A dog attack leaves more than physical wounds, it creates problems that affect your entire life. You’re dealing with painful injuries, medical bills stacking up, time off work you can’t afford, and anxiety that sticks around long after the bite heals. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’ve worked with families going through this, and we know how fast an unexpected attack can flip your life upside down.
Ohio law works in your favor. Dog owners are strictly liable for attacks, so you don’t need to prove they were careless or that their dog had bitten before. You can pursue dog bite compensation through an insurance claim or by taking the owner to court, and you have two years from the attack to file your claim. That compensation covers medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, with amounts based on how serious your injuries are and what happened during the incident.
If you or a loved one was bitten anywhere in Ohio, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel with us right now!

Because dog bite compensation in Ohio covers both financial and psychological losses, victims should document every impact, from out-of-pocket expenses to daily struggles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 4.5 million people nationwide suffer dog bites each year, and hundreds of thousands require emergency medical attention.
Contact us online or call us at 1.937.222.2222 for a free case evaluation.
Ohio law holds dog owners responsible for the injuries their pets cause, even if the animal has never shown aggression before. Under Ohio Revised Code §955.28, the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable for any injury or damage caused by the dog, unless the victim was trespassing, committing a crime, or provoking the animal.
This strict liability rule means victims don’t have to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred and led to harm. The approach not only simplifies the legal process but also encourages responsible dog ownership by holding owners financially accountable for attacks.
Understanding this rule can make a significant difference when pursuing fair compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Under Ohio Revised Code §955.28, liability attaches as soon as a bite occurs. The law simplifies recovery and helps victims avoid long disputes about prior aggression. Exceptions apply when someone provokes the dog or trespasses on private property. Victims can strengthen their claim for dog bite compensation by reporting the incident promptly, maintaining accurate medical records, and gathering relevant evidence.
Taking quick and careful action after a dog bite protects both your health and your legal rights. As stated in the Ohio Revised Code §955.261, a dog that bites a person cannot be removed from the county until its state-mandated quarantine period ends. This helps public health authorities monitor the animal and ensures the incident remains properly documented for potential claims. To protect your ability to pursue dog bite compensation, it’s essential to:
By following these steps, victims strengthen their claim while ensuring public safety and compliance with Ohio law.
No two dog bite cases are the same, but national data from the Insurance Information Institute shows the average dog bite claim value exceeds $64,000, with Ohio among the top ten states for payouts.
Settlement amounts depend on the severity of the injury, the extent of scarring, and the level of psychological distress. A single reconstructive surgery can significantly increase the total compensation for a dog bite.
If you’ve been bitten or seriously injured by a dog in Dayton or anywhere else in Ohio, Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz is here to fight for the dog bite compensation you’re owed. We’ve helped many injury victims get the results they deserve, and we can do the same for you.
We’ll listen to your story, guide you through the following steps, and support you throughout the process until your case is resolved. Call 1.937.222.2222 today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
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Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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