Ohio's approach to dog bite claims is more favorable to injured people than many states' laws — but there are still important exceptions and steps worth understanding.
1. Ohio's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Unlike states that require proof a dog had previously bitten someone, Ohio generally holds an owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog responsible for injuries the dog causes, without needing to show the dog had a known history of aggression.
2. Who Can Be Held Responsible
Liability can extend beyond the legal owner to anyone who was "keeping" or "harboring" the dog at the time — for example, someone regularly caring for a friend's or family member's dog.
3. Exceptions and Defenses
Common exceptions include situations where the injured person was trespassing, was committing a crime on the property, or provoked the dog. These defenses can significantly affect the outcome of a claim.
4. Common Injuries From Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries range from lacerations and puncture wounds requiring stitches to more serious nerve damage, infection, and scarring that can require extended treatment and, in some cases, plastic surgery.
5. What to Do Immediately After a Bite
Seek medical attention, photograph your injuries and the scene, get the dog owner's information and confirm the dog's vaccination status, and report the incident to local animal control.
6. Dealing With Homeowners' or Renters' Insurance
Many dog bite claims are ultimately paid through the owner's homeowners' or renters' insurance policy, though insurers may still dispute the claim or the extent of injuries.
7. Getting Help With a Dog Bite Claim
Because Ohio's law is generally favorable to bite victims, and because insurers may still push back, an attorney can help make sure your claim reflects the full extent of your injuries.
If you've been bitten by a dog in Youngstown, Salem, or Canfield, Ohio; Weirton or Chester, West Virginia; or the Beaver, Pennsylvania area, Stowers Law Office LLC is available to review your case.