3 Ohio Cities in Top 10 for Dog Bites Among USPS: What to Do If You’re Bit
Posted in: Dog Bite
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Legal Help for the Injured
No matter how careful you are around dogs, an unexpected attack can leave you with serious injuries and emotional trauma. When a dog bite happens in Cleveland, our personal injury attorneys are here to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Dog bites can lead to painful injuries, substantial medical bills, and long-term effects. You should focus on healing—not on navigating insurance claims or legal complexities. With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients across Ohio—including numerous successful dog bite cases right here in Cleveland—Kisling, Nestico & Redick is here to help. Let us handle your case so you can prioritize your recovery.
Call KNR today at (216) 658-1330 to see if your situation warrants filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Dog bites can range from minor nips to life-threatening attacks. Cincinnati sees numerous dog bite incidents every year, with the Ohio Department of Health reporting thousands of dog bites annually.
In Hamilton County, incidents often occur in parks, residential neighborhoods, and even while victims are working in homes or visiting friends.
A nip might cause a small puncture, and you might feel like little harm was done. But dog attacks also can be severe and deadly. Large, strong dog breeds can break bones and cause disfiguring injuries. In addition, any size dog can cause an infection, which can be harmful if not properly treated. The most recent data available from the CDC stated about 799,700 people in the U.S. required medical care for dog bites, with the highest injury rate among children.
Dogs may bite due to fear, anxiety, or feeling threatened. Common triggers include territorial behavior, lack of proper training, or protecting their owners. Children, due to their size and unpredictability, are often the most vulnerable.
Rabies is a rare but serious risk. Dogs get the rabies vaccine, but according to the CDC, dogs account for about 1% of all rabid animals each year.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a severe bacterial infection. The risk of tetanus from a dog bite is small because of the tetanus vaccine. The CDC reported there are about 30 cases of tetanus in the U.S. each year.
Most Pasteurella infections are the result of cat or dog bites or scratches. This bacterium can be found in about half of dog bite injuries, and up to 18% become infected. Always clean a dog bite wound well and see a doctor to reduce the risk of infection.
Being attacked by a dog can cause significant psychological trauma. Depending on the severity and wounds, you might need counseling or be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Studies have linked PTSD in children and dog bites.
Ohio has a strict liability law for dog bites, meaning that a dog’s owner can be held responsible for injuries even if the dog has never bitten before or shown aggressive behavior. The one-bite rule, which is applicable in some states, does not apply in Ohio.
Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, dog owners can be held liable if their dog bites or injures someone while off-leash or if they failed to control the dog properly, regardless of prior behavior. Additionally, Cincinnati has leash laws that require dogs to be restrained in public, reducing the risk of attacks.
If a dog bites you, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
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Fight for Everything You’re Owed
If you’re the victim of an animal attack, you may need compensation for your injuries. A dog bite law firm near you can help. If the attack occurred on the dog owner’s property, you may be able to make a claim under the property owner’s insurance policy.
When a preventable injury occurs on a person’s property, the owner of the property is often liable and can be pursued for compensation. Even if the attack occurred on public property or somewhere else, the owner or guardian of the dog may still be liable for your injuries.
If a dog has bitten you, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for several types of losses, including:
Read more: Does Your Settlement Cover Future Medical Costs?
In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance can cover the damages caused by a dog bite. However, insurance companies frequently try to reduce payouts, offering settlements that may not fully compensate victims for their injuries. At KNR, we work to negotiate with insurers aggressively, aiming to secure the maximum compensation for your needs.
Our Cleveland dog bite attorneys have successfully helped numerous clients in the area get the support they need after an attack. Let KNR’s experienced team guide you through the legal process, assist with treatment, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our 36-year-old client was visiting a private home to pick up a customer’s dog for dog training. As…
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We thoroughly investigate who was in control of the dog at the time of the incident and gather critical evidence about what occurred. In some cases, we may seek compensation not only from the dog’s owner but also from other responsible parties, such as a dog walker, kennel, or other third parties involved in the animal’s care.
Once we determine who is responsible, we assess whether they have insurance coverage. Often, the best way to pursue compensation is by filing an insurance claim. For instance, businesses that handle animals usually carry insurance. Additionally, many dog owners’ homeowners or renters insurance policies cover dog bite injuries.
We ensure you receive the necessary medical care to aid in your recovery. Our Cleveland dog bite lawyers work closely with you, your healthcare providers, and, if needed, medical experts to collect evidence proving the extent and severity of your injuries. To secure the maximum compensation, we meticulously document the physical and emotional impact of the dog bite.
If insurance coverage is unavailable or your claim is denied, we may recommend filing a lawsuit. Our team is well-versed in handling litigation, making the court process straightforward and manageable. We’ll represent you in court, guiding you through each phase. While many personal injury cases settle, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to fight for your compensation.
With in-depth knowledge of the Cleveland legal landscape and local courts, KNR is uniquely equipped to handle your dog bite case. You won’t pay unless we win.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we aim to make your recovery process after a dog bite in Cleveland as seamless as possible. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, and with our team of experienced personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to handle it alone.
With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered for clients across Ohio—including many successful dog bite cases right here in Cleveland—we are ready to assist you, no matter the severity of your injuries.
“KNR was incredibly supportive and effective. They handled everything so I could focus on my recovery.” – Sarah M.
Let KNR handle your dog bite claim so you can focus on healing.
Below is a list of resources that may be helpful after a dog bite in Cleveland.
Expect More from Your Lawyer
KNR can help you recover the max after a dog bite in Cleveland, Ohio. Contact our offices at (216) 658-1330 to schedule a free consultation.
