¿Necesito un abogado si mi hijo ha sufrido una mordedura de perro?

Dogs are a part of many Ohio families, and you may be uncertain about what to do if you or your family are threatened or hurt by someone else’s dog. After a confrontation with an aggressive dog, you may be wondering, “Do I need an attorney if my child was bitten by a dog?”

Dog attacks can cause serious injuries, and in addition to physically recovering, you will want to make sure that an aggressive dog is kept from threatening you or your family again. It’s common for many people to be uncertain about how to proceed legally after a dog bite, but fortunately, Ohio law offers victims many options, and an experienced lawyer can help you seek compensation after a serious dog bite.

For more information on personal injuries, be sure to check out our personal injury FAQ.

It’s important to call your lawyer as soon as possible if your child has been bitten by a dog. Our Ohio personal injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick understand your legal options and can help you seek to recover compensation from any negligent party in your case. To speak with a skilled lawyer, call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation.

Ohio Has Strict Dog Bite Laws

Traditionally, dog owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior, and therefore they must take reasonable measures to keep their dogs from harming others as part of their duty of due care. In order to reduce dog attacks, Ohio law has in many ways gone beyond other states in specifying the strict ramifications for dogs and their owners after an attack. Among other things, the state requires:

• A minimum of 10 days in quarantine for a dog who bites someone, followed by removal from the county. These 10 days allow for determining if the animal has rabies.
• Owner liability for a bite begins before a dog’s first recorded bite, not after the first bite as is the case in many other jurisdictions.
• A dog that attacks someone must be registered as a “dangerous dog” and then follow many restrictions, such as having a leash no more than six feet in length and wearing a special tag.
• Owners face misdemeanor charges if they fail to register their dangerous dogs. If the owner’s dog repeats an attack, there may be additional fines, and the court may require the dog to be put down.

Parents Should Take Legal Action For Their Children’s Personal Injury Claims

A minor’s parents can file a lawsuit in Ohio courts on behalf of their children who are under the age of 18 years. While you typically cannot take such legal action in the name of anyone else, this exception allows for the rights of children to be protected after they have been injured due to the negligence of another person. If you seek an attorney’s help after your child has been bitten by a dog, both you and your attorney will be able to handle the case in your child’s best interest.

Two specific details to note regarding Ohio’s law for lawsuits on behalf of minors include:

• The statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for a lawsuit to be filed, is postponed until the child turns 18 years old. Ohio law offers a six-year statute of limitations for a dog bite, but if your child is bitten by a dog you can sue at anytime before their 18th birthday, and they can sue anytime within the six years after they become a legal adult.
• A settlement must be approved by a judge. If an adult is suing someone and receives a settlement offer, they can choose to accept or reject it. However, in order to protect the well-being of your child’s finances and injury recovery, a judge must approve any settlement offer that you wish to accept in your child’s case.