Dogs are wonderful pets, and many consider them part of the family. However, even the most friendly dog can bite when they feel threatened or scared. While most will give signs before attacking, sometimes it is entirely unexpected. Threatened or provoked dogs can growl, snap, or bite, posing the greatest risk to young children.
You have the right to pursue compensation if you suffered bodily harm or other losses because of someone else’s actions. Call today to schedule a consultation with a diligent Westerville dog bite lawyer to review your case. Your experienced personal injury attorney can provide support and ensure you understand your legal options.
The Dunbar dog bite scale measures the severity of aggression and attacks and can play a significant role in an injury claim. The levels include:
Seeking medical care is vital to prevent infection and scarring and to help hold the negligent party financially responsible. During the case review appointment, an attorney in Westerville could answer questions about the severity and potential settlement amount for a dog bite claim.
The settlement a plaintiff could collect can vary drastically and depends on the extent of their bodily injuries and how they will continue to affect them throughout their life. The civil court jury will also consider the defendant’s actions leading up to the cause of the dog bite. After the jury establishes fault, the court awards damages within two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover the verifiable monetary losses, such as medical expenses and lost pay. Noneconomic or non-monetary damages cover the more subjective losses, such as emotional anguish, losing the enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering. An attorney experienced in dog bite cases in Westerville could investigate to gather the vital documentation and evidence needed to win a fair settlement.
The state follows strict liability laws for dog bite cases, which means the owner is usually responsible for paying the cost of the damages their pet caused. According to the Ohio Revised Code § 955.261, after bites occur, the owner must provide proof of rabies vaccination and place the dog in quarantine for up to ten days for observation.
Further, they must alert the Ohio Department of Health when injuries or fatalities occur. Unless the defendant can prove the victim provoked the canine, they were trespassing, or it happened while attempting a crime, the pet owner must pay for the damages.
After dogs bite or attack people, causing harm, the owner must register them with the county auditor within ten days of the attack as a dangerous dog and adhere to strict restrictions. Owners must keep the dogs on leashes shorter than six feet and confined to the backyard with a locked gate. A Westerville dog bite attorney could explain the relevant laws and how they impact a specific claim during a private consultation.
Dog bites and attacks can not only leave you with painful physical injuries, but they are also traumatic and can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm. If an aggressive and unprovoked dog harmed you or someone you love, you could be eligible to obtain payment to cover your damages.
An award would cover your medical care, ongoing treatment, lost pay, and pain and suffering. Contact a qualified Westerville dog bite lawyer to begin preparing your claim.
