Get Financial Recovery from Injuries Caused By Animal Attacks
In most cases, dogs, cats, horses and other animals pose no danger to other people, but irresponsible owners and the unpredictable behavior of the animals can result in serious attacks and dog bites. That in the State of Ohio dog bite cases are covered one of two ways, there is a statute which makes the owner or harborer of a dog responsible for damages provided that the injured party was not teasing, tormenting the dog or was trespassing. The defendant can also be held liable for a dog bite under common law principles by showing that the owner was negligent and if the dog had bitten before punitive damages may apply.
At my law firm, I, Norm Sandvoss, represent the victims of dog bites and work hard to help them get the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. These attacks can often result in serious injuries that require lengthy and expensive medical treatment. In more than 40 years of practice in Ravenna and Portage County, Ohio, I have helped secure monetary damages for many dog bite and animal attack victims that has started them down the road to recovery.
Did you know? — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten annually by dogs in the U.S. 1 out of every 6 bites is serious enough to require medical attention.
Hiring a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Injuries
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog or attacked by another animal in Ohio, it is important to hire an attorney who is experienced with these cases and understands your rights under the law. Typically, damages caused by dog bites will be covered under the owner's homeowners' insurance policy.
Insurance companies and adjusters are trained to mitigate damages, however, and may attempt to negotiate a settlement that will not fully compensation you for your injuries or attempt to put you at fault for the accident.
Dog owners may also be liable for punitive damages if it can be proven that the owner knew about the vicious propensity of the animal and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it from attacking you. If you have experienced scarring, disfigurement or other permanent injuries or conditions as the result of a dog bite, you may be able to recover additional damages.
Learn More Information About Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio
Your legal rights deserve to be protected by an experienced dog bite and personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact my firm today to learn more information about your rights after an attack and what steps to take to improve your chances of success. Call for a free initial consultation at my office in Ravenna at 330-577-5126 or toll free at 877-462-4817.
