Many Ohio dog owners are surprised to learn that they may be held legally responsible if their dog injures another person. Under Ohio law, dog owners can be liable for injuries, death, or property damage caused by their dog, even if the dog has never previously shown aggressive behavior.
According to data from the Ohio Department of Health and other national reporting sources, thousands of dog bite incidents are reported in Ohio each year. Children are frequently among the most seriously injured victims. Dog bite incidents can occur in a variety of settings, including neighborhoods, parks, sidewalks, apartment complexes, and private property.
Dog bite injuries may range from relatively minor wounds to serious physical and emotional trauma. Common injuries can include puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, infections, nerve damage, scarring, and psychological effects such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. In some cases, ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation may be necessary.
Ohio Dog Bite Liability Laws
Ohio is generally considered a “strict liability” state for dog bite claims under Ohio Revised Code §955.28. In many situations, an injured person does not need to prove that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous or had previously bitten someone.
However, liability may depend on the specific facts of the incident. Certain defenses or exceptions may apply, including situations where the injured person was allegedly trespassing, committing a criminal offense, or provoking the dog.
Ohio law also requires many animal bites to be reported to the local health department so that rabies monitoring and other public health procedures can be followed.
Does Homeowners Insurance Typically Cover Dog Bite Claims?
Many homeowners and renters’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage that may apply to dog bite claims. Depending on the policy, coverage may help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Legal defense costs
- Settlements or judgments
- Certain property damage claims
Coverage limits vary significantly by insurer and policy type. Some policies may provide liability limits ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 or more, while umbrella policies may provide additional protection above those limits.
That said, coverage is not guaranteed in every situation. Insurance companies may deny coverage based on policy exclusions, underwriting restrictions, or alleged misrepresentations in the application process.
Common Dog Bite Insurance Exclusions
Homeowners insurance policies sometimes contain exclusions or limitations involving dogs, including:
- Certain breed restrictions
- Prior bite history
- Failure to disclose dog ownership
- Lapsed coverage due to nonpayment
- Animal liability exclusions
- Claims involving household members
- Allegations that the injured person provoked the dog or was unlawfully on the property
Because policy language differs between insurers, dog owners should carefully review their coverage with their insurance agent or attorney if questions arise.
What Happens After a Dog Bite Claim?
If a dog bite claim is filed, the insurance company will typically investigate the incident, review medical records, and evaluate potential liability. In some situations, premiums may increase after a claim, or the insurer may choose not to renew the policy.
Dog owners should promptly notify their insurance carrier after any incident that may lead to a claim.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Injury?
If you are bitten by a dog, it is generally advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the injury initially appears minor. Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of infection and document the extent of the injury.
You may also need to report the incident to your local health department or animal control agency, depending on local requirements.
Because every case is different, individuals injured in a dog bite incident may benefit from speaking with an attorney about their legal rights and potential insurance issues.
At Oliver Law Office, our attorneys help individuals evaluate dog bite injury claims throughout Ohio. If you have questions about a potential claim, contact our office to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.
