What To Do If You Are Injured By A Dog Or Other Animal
At Beausay & Nichols Law Firm, we love dogs and other animals. But we know injuries from dog bites and attacks can be horrifying — we’ve seen them first-hand. If you’ve been attacked by an unprovoked dog or other animal, seek immediate medical attention to minimize the risks of infection and disease transmission as well as treat your injuries. The attack should also be reported to your county’s board of health.
No “Free Bites” In Ohio
Under Ohio law, a dog owner (or “keeper” or “harborer”) is generally responsible for any injuries inflicted by his or her dog, even if the dog had no known history of aggression. In other words, Ohio law does NOT entitle dogs to “one free bite.” There are nuances to this and other relevant laws, so if you’ve been injured as a result of a dog bite, it’s important to contact us immediately and provide us with as much information as you can. We will then undertake a prompt investigation of the circumstances of the attack. Our investigation will include:
- Determining ownership of the dog
- Determining who had possession of the dog at the time the attack occurred
- Obtaining incident reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Contacting insurers to verify coverage
What Can You Do To Preserve Evidence?
There are certain steps you can take to protect your rights in dog bite situations. These may include:
- Photos – If you’re able to do so, take photos of the dog who bit you or of the site of your accident or injury.
- Police report – Involving the police is a good step to take immediately following an accident or injury. If you decide to take action, you could find an officer’s documentation to be helpful in proving your case.
- Medical documentation – Your medical records can help prove your injury allegations and support your request for damages.
In some cases, a dog owner might try to withhold information about their pet’s breed or previous acts of aggression. But keeping track of the details surrounding your injury can help you if the need arises, no matter how others may choose to handle themselves.
Find Out Your Next Steps
If you or a family member has been injured by a dog, we know your ordeal has been traumatic and emotionally charged. Contact our Columbus office today by calling 614-529-3476 or by emailing us. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee. You will not owe us anything unless we succeed. Let us get involved on your behalf so you can focus on the most important thing: your recovery.
