Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog and animal bites may cause severe, life-changing injuries such as scarring and permanent disfigurement. In addition to the pain of stitches and surgery, animal bite victims often face lifelong fears of animals.

If you or a loved one were injured by a dog or other animal, the Cleveland dog bite lawyers at Friedman, Domiano and Smith are here to review your possible legal options. We have helped countless injury victims, including dog bite victims, secure compensation for their damages.

We have been representing Ohio injury victims for decades and have secured millions on their behalf. Visit our testimonials page to see what our former clients say about their experience with our firm.

There are no upfront fees for our services – we do not get paid unless you get paid. The initial consultation is also free of charge and comes with no obligation to hire our services for your claim.

Do You Have a Case Against the Dog Owner?

Ohio is a strict liability state, meaning a dog owner, harborer or keeper can be held liable the first time their dog bites someone. There is no requirement to prove the injury resulted from another party’s lack of reasonable care. 

The bottom line is if you were bitten by a dog and suffered an injury, you should contact an attorney to discuss potential legal options.

Dog and Animal Bite Law in Ohio

Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B) says owners, keepers and harborers (dog sitters, dog walkers, etc.) of dogs can be held liable for an injury caused by a dog.

It is important to note you could file a claim if the dog caused you to be injured but did not bite you. For example, if the dog knocked you down and caused you to suffer an injury you can seek compensation. If you were running from a dog and injured yourself as you ran away, you may also have a valid claim for compensation.

What if You Were Attacked by a Friend’s Dog?

You can still file a claim. It does not matter if you knew the dog.

While some people may be apprehensive about filing a claim over an injury caused by a friend’s dog, the claim will likely be against your friend’s insurance policy. You will probably not be seeking a recovery directly from your friend.

Can I Hold the Owner Responsible Even Though the Dog is not a Dangerous Breed?

Yes. Any breed of dog can be dangerous if the owner is not responsible and does not take care to train his or her dog and keep it properly restrained.

No matter the breed of the dog, you can file a claim if the dog injured you and you were not trespassing, breaking the law, or provoking the dog.

Under state law, any dog that has bitten, harmed or attacked another person must be registered as a dangerous dog. Owners, keepers or harborers of these dogs are required to take various steps to protect the public from these animals, including:

• Securely confine the dog in a locked pen with a top, locked yard with a fence or a locked enclosure with a top
• Keep the dog on a chain-link leash or tether no more than six feet in length when the dog is off the owner, keeper or harborer’s premises
• Make sure the leash or tether is controlled by someone of suitable age and discretion to be able to securely attach, tie or affix the leash or tether to the ground or a stationary object or fixture, so the dog is adequately restrained; and keep that person in close enough proximity to the dog to prevent it from causing injury to another person

If the owner of the dog failed to take these or other steps to protect you from a dangerous dog, our Cleveland dog bite lawyers can help you. The owner may be liable for your damages.

Are There Other Types of Cases Besides Dog Bites?

There are other types of animal bite cases. An animal that gets loose from the neighbor’s yard, sometimes a pet bear like the one that injured a neighbor as they were preparing meat.

Any animal in the state of Ohio that gets loose is subject to a statute in the state of Ohio that covers the injured person for damages inflicted by the animal and the owner of the animal.

Other Types of Animal Bites

1. A farm animal such as a horse or cow
2. Wild animals kept as pets like a bear or cougar
3. Any other types of animals that are not your normal dog

These are covered under that statute and are held strictly liable to the owner and the injured person.

Why You Should Consider Hiring a Cleveland Dog Bite Lawyer

If you hire an attorney to represent you, he or she can manage your claim on your behalf. What does that mean?

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we are prepared to handle every step of the legal process. We can deal with the insurance company, negotiate for compensation, evaluate your damages, consult experts to help validate your claim, investigate the scene, review medical records, and take additional steps to pursue maximum compensation.

You need to be focused on recovering from your injuries. The legal process is complicated and trying to deal with it on your own can be a bad idea. Something could get missed and you may struggle to recover full compensation for your damages.

Another benefit of working with an attorney is that he or she can keep you informed about the status of your claim and answer your questions. This is vital during the legal process, as it can help put your mind at ease.

If you have more questions about how we may be able to help you with your claim, give us a call today. There are no upfront fees or legal obligations.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims can suffer serious, life-altering injuries. Victims may have significant medical expenses, including ongoing medical costs for management of their injuries. Even though continued treatment may not heal a victim’s injuries, it may be recommended to manage pain and improve the victim’s quality of life.

Victims may also lose wages because they cannot work while recovering from their injuries. If they cannot work in the same industry or must work at a lower capacity than before, they may lose earning capacity.

Dog bites can also cause significant emotional distress. The experience can make people anxious around other dogs and in certain situations that remind them of the attack. Their physical injuries and potential disfigurement can also have a significant impact on the victim’s emotional well-being.

If you were injured in a dog bite/attack, you may be able to seek compensation for these and other damages. You can discuss the value of your claim in a free consultation with a licensed attorney.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Claim After an Animal Bite?

In most cases, you have two years after the dog or animal bite to start a legal claim. This is the standard personal injury statute of limitations in Ohio. If you fail to file a claim within those two years, the at-fault party can ask to have your case dismissed.

Discuss your claim with an experienced attorney. He or she can determine if you have a valid claim and how much time is left to file a lawsuit.

However, most claims are resolved through an insurance settlement, often from the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance.  

If you have more questions about seeking compensation after a personal injury the resulted from negligence, check out our Personal Injury FAQ’s.

Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite

Getting medical attention is the most important thing to do after a dog attack. You need qualified medical professionals to diagnose your injuries, stabilize them and come up with a treatment plan.

Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, if the dog bit you, it may have passed on an infection. You need to make sure infections are treated before they worsen and cause significant injury.

After doctors stabilize your injuries, you should report the attack to the proper authorities. Attacks in Cuyahoga County should be reported to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. State regulations say bites, scratches and rabies exposure incidents must be reported to the local health department within 24 hours.

After reporting the attack, you should strongly consider seeking legal representation. An experienced attorney can review your situation to determine possible legal options. If one of our attorneys validates your claim, we can begin an investigation and gather evidence to prove your case.

You can rely on our firm to manage the legal process while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Continuing your treatment is vital to the success of your claim.

Contact Our Firm to Discuss Possible Legal Options

The experienced Cleveland dog bite lawyers at Friedman, Domiano & Smith have successfully represented victims of dog bites and other animal attacks, helping them recover compensation for their damages. This includes a recovery for a meter man who was legally on a property and had to jump a fence to avoid dogs that were released from the house.

Injured victims can call our firm to set up a free consultation with a licensed attorney to discuss what to do next. There are no upfront fees and no fees while working on your case.