Dayton Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Attorneys

Doug Mann

Last updated on June 11th, 2024

A Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz Dayton dog bite lawyer is ready to help you get the money you deserve if a pet owner’s negligence led to a dog attack that left you with a severe injury. We’ll thoroughly investigate to determine how the incident occurred and then do everything we can to hold that negligent party accountable for their carelessness.

Statistics on Dog Bites

Millions of people in the United States have dogs, and most of them are loving animals who wouldn’t harm a soul. But the unfortunate fact is that about 4.5 million people in our country suffer a dog bite each year. In Ohio, about 75 percent of all animal bites result from dog attacks.

Injuries That Typically Result From Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries, varying from minor puncture wounds to severe tissue damage and infections. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Infections: Bacteria present in a dog’s mouth can lead to infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, and septicemia if medical professionals don’t clean and treat the wound promptly.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts and tears in the skin and underlying tissues can result from dog bites, requiring sutures or surgical intervention.
• Soft tissue injuries: Dog bites can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
• Puncture wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth capable of puncturing the skin, leading to wounds that may become infected if not properly treated.
• Emotional trauma: Bites from dog attacks can cause significant psychological distress, especially in children. Examples of this distress include anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Aggression severity can be categorized into six levels. The higher the level, the more aggressive the dog – and the worse the victim’s injuries. These levels are as follows:

• Level 1: A Level 1 encounter with a dog doesn’t result in a bite. Instead, this level reflects the animal’s aggressive behavior. In this instance, the dog isn’t trying to attack anyone but wants to scare them away.
• Level 2: This is the least severe form of dog bite. While the dog’s teeth come in contact with the skin, there’s no penetration. In this instance, the dog is warning the person to stay out of their space.
• Level 3: A Level 3 bite usually results in one to four of the dog’s teeth puncturing the skin. However, none of the punctures are deeper than half the height of each tooth. A bite in this category typically doesn’t seriously threaten the person’s health.
• Level 4: A bite in this category is similar to a Level 3 bite. However, the penetration of each tooth into the skin is deeper, typically more than half the length of the tooth. In addition, the dog will typically shake their head violently while biting, resulting in severe bruising. A Level 4 attack indicates an expert should evaluate the dog before they’re allowed near any people or other animals.
• Level 5: Level 5 aggression typically means the dog has severely injured the victim. That dog has likely engaged in at least one previous Level 4 attack. A dog on this level must not be around people or other animals. Animal behavior experts usually recommend euthanasia in this instance since the dog would pose too big of a risk to be near others.
• Level 6: A Level 6 attack usually leads to the victim’s death and the euthanization of the dog.

Ohio Dog Bite Laws

In the eyes of the state, dogs are a threat to public safety. Anyone responsible for a dog, whether their owner, a dog walker, someone pet-sitting, or anyone else, must take the necessary steps to ensure others remain safe when near the animal.

Ohio is a “strict liability” state regarding dog bite incidents. This means the owner of the dog is strictly liable for any injuries or other damages the animal causes. Strict liability also means the victim of the attack doesn’t always need to show proof of the owner’s negligence.

However, the victim of an attack will typically have a better chance of obtaining fair compensation if they can prove the negligence of the owner led to their injury. The following is some information on how a Dayton dog bite attorney investigates to determine the owner’s fault.

Investigating a Dog Attack

When it comes to proving negligence in a dog bite case, a Dayton dog bite lawyer takes a comprehensive investigative approach to gather evidence to establish the dog owner’s liability. Here’s a closer look at how dog bite attorneys investigate to demonstrate that the owner of a dog was negligent and that this negligence led to a dog attack:

Gathering Witness Testimonies

Your Dayton dog bite lawyer will typically begin by interviewing witnesses who were present during the dog bite incident. These witnesses may include those who saw the attack occur, neighbors familiar with the dog’s behavior, or anyone who has knowledge of the dog’s previous aggressive actions. Witness testimonies can provide valuable insight into the incident’s circumstances and help establish the owner’s negligence.

Documenting Prior Incidents

Investigating attorneys look into the dog’s history to uncover any previous instances of aggression or dangerous behavior. For example, they may obtain records from animal control agencies, veterinary clinics, or previous incident reports filed against the dog. Documentation of prior incidents can strengthen the argument that the dog owner knew or should have known about the animal’s aggressive behavior yet didn’t do anything to protect anyone who may come into contact with them.

Assessing Property Conditions

Your attorney may also examine the property where the dog bite occurred to identify any factors contributing to the incident. This includes checking the adequacy of fencing, looking for signs warning of the dog’s presence, and any visible signs of neglect or mistreatment. Poorly maintained property or inadequate containment measures may indicate negligence on the part of the owner in preventing the dog from causing harm.

Reviewing Medical Records

If you need medical treatment, our Dayton dog bite attorneys will review medical records to assess the severity of your injuries and any further treatment you might need. Medical documentation can provide insight into the extent of the dog’s aggression and the resulting harm you suffered. It can also establish a clear link between the dog bite incident and that harm.

Consulting Animal Behavior Experts

Our attorneys may enlist the expertise of animal behavior specialists to evaluate the dog’s temperament and behavior patterns. These experts can assess the likelihood of the dog exhibiting aggressive tendencies based on its breed, history, and environmental factors. Their professional opinion can support the argument that the dog owner’s negligence in properly training or controlling the animal contributed to the attack.

Building a Strong Legal Case

After gathering evidence and expert opinions, your Dayton dog bite attorney will construct a compelling legal case to prove that the dog owner’s negligence directly resulted in the dog bite incident. This may involve drafting legal documents, preparing witness testimony, and presenting persuasive arguments in negotiations or court proceedings.

What to Do if You Suffer a Dog Bite?

After experiencing a dog bite incident, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries, to prevent infections and ensure proper wound care.
• Identify the dog and its owner, if possible, and obtain their contact information for future reference.
• Report the incident to local animal control authorities and law enforcement to document the incident and prevent further attacks.
• Document the details of the incident, including the location, time, and circumstances leading to the dog bite, and take photographs of the injuries.
• Consult with a qualified Dayton dog bite lawyer to understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Does Ohio Ban Certain Dog Breeds?

Ohio was the only state in the country that banned pit bulls. However, that ended in 2012 when the governor signed a bill ending the ban. However, the state still allows municipalities to enact so-called “breed-specific legislation.” This means allowing cities to regulate breeds typically associated with aggressive behavior.

Barberton, for instance, requires owners of pit bulls or dogs with a known tendency to attack unprovoked to carry an insurance policy of at least $100,000 to cover damages if the dog hurts someone. The city of Parma doesn’t allow pit bulls within the city limits.

Injured in a Dog Attack? Contact a Dayton Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Dayton dog bite lawyer if you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a dog attack. We’ll thoroughly investigate to prove the owner’s negligence and then pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Our attorneys won’t stop until you’ve received the justice you seek. We’ve helped tens of thousands of people in the more than 30 years we’ve been in practice, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Please call 1.937.222.2222 or use our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.

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