A Dog Bite Or Other Animal Attack Has Changed Your Life – We Can Help
Animal attacks are a traumatic experience. The victim might suffer disfiguring scarring, permanent nerve damage, infection, pain and suffering, anxiety and psychological distress. If you or your child were attacked by a dangerous dog, who will pay for your treatment?
At Gregory S. Young Co., LPA, we have a long-standing reputation for effectively representing the interests of accident victims who suffer serious injuries due to the negligence of others. We know Kentucky and Ohio dog bite laws and how to protect your right to financial recovery for your injury losses. When you come to our law firm, you can count on receiving personal attention by our lawyers who have experience specifically with these cases.
Who Is Responsible For A Dog Bite?
Both Ohio and Kentucky have strict liability statutes regarding animal bites. If a dog bites you or your loved one, the owner is responsible regardless of whether their actions or negligence factor into the attack. Though, you may still pursue a case on the basis of negligence. Note, however, that it is possible the owner has a case for defense against a dog bite claim if they adequately warned their visitors prior to the attack or if the visitors were trespassing on the property.
Furthermore, under the laws of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, the owner or handler of a dog is responsible for injuries caused when the animal:
- Chases and knocks a person down
- Bites or mauls a visitor to the property
- Attacks a child visitor on the property
When the owner of the dog has been identified, the personal injury claim is typically paid by a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy or business liability policy. Our personal injury attorneys will work to identify all policies that apply, including your own medical coverage, and coordinate the claims to provide maximum benefit.
Dangerous Dogs And Vulnerable Children Bitten By Dog
Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of dog bites, and they are susceptible to serious or life-threatening injuries when they are attacked by a dog or another animal. A child may be walking by an unfenced yard, playing in a park or visiting the home of the dog’s owner when attacked, and suffer catastrophic injuries. It is the responsibility of the owner to observe leash laws and restrain the animal.
Postal workers, delivery drivers, meter readers and others who have reason to be on a property in the course of their employment are also vulnerable to dog bites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
The consequences of a dog bite can be tremendous for victims – and their families. Here are some of the most important things people want to know:
Is Ohio a “strict liability” state for dog bites? What does that mean for me?
Yes. Unlike in many other states, victims of dog bites do not have to prove that the owner was negligent nor that the dog was known to be dangerous. Generally speaking, the dog’s owner, keeper or any other person in charge of the animal at the time of the attack can be held responsible for a victim’s injuries.
What types of damages can I recover in a dog bite case?
Broadly speaking, you can recover both economic and noneconomic damages related to a dog bite. Economic damages include things like emergency room care, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy and future anticipated medical expenses. Economic damages may also include lost wages for your time missed from work as a result of the injury. Noneconomic damages include things like pain and suffering, the emotional distress of the whole event, the psychological damage related to any permanent scars from the bites and reduced quality of life.
What if the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property?
You may still have a valid claim so long as you had a lawful reason to be on the property at the time you were attacked. For example, you were an invited guest, were delivering packages, or were there to read the gas meter or had some other legitimate purpose to be there.
What if the dog belonged to a friend or family member – do I still have a case?
The law applies regardless of the relationship between the dog’s owner and the victim. While pursuing a claim against a loved one can be emotionally difficult, many people have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance that will cover a victim’s losses. It’s important to consult with an attorney to assess your legal options before you decide what steps to take.
Call For A Free Consultation With An Experienced Lawyer
If you or your child suffered a dog bite, we invite you to call 513-838-4562 in Cincinnati, 888-469-6437 in Dayton or Kentucky or email our Cincinnati office to arrange a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience handling dog bite injuries and animal attack claims. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ask about:
- Free parking at our downtown Cincinnati location
- Appointments available at 10 locations, including nine suburban locations
- Evening and weekend appointments
- Home and hospital visits
- No attorney’s fees unless you collect*
Our satellite offices are located in Mason, West Chester, Tri-County, Blue Ash / Kenwood, Northgate, Clermont County, Florence, Finneytown and Western Hills. Addresses, maps and directions
*Some costs associated with representation may apply.
