Dublin is an extremely dog-friendly city. Many outdoor dining patios, hotels, and dog parks welcome mankind’s best friend. However, when these animals are provoked, frightened, or improperly cared for, even the friendliest dogs can react dangerously. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year throughout the country.
If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for your medical bills and more. Below, our Dublin dog bite lawyer explains the unique laws that govern these claims.
Strict Liability and Dog Bites
The Ohio Revised Code, Section 955.28 states that dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries or other damage caused by their pet. This means that you do not have to prove fault and the courts do not have to determine that the dog owner was negligent in order for you to receive compensation. You must only show that the dog bit you and that you sustained injuries as a result. The law applies to dog owners as well as anyone else who may have been keeping the animal at the time.
Common Law Negligence and Dog Bites
There are times when a dog bite victim can file a claim based on negligence. For example, if the dog had bitten someone in the past, the owner should have taken additional measures to ensure that the animal would not be able to hurt someone in the future. Sometimes a dog owner may have actually encouraged their animal to bite or attack an innocent person. In these cases, victims do have to prove fault, which is a higher standard. However, if successful with their case, victims may be able to recover additional compensation such as punitive damages.
Know the Defenses in Dog Bite Claims
Even when filing a claim based on strict liability, it is important to prepare for the different defenses dog owners will raise, most commonly:
- You provoked the dog,
- You were trespassing at the time of the bite or attack, and
- You were committing a crime at the time of the bite or attack
Even if these defenses aren’t true, they can make it difficult to obtain the compensation you deserve. A lawyer knows how to refute these arguments so you recover the full settlement you are entitled to.
Call Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Dublin Today
At Oliver Law Office, our Dublin dog bite lawyer knows the severe injuries these attacks can cause and has extensive experience helping victims obtain the maximum damages that are justly theirs. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to request a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention#:~:text=Dog bites pose a serious,for Disease Control (CDC).
codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.21
