What to Do After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Ohio
Animal attacks are traumatic — physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you or your child were bitten by a dog in your neighborhood or attacked by a pet at a local business, you may be entitled to compensation under Ohio law.
At Plymale Partnership, our experienced personal injury attorneys in Columbus help victims of dog bites and animal attacks get the justice they deserve. We know the law, and we fight to hold irresponsible owners accountable.
Ohio Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know
Ohio has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. That means dog owners can be held responsible for injuries even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Under Ohio Revised Code §955.28, a dog owner, keeper, or harborer is liable for injuries if:
– The dog bites or attacks someone, and
– The person was not trespassing or provoking the animal
You don’t have to prove that the owner was negligent — only that the dog caused the injury.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious, long-lasting injuries, including:
– Puncture wounds and lacerations
– Facial injuries and disfigurement
– Nerve damage
– Broken bones
– Infections (such as rabies or MRSA)
– Emotional trauma, especially in children
– Scarring that may require plastic surgery
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries in these attacks.
What to Do After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even minor bites can lead to infection.
2. Report the incident to local animal control or your county health department.
3. Identify the dog and its owner – Get contact information and confirm vaccination history.
4. Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack.
5. Keep records – Save medical bills, lost wages, and other documentation.
6. Contact an experienced attorney – Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, call Plymale Partnership.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is legally responsible. But others may be liable as well, such as:
– Landlords who allowed a dangerous dog on their property
– Property owners who knowingly harbored an aggressive animal
– Pet-sitters or dog-walkers who failed to control the dog
Our team investigates every angle to identify all possible sources of compensation.
Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Ohio?
Yes. If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may file a personal injury lawsuit or make an insurance claim to recover damages for:
– Medical expenses
– Future treatment or surgery
– Pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Scarring and disfigurement
– Lost income or diminished earning ability
We’ll help you pursue full compensation and take the case to trial if necessary.
Why You Need a Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer
Insurance companies don’t always take dog bite claims seriously — especially when the victim is a child. They may try to deny responsibility or offer a lowball settlement. That’s where we come in.
At Plymale Partnership, we:
– Gather medical records and police/animal control reports
– Interview witnesses and review prior bite incidents
– Work with medical experts to document injuries
– Handle all negotiations and paperwork
– Take aggressive legal action if the owner refuses to take responsibility
We serve Columbus, Franklin County, and surrounding areas, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Don’t Wait — Contact Plymale Partnership Today
Dog bite injuries can lead to permanent scars, lifelong trauma, and mounting medical bills. If you’ve been injured by a dog or other animal in Ohio, don’t delay. You may have a limited time to file a claim.
Call Plymale Partnership today for a free consultation with a Columbus dog bite attorney.
We’ll help you hold negligent pet owners accountable — and get the compensation you deserve.
