Dog Attack - Know Your Legal Rights

Dogs are everywhere. If you go out into public, you’re likely to encounter dogs from time to time. And even when you’re not in public, you can still encounter dogs that might bite or attack you or your loved ones.Upwards of 4.5M dog bites occur each year in the US, and 800,000 of those instances result in hospitalization or require medical attention. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, then you know how traumatic an experience it can be. There’s physical safety and health to consider, and there’s also emotional damage that can occur as a result of a dog bite, or worse, a mauling.If you’ve been bit, then you need to know your rights. Read on to learn more.

Ohio Law on Dog Attacks

Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B) spells out the conditions under which a dog owner or dog handler is liable for an attack or bite. Boiled down, if a dog bites someone, there are two main considerations to determine if the handler/owner is liable:

1. Was the person who was bitten trespassing, or attempting to do so at the time of the incident?
2. Was the person who was bitten “teasing, tormenting, or abusing” the animal in question?

If the answer to both questions is “no,” then the dog’s owner or handler is likely liable for a bite or attack.The law is much more complicated than can be distilled in this article, so if you’ve been bitten, contact The Sandel Law Firm today to learn more. You might be owed compensation.

Ohio Law Treats Pets as Personal Property

Furthermore, Ohio Law treats pets, including dogs, as personal property. That means owners are held liable in many instances of dog attacks. As such, the Ohio State Bar Association writes, “Damage caused by your dog is a strict liability offense. This means that, as long as your dog wasn't attacked, you will be responsible for any damage your dog may do.”With Ohio’s strict stance on dog laws, people are able to stay better protected from a bite, and in the case that one does occur, they are better able to seek liability damages.If you or a loved one has been bitten, attacked, mauled, or injured by a dog, then it’s time to seek professional guidance. At The Sandel Law Firm, we have the experience and expertise to guide you through such a challenging situation. Book your free consultation with Sandel Law Firm today.