Canton Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bite Accidents in Canton, OH

According to the CDC, nearly 4.5 million dog bites happen in the U.S. each year. In Canton, these incidents frequently occur in homes, public parks, and neighborhood streets. Children and postal workers are especially vulnerable.

Dog Attacks Injuries

• Severe lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Infections (rabies, MRSA, tetanus)
• Nerve damage
• Disfigurement
• Emotional trauma / PTSD

Dog Bite Diseases

Tetanus – Caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria, tetanus can lead to muscle stiffness, flu-like symptoms, and rigid paralysis. It’s often associated with deep puncture wounds and requires prompt medical treatment.

• Rabies – Though rare, rabies is a deadly viral infection spread through the saliva of infected dogs and other animals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making immediate post-exposure treatment critical.
• MRSA – Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection that can spread to the lungs, blood, and internal organs if untreated.
• Pasteurella – Present in about 50% of infected dog bite wounds, this bacteria can cause swelling, redness, and painful infections. It poses increased risk to children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Why Dogs Bite in Canton, OH

Dogs typically bite when they feel threatened, scared, or protective. Common causes include:

• Poor training or supervision
• Guarding territory, food, or an owner
• Startled during play
• Illness or injury

Even friendly dogs can bite under stress. Owners must ensure their pets are properly restrained and socialized.

Canton Dog Bite Law & Dog Owner Liability

Ohio is a strict liability state. Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, dog owners, keepers, or harborers are liable if their dog injures someone, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. You do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression.

Liability may extend to:

• Dog walkers or sitters
• Landlords aware of dangerous animals
• Businesses (e.g., pet groomers, doggy daycare)

You can file a personal injury claim for both bites and non-bite injuries (e.g., being knocked over by a dog).

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Canton

• Get medical attention immediately
• Report the attack to Stark County Health Department or local animal control
• Take photos of injuries and the scene
• Get contact info from the dog owner
• Avoid discussing fault with insurers before consulting a lawyer

Medical Treatment for Dog Bites in Canton

Seek care at local trauma centers like:

• Aultman Hospital
• Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital

If the dog is unknown or appears sick, prompt rabies evaluation and reporting to authorities are critical. The Stark County Sheriff’s Dog Warden can assist.

Filing a Canton Dog Bite Lawsuit

You may be eligible to file a claim through the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. KNR can help identify the liable party, assess coverage, and build a strong claim.

To Prove Negligence in a dog bite lawsuit:

• The dog previously acted aggressively or bit someone
• The owner knew or should have known about the danger
• The owner failed to act or warn others
• You suffered a compensable injury

Even if it’s the dog’s first incident, you can still recover under Ohio’s dog bite statute.

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Dog Bite Insurance Claims & Suing after a Dog Bite in Canton

In many Canton dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy will provide coverage for your injuries. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts with low settlement offers that don’t reflect the full impact of the injury.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Canton dog bite attorneys have years of experience dealing with insurance adjusters. We know their tactics—and we know how to push back. We’ll handle all communication with the insurer, build a strong case on your behalf, and fight to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Ohio law.

It’s also common for dog bite victims to know the dog’s owner personally—sometimes a friend, neighbor, or family member. In these cases, your claim would typically be handled through insurance, not directly against the individual. This means you can still pursue compensation without putting a personal relationship at financial risk.

How Are Dog Bite Settlements Calculated?

Every dog bite case is unique, and settlements are based on the specific damages and losses you’ve experienced. In general, the more severe your injuries and the greater the impact on your daily life, the more your case may be worth.

Factors that influence your settlement include:

• The severity of the bite and any resulting complications
• How the injury has affected your ability to work or earn a living
• The cost of medical treatment—now and in the future
• Any emotional or psychological trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD
• The extent of scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability

Your attorney will help evaluate how the incident has disrupted your life and what it may cost you moving forward. This ensures your claim reflects not just what you’ve already endured—but what you may continue to experience for years to come.

For more insight, visit Personal Injury Settlement FAQs.

If Your Canton Dog Bite Case Doesn’t Settle

While most dog bite cases in Canton resolve through settlements, some may proceed to trial. KNR prepares every case as if it will go to court—so if the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’ll explain the court process, represent you in front of a Stark County judge or jury, and fight for everything you deserve.

There’s a Deadline to File a Dog Bite Injury Claim

Under Ohio’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering anything at all—so don’t delay in speaking with a lawyer.

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