Most people think of dogs as man’s best friend. As such, when you sustain an injury from a bite from one of these animals, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and confused. However, in these cases, it’s crucial to remain informed about your rights regarding personal injury and filing a claim. The following guide offers some insight into this subject, so you can take quick, effective action. 

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Dog Bite?

Personal injury claims are applicable whenever you experience damages due to the recklessness or negligence of another person. Because Ohio has strict liability rules surrounding dog bites, it doesn’t matter if this is the animal’s first attack. In theory, you can file a claim seeking compensation for any damages you sustained.

However, this is only applicable if you can prove the owner was the negligent or reckless one. For example, if you sustained an injury as a result of trespassing on private property, you likely won’t be able to recover compensation. 

What Do You Need to Prove?

Your personal injury attorney will need to prove a few things to help you recover the compensation needed for a quick recovery. First, they’ll need to prove you’re filing within Ohio’s statute of limitations, which is two years. Next, they’ll need to prove that your injuries are the direct result of the animal’s bite—and not part of a pre-exisiting condition. Third, they’ll need to prove how the bite has impacted your daily life and left you with financial or emotional disadvantages. Finally, they’ll need to prove that the owner did not take care to protect you from the bite, whether that means they let them out without a leash or knew they were dangerous and didn’t provide fair warning. 

If you experienced a dog bite and need to file a personal injury claim, talk to the team at Miraldi & Barrett Co. Located in Lorain, OH, these attorneys have over 70 years of experience and have been named Ohio Super Lawyers seven years in a row. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, and call (440) 233-1100 to schedule an initial consultation today.