A dog bite may sound like a superficial injury, but it can cause severe damage. Severe dog bites can lead to an infection or the need for surgery, leaving a disfiguring scar and a heap of medical bills. If you were bitten by a dog, talk to a dog bite lawyer right away. You may be able to seek compensation from the dog’s owner to cover the cost of your medical care.
The Ohio dog bite lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have extensive knowledge of both the state’s and Cuyahoga County’s dog bite laws, as well as the one bite rule. We can explore your options and determine the right decision for your matter. Call (216) 658-1330 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
I Was Bitten By A Dog – What Should I Do?
Whether the dog bite was severe or drew a few drops of blood, you should take the following steps to ensure your health is not put into a jeopardizing situation:
- Photograph the wound. If possible, take pictures of the bite shortly after it happened and before you get it treated. Documenting the bite right away shows the severity of it, which may be helpful if you have to go to court.
- Seek medical care. If the dog punctured your skin, it’s possible that the puncture wounds can become infected. It’s best to go to the hospital and have a medical professional check the wound over and provide the proper disinfectant and bandage. Your doctor may also recommend X-rays, surgery, or treatment for rabies.
- Collect information from the dog’s owner. You will need to contact the dog’s owner and gather their personal information. They should also provide as much information on their pet as they possibly can, such as the dog’s age, veterinarian, history of medical care, and history of behavioral issues.
- Report the animal bite. While the Cuyahoga County Board of Health requires all domestic cats, dogs, and ferrets to receive a rabies vaccination when they turn four months old, not all pet owners remember this important milestone. That’s why it’s crucial that you report the dog bite to the Board as soon as possible. That way, the Board can check into the animal’s history and confirm that it received the proper vaccination. If the dog is not vaccinated against rabies, it may be exposed and pass that exposure along to you.
- Talk to a dog bite lawyer. You’ve had your bite treated, reported it to the Board of Health, and talked to the owner. Now what? How can you pay for medical bills, time off work, or pain you still feel from the wound? You may not know the answers to these questions, but luckily, a lawyer who specializes in dog bites will. For instance, you can often receive compensation through the dog owner’s home insurance policy. Your lawyer can help you file your claim and serve as your primary point of contact for the insurance company.
Ohio’s Dog Bite Statute
It is important to note that Ohio has a dog bite statute, which states that you can receive compensation from a dog’s owner if:
- The defendant is known to be the dog’s owner.
- The dog bite resulted in an injury that is compensable.
- You were not trespassing, committing a crime, teasing, or torturing the dog at the time the dog bite occurred.
Were You Bitten By A Dog? Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick Today
If you have been seriously hurt by a dog, you have legal rights. Contact us at (216) 658-1330 and schedule a no-cost consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We will fight to get the award you deserve to cover your medical bills.
