Is the owner responsible for a dog bite? That's a good question. Unfortunately, it's more challenging to answer than one may think.Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason. They are loyal and loving and typically make great pets. However, even the most well-behaved dog can sometimes bite someone. When this happens, a lot of questions can flood your mind.

• Who is responsible? The dog owner or the victim?

• How long do you have to report a dog bite?

• What if my dog bites a trespasser?

We understand how stressful it can be. Fortunately, we're here to provide you with all the necessary information. This article will discuss dog bite liability and when the owner is responsible for their dog's actions. We will also look at dog bite statistics, the cost of homeowners insurance liability claims, and dog bite infection notes.Please continue reading for more information!

Dog Owners Are Not Responsible for Dog Bites if They Fall Within These Exceptions

A dog's owner is liable for any injury to a person (or property) caused by their dog. However, that's only sometimes true. According to Ohio law, they are not responsible if the injured party was criminally trespassing (or attempting to trespass) on the dog owner's property. Moreover, if the wounded party teased, tormented or abused the dog on the owner's property, they are not responsible again.Still, there's a lot more to understand about Ohio law, which includes specific information on door-to-door sales and things of that nature. Please continue to learn more about the particular laws on Ohio.gov. Or you can visit our other blog posts for more information on this and other personal injury topics.We also have a blog post covering detailed step-by-step instructions you can follow if you are ever the victim of a dog bite. If you want to learn more, please click to continue learning.

Dog Bite Liability Statistics

This section will dive into dog bite liability statistics from reliable resources such as Insurance Information Institute and others. Please read through this section of the blog post with the understanding that statistics do not offer a guarantee. However, they provide us with additional information on dog bite liability statistics that will increase your knowledge.That said, please continue reading.

Cost of Homeowners Insurance Liability claims in the U.S.

According to theInsurance Information Institute, dog bites (and other dog-related injuries) accounted for more than one-third of all homeowner's liability claim dollars paid out in 2021– costing a total of over $881 million.Their research also found that the number of dog bite claims nationwide increased to 17,989, compared to 17,567 in the previous year. Their data shows that the average cost per claim decreased by just over one percent from 2020-2021.Still, the overall 10-year trend indicates a steep increase.These numbers are truly frightening. They show that dog bites are a serious (and increasingly costly) problem in the United States. These statistics also highlight yet another reason homeowners insurance is important for protecting yourself financially.

Dog Owners Liability in the U.S.

While we noted before that in most cases involving a trespassing party, the dog's owner is not responsible, there is more worth understanding. For instance, if a dog owner is found liable for the bite by the state, they may have to pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and property damage.This, coupled with the steep cost mentioned above, should give dog owners more reason than ever to be responsible. As a dog owner, you should invest in training, have your dog socialize as a puppy and grow to enjoy the company.Lastly, if your dog has bitten someone, seek professional legal help that can help you navigate the situation and ensure the best outcome. That is the only way to reduce stress on yourself and ensure that no unjust liability falls on you. If you'd like to discuss your current situation, please reach out to Sandel Law Firm.We'll support you through thick and thin. Contact us with a free consultation today.