A dog can turn brutally violent in an instant, going from a docile and loving companion to a fierce and aggressive attacker before a victim even sees it coming. Dog bites can be painful, and many can be serious enough to warrant a visit to the ER. Others can be deadly. Dog bite injuries can also become a source of infection. Moreover, dogs can spread diseases when they bite, including rabies. If you have been attacked by a dog and suffered serious injuries, as a result, let our Columbus dog bite accident attorney at Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers help you hold the responsible party(s) accountable for your damages.
Dogs that bite are quite common in Ohio, with 15,358 dog bites reported in 2020 alone, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Nearly one out of every five dog bite victims will require medical help as a result of the attack, notes the CDC. Injuries sustained during a dog bite attack can range from scratches and lacerations to deep puncture wounds, eye injuries, injuries to the head and neck, facial injuries, and even broken bones. Dogs with particularly advanced crushing strength in their jaws can also cause crushing injuries to the soft tissues, muscles, and bones. Avulsion injuries are also possible, which are injuries that occur when skin and tissue are ripped away during the attack. Significant scarring is quite common with violent dog bite attacks.
In Ohio, anyone who owns keeps, or harbors a dog is liable for any injuries that the dog causes. This is the premise of Ohio’s strict liability law regarding dog bite attacks. Two exceptions exist to this liability standard in Ohio. The first of these is that the victim cannot be attempting to or committing the act of criminal trespassing or other crime when the attack occurred. A second exception is that the victim was not abusing, tormenting, or teasing the dog.
Keep in mind that Ohio law also calls for strict liability for victims who are injured when a dog knocks them down or inflicts injury in some other way, even if it does not bite.
Dog bite accident claims generally seek compensation for medical costs and lost wages incurred due to the attack. Other damages, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the cost of future care/future lost income, may also be recovered from the at-fault party and/or their insurer.
Dogs are a big comfort and provide unconditional love and companionship to their owners—until they suddenly do not. Being mauled or even bitten by a dog can be scary and traumatizing, and in many instances, a dog bite attack can leave victims emotionally and physically scarred for life. Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers’ Columbus dog bite accident attorney has a proven track record of advocating for the legal rights of dog bite victims and their families. Reach out for a free case evaluation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
