Take photos of your injuries immediately after the attack and throughout the healing process. Photograph any torn clothing, the location of the incident, and anything else that might help explain what happened.
  • Consult a lawyer: A lawyer can examine the details of the incident, gather evidence, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Following these steps will help protect your physical well-being and strengthen your ability to hold the responsible party accountable.

Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Wheeling Work on Contingency

We understand the financial burdens that can follow a dog bite injury, from medical bills to lost income and beyond. That’s why our dog bite lawyers in Wheeling work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs to hire our attorneys. Instead, our payment is contingent on the outcome of your case—we only get paid if we win compensation for you. This approach ensures that everyone has access to skilled legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances. It also means our interests are fully aligned with yours: we’re motivated to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of local attorneys were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
Read Sydney's Bio

Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
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Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio
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Let Us Help You Seek Justice and Recovery for Your Dog Bite Injuries

At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to every client. We take the time to truly get to know our clients, treating them as valued individuals and ensuring they always feel heard and supported. You’ll have direct access to our attorneys from start to finish.

Our team carefully formulates legal strategies with each client’s best interests at heart, ensuring they understand their options and feel confident in the process. Known throughout the region for our professionalism and personal approach, we’re not just lawyers; we’re a team that truly cares about our clients and their futures. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us guide you on the path to recovery and justice. Get answers and help on your way, starting today.

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