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Whether you own a dog or were bitten by one, it’s worth brushing up on dog bite laws. This will help you protect against lawsuits or determine whether you should sue an owner for an injury. Before meeting with an attorney, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Strict Liability?  

Ohio is a strict liability state, which means the dog owner will be considered responsible for bites and injuries right away. In other words, even if their canine has never bit anyone before or been declared dangerous, the owner is still liable for damages. 

attorneyIn certain cases, however, the owner may not be held liable. For example, if you enter a property to steal or commit another crime and get bitten in the process, the dog owner generally won’t need to cover damages. Additionally, they won’t be liable if you tease, attack, or abuse the canine.

Certain breeds, however, are treated differently by Ohio law. For example, pit bulls are banned altogether by multiple cities, including Cleveland and Cincinnati. 

Is There a Time Limit on Lawsuits?

Ohio has a statute of limitations on civil cases, including dog bites. You have two years from the date you were injured to seek compensation. After that, the courts will typically refuse the case. As a result, it’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible following a bite. 

What Should You Do After a Bite? 

Before seeking medical attention, determine who owns the dog. If you can’t, the doctor will generally assume you were bitten by a stray canine, which means you’ll need to get rabies vaccinations. If you can determine who the owner is, health officials will keep track of the dog, watching them for rabies symptoms. This will help medical professionals decide how to best treat you. Finally, knowing who the owner is will help you sue later on. 

 

If you were injured by a dog bite, contact Michael D. Doyle, Attorney At Law. Serving Ohio’s Lorain and Cuyahoga counties, Attorney Doyle has over 25 years of experience helping clients attain the compensation they deserve. He’ll walk you through every step of the legal process, from getting the necessary medical documentation to filing the lawsuit. Visit this attorney’s website or call (440) 323-0001 to learn more about his services. 

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