Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer

Have you ever suffered a severe dog bite injury? A bite from a dog attack can be devastating. Additionally, hospital treatment, medical bills, and the psychological trauma resulting from a bite can cost thousands. You need experienced and skilled Cleveland dog bite lawyers who can fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Ryan LLP is a well-respected law firm that has been helping clients with their legal needs for over 50 years. We can handle your dog bite case carefully and precisely through our long-proven expertise and dedication.

Don’t let a dog bite injury in Cleveland go unaddressed. Contact Ryan LLP today and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve and need.

Secure Legal Representation From an Experienced Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Case

Suppose you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Cleveland, Ohio. In that case, you will need an experienced and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer to help you navigate the legal system and recover compensation.

At Ryan LLP, we have a team of experienced attorneys specializing in dog bite cases and a proven track record of achieving favorable client outcomes. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can inflict on a person and their family. We are committed to helping you from start to finish of litigation.

We will work tirelessly to investigate the attack’s circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Don’t wait! Contact us today at (216) 600-0308 to schedule a free consultation with a Cleveland dog bite lawyer. You deserve justice and compensation for your injuries, and we are here to help you get it!

Dog Bites and Attacks Statistics

Unfortunately, dog bites and attacks are prevalent in the United States. More than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs yearly, and more than 800,000 require emergency medical treatment. At least half of these dog bite victims are children, which is tragic. These shocking statistics are precisely why our dog bite attorney in Cleveland takes dog bite cases seriously and urges victims to retain our services without delay.

State Dog Bite Law and Strict Liability

Section 955.28(B) of the Ohio Revised Code imposes a strict liability standard on dog owners. It means that when someone’s dog causes compensable harm to another person or animal, they are responsible for the resulting damages without the injured party proving negligence. In other words, compensation may be awarded regardless of whether the dog’s owner was aware of the animal’s danger or whether the animal has a history of violent or aggressive behavior. A single attack or bite is sufficient to subject a dog’s owner to liability.

However, there are a few limited exceptions to this rule. For instance, a plaintiff cannot recover for a dog bite injury if they were taunting the dog, trespassing on the property, or committing a crime at the time of the attack.

What if You Were Attacked by a Friend’s Dog?

You can still file a claim if a friend’s dog attacked you. While pursuing legal action against a friend may be uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that you are not seeking to punish them personally but rather to recover the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you navigate this process with compassion and understanding while fighting for your rights and interests.

Can You Hold the Owner Responsible Even Though the Dog Is Not a Dangerous Breed?

Yes. Each dog breed can be harmful if its owner is irresponsible and does not properly train and restrain the animal.

You can file a claim regardless of the dog’s breed if it wounded you and you were not trespassing, breaching the law, or provoking the dog at the time of the attack.

Every dog that has bitten, injured, or assaulted another person must be registered as dangerous under state law. The owners, keepers, and harborers of these canines are obligated to take the following precautions to safeguard the public from these animals:

• Confine the dog safely in a habitable enclosure with a top, a locked yard with a fence, or a locked pen with a lid.
• While the dog is off the keeper’s, harborer’s, or dog owner’s property, it must be on a chain-link leash or tether no longer than six feet.
• Ensure that the leash or tether is controlled by a person of sufficient age and discretion to securely attach, tie, or affix it to the ground or a stationary object or fixture, so the dog is adequately restrained. Keep this person close enough to the dog to prevent it from injuring another person.

If the dog’s owner did not take these or other precautions to protect you from a dangerous dog, our Cleveland dog bite attorneys could assist you.

Definition of a Dangerous Dog Under Ohio Law

Section 955.11 of the Ohio Revised Code defines a hazardous dog as one that:

• Previously injured or killed a person;
• Previously damaged or killed another dog or pet;
• More than three times escaped restraint or confinement, as defined by Ohio Revised Code Section 955.22, Division C; and
• Police canines with injured suspects while on duty are not included in this definition of dangerous dogs.

Reasons Why Dogs Bite or Attack

There are many reasons why a dog may bite or attack, including:

1. Fear or aggression: Dogs may bite or attack when they feel threatened, scared, or cornered. It can happen if they feel like their territory is being invaded, are startled, or feel their owners are in danger.
2. Protection: Dogs are known for protecting their owners or property. They may bite or attack to defend them if they perceive a threat to their owner or territory.
3. Pain or illness: Dogs in pain or suffering from a disease may become more irritable or aggressive and lash out at people or other animals.
4. Lack of socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may be uncomfortable around other dogs or people and may be more likely to bite or attack if they feel threatened or scared.
5. Predatory instincts: Certain dogs, particularly those from hunting-related breeds, may possess strong predatory impulses that drive them to pursue and harm smaller animals.
6. Frustration: Dogs that are bored, restless, or are not getting enough exercise may become frustrated and take out that frustration on people or other animals.
7. Provocation: Sometimes, dogs may bite or attack in response to something a person or animal has done to provoke them. For example, pulling a dog’s tail or ears or invading its personal space may trigger an aggressive response.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause minor cuts and bruises or severe and life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common types of dog bite injuries include:

1. Puncture wounds: These are the most common type of dog bite injury, ranging from small punctures to deep, penetrating wounds. These wounds can quickly become infected and may require medical attention.
2. Lacerations: These are cuts or tears in the skin or other tissues caused by a dog’s teeth. Lacerations can vary in severity and may require stitches or other medical treatment.
3. Contusions and bruises: These are injuries caused by blunt force trauma from a dog’s bite. They may cause pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin.
4. Infections: A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria, and a bite can easily lead to infection. Infections can cause swelling, redness, and pain and may require antibiotics or other medical treatment.
5. Rabies: Rabies is a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and animals through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated.

