Dayton Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can lead to severe, lasting injuries and even death in extreme cases. If you have been a victim of a dog bite in Ohio, you understand the damage these accidents can cause – and you can claim compensation through a dog bite lawsuit.
If you need assistance, a dog bite attorney in Dayton, Elk & Elk can help. Our attorneys have many years of experience litigating multiple types of personal injury cases, including dog bites.
Why Choose Elk & Elk?
- Our firm has the resources and network necessary to fully investigate your case and craft a compelling argument on your behalf.
- Our Dayton personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling dog bite and animal attack cases.
- We understand that legal fees can be expensive. We offer contingency fee agreements for maximum affordability and convenience – if we do not secure a settlement on your behalf, you do not pay legal fees.
Ohio Dog Bite Laws
You have two years from the date that you suffer the dog bite to file a lawsuit for your injuries. Under Ohio’s Dog Bite Statute, or Revised Code Section 955.28(B), you can hold a dog owner or keeper liable for your injuries if you meet the following criteria.
- The dog’s behavior led to your injuries.
- You were not committing or attempting to commit a crime at the time of the attack.
- You were not trespassing on the dog’s owner’s property at the time of the attack.
- You did not provoke the dog to bite through teasing, tormenting, or abusing the animal.
As the victim of the dog bite, you have the right to choose whether you want to file your lawsuit on a strict liability basis or on a negligence basis. If you choose the strict liability option, you do not have to prove that the owner acted in negligence and all you need to prove is that you meet the criteria in the Dog Bite Statute. However, you cannot collect punitive damages for your injuries.
If you choose the negligence option, you will have to prove that the dog’s owner acted in a negligent manner and caused your injury. This type of lawsuit is often more complex to prove, but an attorney from Elk & Elk can assist you with building your case. To successfully prove a negligence-based dog bite lawsuit in Dayton, you will have to satisfy the following elements.
- The dog owner owed a duty to control his or her dog.
- The dog owner breached this duty of care through negligent behavior.
- You suffered injuries as a result of this breach.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Dayton
After you suffer a dog bite, it is important to seek police and medical attention as soon as possible. If the dog is still loose in the area, try to get to a safe place as soon as possible – run to a neighbor’s house, get into your car, or take cover in another secure location. If you do not know who the dog belongs to, try to find out while waiting for the police officer. Taking this action will assist you in your lawsuit. While waiting for the police, take pictures of the dog from a safe distance and take pictures of your injuries.
When the police arrive, be truthful and give the officer a clear account of what happened. Visit a medical provider as soon as possible – this action will provide you with valuable evidence for your future claim and help you recover from dangerous diseases the dog may pass on to you, such as rabies. Contact an attorney as soon as you can to begin your dog bite claim.
Elk & Elk Can Help You Today
If you or a loved one suffered a serious dog bite, Elk & Elk wants to help. Our attorneys have the resources necessary to litigate your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your legal options.