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Dog Bites

dog-bites-imageDog bite injuries can be a life altering experience, both mentally and physically, as permanent damage can be caused to a victim’s body as well as their mind. Legally, when addressing the issue of dog bites, Ohio is a strict liability state, so when an individual is a victim of a dog bite, the owner or keeper of the animal can be held liable for injury without the victim of the bite needing to prove the owner (or keeper) were negligent in some manner. The victim in a dog bite lawsuit need only prove that they were bitten by a dog and that dog’s bite caused an injury or other type of damage to the victim and the only exception occurs when the victim of a dog bite was criminally trespassing or attempting to trespass (on property), or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.

According to www.dogsbite.org, in the twelve (12) year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and Rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. Likewise, According to www.dogsbite.org, dog ownership information for 2016 shows that non-family dogs inflicted the majority of deaths, 55% (17). Of this subset, 59% (10) were inflicted by pit bulls. Conversely, only 19% (6) of attacks resulting in death occurred off the dog owner's property. Lastly, in many cities and counties in Ohio, there are dangerous dog breed ordinances in place that may alter liability under the State of Ohio’s laws for owners of certain dog breeds.

The Center for Disease Control has stated that dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States, and each day, over 1,000 citizens need emergency medical care to treat these injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing more than $600 million. Not surprisingly, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in the United States between 1993 and 2008, there was an 86% increase in dog bite-related hospitalization stays. The average dog bite claim in 2010 was $26,616.00 and such claims may coverage for medical costs, “pain and suffering” and lost wages and dog bites represented about one-third of all homeowners’ claims in 2010. Law Office of James. J. Collum, LLC are Canton Ohio dog bite lawyers and Akron Ohio dog bite lawyers who would be happy to discuss your legal rights and explain how to secure a recovery against the owner or keeper of the animal who caused your injuries.

The section of the Ohio Revised Code that addresses dog bites is Revised Code Section 955.28 (link 955.28 to http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/955.28). If you have been injured by a dog (or other animal), there are a number of things you will need to do immediately:

• If possible, get the name and contact information of the dog owner as well as any witnesses to the incident. Do not speak with the dog owner for any reason

Immediately report your accident to the local police and request that a Police Accident Report be created (this report can be ordered at a later date);

Immediately take photographs of any visible injuries as a result of the dog attack or any damages to your property

• Seek immediate medical attention in all circumstances at a local hospital

Save any clothing worn during the dog attack

Do not talk to any insurance representative for the dog owner and do not accept any money whatsoever as compensation, as you may be waiving your legal right to other recovery

Contact our office for a FREE CONSULTATION regarding your legal rights.

Law Office of James. J. Collum, LLC are Ohio dog bite lawyers who have successfully represented children and adults who have been attacked by dogs and other domestic animals. If you have been injured in a dog or other animal attack and you need an Ohio animal attack attorney, please contact Law Office of James. J. Collum, LLC for a FREE CONSULTATION at (330) 494-4877 or by e-mail at jcollum@collumlawoffice.com.

Law Office of James. J. Collum, LLC are Ohio dog bite attorneys who represent individuals all over Ohio including, but not limited to, the cities of Canton, Akron, Alliance, Canal Fulton, Massillon, Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Fairlawn, Green, Macedonia, Munroe Falls, New Franklin, Norton, Stow, Tallmadge, Twinsburg, Kent, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Aurora, Brunswick, Medina, Rittman, Wadsworth, Dover, New Philadelphia, Uhrichsville, Orrville, Wooster, Columbiana, East Liverpool and Salem.

 

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