What to Do After an Animal Attack

If an animal has attacked you, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your health:

1. Get to a safe place. If the animal remains present, move to a secure location to avoid further attack. Especially if you are dealing with a dog, avoid eye contact and try to stay still or back away slowly.
2. Assess your injuries. Check for damages and seek medical attention if necessary. Even minor injuries can become infected and lead to severe complications.
3. Report the attack. Contact local authorities, such as animal control or the police, to report the attack. It will help prevent future attacks and may help identify the animal’s owner.
4. Identify the animal. Try to identify the animal and its owner if possible. If the animal is a stray or you cannot identify the owner, contact animal control to report the incident.
5. Gather information. If there were witnesses to the attack, ask for their contact information. Doing this can be helpful if legal action is necessary.
6. Document the incident. Take photos of your injuries and any damage to your property. You will need this if you are to file a dog bite claim with your insurance company or if legal action is necessary.
7. Seek legal advice. Suppose you have been seriously injured or the animal’s owner refuses to take responsibility for the attack. In that case, it may be necessary to consult with a personal injury attorney to enforce your rights and seek compensation for your injuries.

Victims Must Be Ready for Dog Owner Defenses

Dog attack victims must know the potential defenses that dog owners may use to avoid liability. Some common defenses include provocation, trespassing, and criminal conduct.

Provocation

A dog owner may argue that the victim provoked the dog into attacking them. The owner might invoke this defense if the victim was teasing or harassing the dog in some way before the attack occurred. However, provocation is a tough defense to prove, as the victim’s behavior must be extreme enough to justify the dog’s response. For example, this defense may not be successful if the victim walked past the dog and was bitten without provocation.

Trespassing

A dog owner may argue that the victim was trespassing on their property when the attack occurred. Owners can only use this defense if the victim did not have permission to be on the property or was in an area where they should not have been. The dog owner must prove that the victim was aware they were not allowed on the property and that the dog owner had taken reasonable steps to keep the victim off their property.

Criminal Conduct

A dog owner may argue that the victim was engaged in criminal conduct during the attack, such as burglary or theft. This defense is plausible if the victim broke the law and the dog was used to protect the property. The dog owner must show beyond reasonable doubt that the victim was engaged in criminal conduct during the attack.

Ohio Statute of Limitations for Dog Attacks

You typically have two years from the date of the dog or animal bite to file a lawsuit. This provision is enshrined in Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations. The at-fault party has the right to request that your case be dismissed if you fail to submit a claim within those two years.

Consult a competent attorney about your claim. At Ryan LLP, we can determine whether your claim is legitimate and how long it takes to file a lawsuit. You can count on us to make a sound and competent defense based on the facts presented.

Compensation in Dog Bite Lawsuits

In dog bite lawsuits, compensation can be awarded for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can be easily quantified in monetary terms, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. This type of compensation covers a victim’s financial losses due to the dog bite.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages cannot be easily quantified in monetary terms, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This type of compensation is granted to compensate the victim for the intangible losses they have experienced due to the canine attack.

Why You Should Consider Hiring a Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite lawyer can help you with your case due to his experience, professionalism, and resources. From filing the lawsuit until trial, the lawyer can assist you.

You must file your claim within your state’s personal injury statute of limitations. You can only sue an individual based on sound legal principles and accurate statutes. An attorney can assist you in avoiding early mistakes that could cause the dismissal of your claim.

Also, an attorney can help you obtain the evidence to negotiate your claim. An attorney can negotiate with the defendant’s lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf.

If the defendant doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may urge you to go to court. However, with the proper communication channels and methods, you can reach a fair settlement without the need to file a lawsuit. But remember that you must align your expectations and the case’s success with your attorney’s experience.

Call Cleveland Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at Ryan LLP Today for a Free Consultation

No one readily expects to be injured by a dog on a random day. But when it happens, the results can be devastating – medically, physically, and financially. If a dog bites you or one of your loved ones, an experienced Cleveland dog bite lawyer should represent you in court.

At Ryan LLP, we can help you fight for compensation and other damages so you won’t have to fight the bite alone. Our Cleveland dog bite lawyers have helped many clients reclaim an excellent life quality after a dog has injured them. Call us now at (216) 600-0308 for a free legal consultation and case evaluation.