3 Ohio Cities in Top 10 for Dog Bites Among USPS: What to Do If You’re Bit
Posted in: Dog Bite
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Legal Help for the Injured
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR), our Akron dog bite attorneys understand how devastating a dog attack can be. Dog bites in Akron often lead to serious physical and emotional trauma, but if you’ve been bitten by a dog, you have options for recovery.
With over 500 years of combined legal experience, 30+ skilled attorneys, and millions recovered for clients throughout Ohio—including numerous successful dog bite cases in Akron and Summit County—our dedicated Akron injury lawyers are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. For a free, no-risk consultation with our Akron dog bite attorneys, call (330) 869-9007 today.
Dog bites are a serious issue in Akron and across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States. Whether the injury occurs in residential neighborhoods, public parks like Hardesty Park or Cascade Valley Metro Park, or while visiting local businesses, dog bites in Akron can lead to costly medical treatment, permanent disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, anxious, or territorial. Common triggers include a lack of proper training, being startled, or protecting their owner or territory. Children, due to their smaller size and unpredictable behavior, are especially vulnerable to dog attacks.
Dog bite injuries in Akron can range from minor scratches to severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. The Ohio Department of Health reports thousands of dog bites annually across the state, many of which occur in homes, public spaces, and workplaces.
Caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, tetanus is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause muscle stiffness, flu-like symptoms, and rigid paralysis. It is commonly associated with deep puncture wounds.
Although rare, rabies is a deadly viral infection transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including dogs. Once symptoms develop, it is almost always fatal without immediate treatment.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous bacterial infection that can spread to the lungs, bloodstream, and other organs if not treated promptly.
This bacteria is found in up to 50% of dog bite wounds and can cause painful swelling, redness, and infection. It is especially dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly.
Ohio is a strict liability state, meaning that dog owners in Akron are responsible for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has no history of aggression. Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, dog owners can be held liable if their dog bites or injures someone.
Liability may also extend beyond the dog’s owner. Anyone responsible for the care or control of the dog at the time of the attack may also be held accountable, including dog walkers, sitters, or daycare facilities. For example:
If you are bitten by a dog in Akron, it is essential to act quickly to protect your health and preserve evidence for a potential claim:
Akron is home to excellent hospitals and trauma centers equipped to treat dog bite injuries. Our Akron dog bite attorneys work closely with these facilities to ensure your medical treatment and expenses are well-documented as part of your claim.
Local facilities that treat dog bite victims:
Additionally, filing a police report and contacting the Summit County Animal Control is crucial, especially if you are unfamiliar with the dog or it appears unvaccinated or sick.
The Summit County Public Health Animal Control enforces dog laws and investigates dangerous animal reports throughout Akron and surrounding areas.
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Fight for Everything You’re Owed
In any case of personal injury, you may pursue compensation for a number of losses. However, the process can be complicated, with many paperwork and court hearings requiring extensive legal knowledge. Seeking the assistance of our experienced attorneys at KNR can give you the advantage you need to win your case. We will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that you know all your options.
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite in Akron, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Victims often face extensive medical expenses, emotional trauma, and disruptions to their daily lives, all of which may be covered through legal claims.
Potential compensation may include:
Punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the dog’s owner for negligence, such as failing to control a known aggressive dog. These damages are typically reserved for cases where the owner acted recklessly or intentionally ignored safety risks. However, exceptions exist if the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing.
Read Does Your Settlement Cover Future Medical Costs?
In many dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy may cover the victim’s damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, offering settlements that don’t fully cover medical expenses, lost income, or other losses.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Akron dog bite attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with insurers to secure the maximum compensation available. We’ll handle all interactions with the insurance company and fight back against low settlement offers to ensure your needs are met.
KNR has successfully helped numerous dog bite victims in Akron and throughout Summit County recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through the legal process, coordinate your medical care, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit after being bitten by a dog in Akron, it’s important to be aware of Ohio’s Statute of Limitations. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
In Ohio, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the injury or its discovery to file a lawsuit. Because gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, you should seek help from an Akron dog bite attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
Our client was bitten by her neighbor’s dog on her left forearm resulting in a severe laceration which…
What Makes KNR Special?
We thoroughly investigate who had control of the dog at the time of the attack and gather critical evidence. This may include speaking to witnesses, reviewing incident reports, and determining whether the dog owner or another party, such as a dog walker, sitter, or kennel, may be held liable. Our goal is to uncover all responsible parties to maximize your potential compensation.
After identifying the responsible individuals or businesses, we investigate available insurance coverage. The best route to compensation often involves filing an insurance claim. Businesses that work with animals, such as doggy daycares or kennels, typically have liability insurance. Additionally, homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies often cover dog bite injuries. Our experienced negotiators will ensure you are treated fairly and compensated fully.
We ensure you receive the medical care you need and work with your healthcare providers to document the extent of your injuries. Our Akron dog bite attorneys collaborate with medical experts, if necessary, to provide evidence of your injuries, pain, and ongoing treatment needs. By proving the severity and impact of your injuries, we can seek the highest compensation possible.
If the responsible party lacks sufficient insurance coverage or the insurer denies your claim, we may recommend filing a lawsuit. We understand that going to court can be overwhelming, but you won’t face it alone. We’ll handle everything—from filing documents to representing you during trial proceedings. While most cases settle before trial, our team is prepared to fight aggressively in court if needed. With local knowledge of the Summit County courts, KNR is uniquely equipped to handle your Akron dog bite case. You won’t pay unless we win.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make the recovery process after a dog bite accident in Akron as smooth and stress-free as possible. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with insurance companies while you recover from your injuries. With our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to face it alone.
With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients, KNR is prepared to handle your case and pursue the compensation you need.
“KNR was outstanding. They listened, understood, and handled everything. I’m grateful for their support.” – John P.
Let KNR handle your dog bite claim so you can focus on healing and recovery.