Canton Dog Bite Lawyers

If you have experienced a dog bite injury, whether a dog has bitten you, a dog bit another dog and you got involved, you witnessed a dog attack, or you have questions about dog bite liability insurance, reach out to our dog bite attorneys in Canton, Ohio at (330) 488-1234. You can also contact us via our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer.

Ohio Dog Bite Liability Law

Dog liability laws vary from state to state, but the Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B) maintains a dog owner or keeper is liable for any injury their dog causes if the dog’s behavior caused the injury, the victim was not trespassing, and the injured person did not provoke the dog by teasing, tormenting, or abusing it.

Dog liability laws apply to dog bite injuries as well as those caused by other dog behaviors, such as injuries sustained from being knocked down (but not bitten) by a dog. Under these circumstances, you may also file an Ohio dog bite lawsuit. The injured person may be eligible to receive punitive damages through a dog liability lawsuit.

Ohio Dog Bite Reporting

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-3-28 requires that when “anyone who has knowledge” of a person who is bitten by an animal, a bite incident report should be made to the health commissioner in the local health jurisdiction where the bite occurred.

This report should be made within 24 hours. The local health department will complete a rabies assessment and may quarantine it for a certain period or order the animal humanely killed.

Canton Dog Bite Injuries: Primary Causes

Dogs typically bite as a reaction to something stressful or surprising. They may be attempting to protect something: a food, toy, territory, an owner, or themselves. Or they could bite because they are not feeling well.

Dogs also nip and bite during play, which can be dangerous for people despite an animal’s non-malicious intent. Dogs also interact with other dogs and pets in unpredictable ways. You may find yourself amid a dog fight if strange dogs encounter each other in the park or on the street.

It’s important for owners to keep dogs contained to avoid potential injuries from unknown interactions. You should avoid interacting with dogs unless the owner is present, the dog is contained, and you know it has been vaccinated. If you do encounter strange dog behavior, take extra precautions to avoid alarming or provoking it.

Risks of Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs can not only cause injury from their bites, but they can also spread bacteria. The CDC estimates up to 18%of dog bites ultimately become infected, and dogs are known to carry over 60 different types of bacteria. The following diseases are the most common dog bite-induced ones:

• Rabies: A virus that affects the brain and can be fatal if extreme symptoms are experienced. It is spread through the bit and saliva of an infected animal. It is a disease that is preventable through vaccination.
• MRSA: A type of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin and lung infections as well as UTIs. If it spreads to the bloodstream, MRSA can become a life-threatening infection.
• Tetanus: A toxin derived from bacteria which causes rigid paralysis if caused by deep wounds.
• Pasteurella: A bacteria identified in more than 50 percent of infected dog bite wounds, causing a painful infection and swollen glands near the wound but affecting weakened immune systems more seriously.

What to Do If You’re Bitten by A Dog?

The CDC offers guidance for what to do in an emergency if you are attacked by a dog.

First, put anything you’re carrying between you and the dog as a deterrent. If the dog knocks you over, curl into a ball, tucking your head close to your body with your hands over your ears and neck.

After you get to a safe place, wash any wounds with warm water and apply antiseptic cream. For more serious injuries, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and use a bandage. For extreme dog bite injuries, the CDC advises contacting a healthcare provider.

Your wound may be serious if:

• There is uncontrolled bleeding
• You lose limb function
• You experience extreme pain
• There is muscle or bone exposure
• The wound becomes red, painful, warm, or swollen
• You develop a fever
• You’re unsure whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies
• It’s been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot

These symptoms may indicate more serious injuries and should be immediately addressed as soon as possible.

Treatment for Dog Bite Injuries

Canton is home to a number of leading health care facilities that can treat dog bite injury victims. Mercy Medical Center in Canton, as well as Aultman Hospital just south of the city, both specialize in trauma and emergency care.

In addition to seeking medical care for your dog bite injuries, you may also consider contacting a local animal control agency as well as filing a police report, particularly if you don’t know the dog, are unfamiliar with its vaccination history, or if the dog appears sick or is behaving erratically. The Stark County Sheriff’s Department has a dog warden department and may be able to assist with your dog liability questions in the Canton, Ohio area.

Filing a Canton Dog Bite Claim or Lawsuit

A homeowners’ or business insurance policy often covers dog bites. If you were bitten by a person’s dog or while a dog was under someone’s care, a lawyer can help you file a third-party claim or lawsuit against the appropriate insurer.

Ohio law states you can recover compensation from the owner, harborer, or keeper of a dog if the dog previously bit another person or acted as if it intended to, and the owner or keeper was aware of the animal’s behavior.

Proving Negligence Caused a Dog Bite

To prove negligence and recover compensation, you must provide evidence that:

• The dog previously exhibited aggressive behavior or attacked another person
• The defendant you name in the lawsuit was the owner or party in control of the dog at the time you were hurt by the dog
• This defendant had knowledge of the dog’s previous bite or aggressive behavior, and
• You suffered a compensable injury.

This one bite rule does not mean an injury victim cannot recover compensation if it’s the animal’s first incident. If you were the first bite, you can seek compensation under Ohio’s dog bite statute.

A dog bite injury lawsuit can let you recover your:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of consortium

KNR has helped numerous Canton dog bite victims get compensation for their long-term needs. Let our dog attack lawyers guide you through the legal process, help you get treatment, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Set Up Your Free Consult

At KNR, our attorneys will:

• Answer your questions and concerns
• Keep you updated during all stages of the process
• Obtain medical records about the extent of your injuries
• Identify the party responsible for your dog bite Injury
• Determine the fair and full value of your damages
• Negotiate for maximum compensation
• Fight for everything you deserve in court if necessary

Canton Dog Bite FAQs