After A Dog Bite Injury, Turn To A Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 37% of American households – over 43 million – own a dog. Most dog owners believe that their pets are harmless and would never bite anyone or anything. However, that is not always the case.

Chardon dog bite attorney Scott M. Kuboff, Esq. has represented many Ohioans who have been seriously injured by dog bites and other animal attacks. Those who are fortunate walk away with scratches or small puncture wounds. Others’ injuries are more serious: permanent scarring, nerve damage, broken bones, loss of muscle tissue or even loss of limbs.

How A Lawyer Can Help You Recover From Your Losses

In Ohio, a person injured by a dog bite may present two different types of theories of liability: common-law negligence and statutory liability. Under a negligence theory, a plaintiff is essentially claiming that the defendant was negligent in keeping the dog in the first place. As such, the injured party must establish that.

• The defendant owned or harbored the dog.
• The dog was vicious.
• The defendant knew of the dog’s viciousness.
• The defendant was negligent in keeping the dog.

To establish liability on a negligence theory, it must be shown that there was a prior dog bite or attack by the dog. In Ohio, this is known as the “one-bite rule.”

The second theory of liability is under Revised Code § 955.28(B). This statute imposes strict liability upon an “owner, keeper or harborer of a dog” for injuries to individuals. Under Revised Code § 955.28(B), a plaintiff does not need to show that there was a prior dog bite or animal attack; instead, they must prove that a dog bite or animal attack occurred. As one Ohio court noted, R.C. § 955.28(B) “imposes absolute liability on the owner or keeper of a dog for any damage or injury caused by that dog.”

Was The Dog Provoked?

Regarding the circumstances of a dog bite incident, R.C. § 955.28(B) provides, in relevant part, as follows:

The owner, keeper or harborer of a dog is liable for damages for any injury, death or loss to a person or property that is caused by the dog unless the injury, death or loss was caused to the person or property of an individual who, at the time, was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog on the owner’s, keeper’s or harborer’s property.

Accordingly, to maintain a cause of action under R.C. § 955.28(B), a plaintiff must establish that:

• The defendant is the owner, keeper or harborer of the dog.
• The injury was probably caused by the dog’s actions.
• The monetary amount of the damages.

Attorney Kuboff’s representation of people harmed by dog bites and animal attacks is on a contingency basis, meaning you will pay no attorney fees unless he recovers compensation for you.

Learn How To Obtain Fair Compensation For Your Injuries

At the law firm of Ibold & O’Brien, you will find help to pursue fair and just compensation for injuries resulting from vicious dog bites and animal attacks.

If you have sustained an injury as a result of a dog bite or animal attack, reach attorney Scott Kuboff by email or call 440-607-5228. Request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.