Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH

Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH

Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite you may be wondering if you can file a claim against the dog owner. Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional trauma and are usually covered under home insurance policies. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 17,989 dog bite claims in the U.S. in 2021, with an average claim cost of $49,025. Ohio is ranked 8th in the country for the number of dog bite claims in 2021 (732 claims with an average cost of $41,499). The Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH at Buckeye Law Group are here to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Why Does Homeowners Insurance or Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pet under control and to ensure that it does not cause harm to another person. When this duty is breached and someone is injured, the dog owner may be held liable for the injuries caused by their pet. A vital part of homeowners insurance is bodily injury liability coverage (unless your policy has exclusions pertaining to pet attacks).

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek legal representation from experienced Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH. The Buckeye Law Group offers free case evaluations and legal representation after a dog bite incident. Our experienced attorneys can help you determine if you have a case and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

When to Contact a Lawyer After Being Bitten by a Dog

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to seek out legal representation as soon as possible after receiving medical attention. Do not skip the step of seeking emergency care. Failure to have your injuries diagnosed and documented can make it difficult or even impossible to pursue a claim.

Dog bite injury laws vary from state to state. One of the most notable differences is the “one-bite rule” (also known as the one free bite or first bite rule). This rule essentially posits that the dog owner shouldn’t be held liable if they didn’t realize their dog was a threat to others and therefore didn’t take necessary precautions to prevent attacks. The “one-bite” essentially means the dog gets one pass and then the owner is aware of the threat and is liable for any further attacks.

Ohio is what’s known as a “strict liability” state, which means dog owners or keepers bear liability for any attack, even the first one if the victim wasn’t provoking the animal or somewhere they weren’t supposed to be. For example, if a trespasser jumps over your fence into your backyard and is bitten by your pet, you wouldn’t be liable under strict liability. However, if you and your pet were on a walk in your neighborhood and your dog, unprovoked, bites another person or dog, you may be liable.

A Dog Bite Attorney in Columbus, OH will be able to explain your legal rights and how to best protect them in the case of a dog bite injury. They will also be able to assess whether there is sufficient evidence for your claim and if you are entitled to compensation.

It is important to seek legal representation after a dog bite because it can be difficult to prove that the attack was the fault of the owner. Dog owners may deny responsibility or try to place blame on the victim, and having a lawyer on your side will make it easier to navigate these tricky situations. The dispute can become even more complicated if there’s no documentation proving your narrative is what actually happened.

If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog bite in Columbus, contact the Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbus, OH at the Buckeye Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers can provide legal representation and advice on how best to move forward with your case.