Columbus Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog Bites in Columbus, OH

Dog bites happen frequently, and according to the CDC, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States. Whether the injury happens in residential neighborhoods or public parks like Goodale Park or Schiller Park, dog bites in Columbus can lead to medical expenses, disfigurement, and lasting trauma.

Why Dogs Bite

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.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Columbus

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. In Columbus, attacks are frequently reported in public parks, residential areas, or while victims are working in homes. The Ohio Department of Health also reports thousands of dog bites annually across the state.

Common injuries include:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: These can cause long-term damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• Broken bones: Large dog breeds can exert enough force to fracture bones.
• Infections: Injuries can become infected, resulting in conditions like Rabies, Tetanus, or Pasteurella.
• Disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
• Psychological trauma: Victims, especially children, may suffer PTSD after a dog attack.

Diseases that can result from a dog bite include:

Tetanus

Produced by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani, this toxin can be life-threatening. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms and rigid paralysis. Tetanus is common in deep bite wounds.

Rabies

This disease is rare but is almost always fatal if left untreated. It affects the brain, attacking both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This disease is in the saliva of dogs and other mammals.

MRSA

A type of staph infection that can cause infections in the skin, lungs, and urinary tract. If spread throughout a person’s bloodstream, this disease can be fatal.

Pasteurella

A bacteria found in up to 50 percent of all dog bite wounds. Common side effects include painful swelling and redness around the bite area. It is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.

Columbus Dog Bite Laws & Owner Liability

Ohio is a strict liability state, meaning dog owners can be held responsible for any injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog has never bitten before. Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, a dog owner may be liable for damages if their dog attacks or injures someone, especially if the dog was off-leash or the owner failed to control the dog.

When a person is bitten or attacked by a dog, the owner is not the only person that can be sued. Anyone who harbored the dog or kept the dog in their possession is also responsible. This includes situations when a dog bites a person while being cared for at a doggy daycare. While the owner is protected in this case, the doggie daycare facility can be held responsible.

Other people that might be held liable for a dog attack include dog sitters, landlords, and dog walkers. It is important to speak with a dog bite attorney in Columbus to determine who might be liable for your dog bite injuries.

Columbus leash laws also mandate that dogs be restrained in public areas, further reinforcing owner responsibility.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Columbus, OH

If a dog bites you in Columbus, follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately for the bite, even if it appears minor.
• Report the attack to the Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control.
• Document the incident by taking photos of your injuries and the location of the attack.
• Collect information from the dog owner, including vaccination status.
• Contact KNR to discuss your options for compensation.

Medical Care for Columbus Dog Bites

Columbus is home to a number of leading health care facilities that can treat dog bite injury victims. With considerable experience helping local injury victims, our Columbus dog bite lawyers will guide and assist you with documenting the medical care and costs associated with a serious dog bite.

We have strong relationships with the many excellent hospitals and trauma centers in Columbus, including:

• Ohio State University Hospital
• Mount Carmel
• OhioHealth
• Other local ERs

In addition to medical care, you should consider contacting a local animal control agency and filing a police report. This is particularly important if you don’t know the dog, are unfamiliar with its history, or if the dog appears sick or behaving erratically.

The Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control provides animal control services and is responsible for enforcing Ohio’s vicious, dangerous and nuisance dog laws in Franklin County.

What Are Dog Bite Victims Entitled to?

In a personal injury lawsuit following a dog bite a person might seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Loss of consortium, or loss of familial relationships
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Physical limitations

Punitive damages punish the owner for not upholding their duties as responsible dog owners. An exception exists if the victim teased or abused the dog or trespassed on private property. However, dog owners are responsible for their pets in most circumstances.

Read Does Your Settlement Cover Future Medical Costs?

Insurance Considerations in Dog Bite Cases

In many dog bite cases, the dog’s owner may have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance that can cover damages. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, offering settlements that don’t fully compensate victims for their losses. At KNR, we negotiate aggressively with insurers to ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

KNR has helped numerous dog bite victims in and around Franklin County, Ohio, get compensation for their needs. Let our dog bite lawyers guide you through the legal process, help you get treatment, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Time Limits in Dog Bite Cases

If you are considering a personal injury lawsuit for injuries you sustained during a dog attack, it is important to understand the time restrictions, or Statute of Limitations associated with this legal action.

In Ohio, the victim of a dog attack must file a lawsuit within two years of when the injuries were discovered. Therefore, you should seek assistance from a Columbus dog bite attorney as soon as possible.

Why Work with Our Dog Bite Attorneys?

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we strive to make the recovery process after a dog bite accident in Columbus as smooth as possible. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, but with our experienced team of personal injury lawyers, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

With over 500 years of combined legal experience, a team of 30+ attorneys, and millions recovered —KNR can help you, no matter the severity of your injuries.

“KNR was outstanding. They listened, understood, and handled everything. I’m grateful for their support.” – John P.

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Let KNR handle your dog bite claim so you can focus on recovery.

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