Can You Sue if Someone’s Dog Bit You in Ohio?
Posted in: Dog Bite
KNR Legal Blog
Dogs are temperamental, and serious bites happen without notice. If you are working in someone’s home and they fail to control their animal, they may be liable for the injuries you sustained.
Contact the Ohio dog bite lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick to discuss your legal options and how to recover compensation after an animal attack. You can reach us at 1-800-HURT-NOW or use our online contact form.
Initial consults are always free and we only get paid when you recover compensation.
If you are bitten by a dog, the owner is usually responsible. Under normal circumstances, they are expected to control their animal and prevent attacks. However, legal liability typically falls to person or company who will pay compensation for the damages caused by the dog bite injury.
A homeowner will usually have home or renter’s insurance that covers a dog bite. This means victims can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, disability, disfigurement, loss of quality of life, and more. However, if the dog owner did not inform their insurance company that they had a dog, the insurer may deny the claim and the person may be liable themselves.
Instead of an insurance claim, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensation for your losses from the dog bite.
If you are facing a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim, you should work with an attorney who is familiar with Ohio dog bite law and premises liability issues. The dog’s owner or their insurance company may claim that you are to blame for the dog bite. For example, they may try to avoid legal liability by saying you provoked the dog in some way.
But an attorney can conduct an investigation to determine fault and place responsibility on the appropriate party. An Ohio dog bite lawyer from KNR will determine:
If you do have to take your case to trial, your attorney can guide you through the process while you focus on getting better. Many dog bites lead to long-term medical treatment and even PTSD. You shouldn’t have to fight an insurance company while you heal.
Most people who are injured on the job will qualify for workers’ compensation. This includes dog bites while working. If your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, then you should be able to obtain compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and more through workers’ comp.
However, workers’ comp will only cover a percentage of your lost pay. An insurance claim can result in additional damages. You can also sue the dog owner personally through a personal injury claim.
The Ohio dog bite attorneys at KNR are highly experienced and here to help. If you were attacked by an animal in someone’s home or while working, it is important to know what you are dealing with and what steps to take. Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW or use our contact form. Consultations are free, there are no up-front fees, and we only get paid when you recover compensation.