Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and even permanent scarring. For help, Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is available at (419) 625-7770.
In some cases, a dog bite can lead to long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological trauma. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Ohio, it’s important to understand your legal rights and take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your family.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, contact us today for a free consultation with an Ohio dog bite lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Case in Ohio
When you’re facing the aftermath of a dog bite injury, you need an experienced lawyer who understands Ohio law and will fight aggressively for your rights. Here’s why Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is the right choice for your case:
- 181 years of combined legal experience: Our team’s decades of experience in personal injury law mean we have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most complex dog bite cases in Ohio.
- Proven track record of success: We have recovered over $100 million on behalf of deserving clients. We secure favorable settlements and verdicts for those who have suffered injuries due to dog attacks.
- Aggressive advocacy: We are dedicated to advocating for your rights. Whether through settlement negotiations or litigation, we will pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
- Personalized legal strategies: Every dog bite case is unique. We take a personalized approach to ensure your case is handled with the attention and care it deserves. We’ll work closely with you to ensure that your needs are met at every stage of the legal process.
With 181 years of legal experience and a proven track record of success, Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is here to help you secure the compensation you truly need. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with an Ohio personal injury attorney and get started on your pursuit of justice.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth in Ohio?
Dog bite injuries can range from minor scratches to serious, life-threatening wounds. The severity of the attack and the extent of damage to your life will play a significant role in determining the value of your case.
Some factors that impact your case’s value can include:
- Medical costs: Dog bite injuries often require immediate medical treatment, including emergency care, wound cleaning, stitches, and possibly surgery. You may also need ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy or medication to treat infections. These costs will be evaluated as part of your claim.
- Emotional distress: In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can cause significant emotional trauma, particularly if the attack results in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or fear of dogs. These emotional effects can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Dog bites can cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially when the bite involves sensitive areas such as the face, hands, or neck. These visible scars may affect your self-esteem and emotional well-being.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may lose wages while you recover. In severe cases, you may be unable to return to your previous job, resulting in a permanent loss of income.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we understand the serious consequences of a dog bite injury. Our goal is to ensure that you receive compensation for all of the damages you have suffered.
We will thoroughly evaluate each potential damage and work to hold the responsible party accountable.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims in Ohio?
In Ohio, victims of dog bites can pursue compensatory damages, which are generally divided into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
These are the tangible losses you’ve suffered.
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate you for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Non-economic damages offer compensation for the non-financial, intangible losses caused by your dog bite.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly negligent or reckless, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we fight to ensure that you recover all the damages you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the damages available in your case.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Ohio
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal fees. Our fee is a percentage of the amount we recover for you, so our success is directly tied to the outcome of your case.
This system aligns our interests with your interests. This structure ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we focus on securing the best possible outcome for your case. This structure also levels the playing field for our clients.
You won’t have to worry about expensive retainer fees or hourly rates when you are taking on large insurance companies or wealthy defendants. You don’t have to risk your financial future to pursue justice. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for the Dog Bite in Ohio?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover compensation for a dog bite injury even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the incident, and your total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000. You can still pursue compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the dog bite. If you are 51% or more at fault, you’ll be barred from recovering entirely.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we will work hard to minimize any blame placed on you. We want to ensure that you are fairly compensated. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can defend you against any blame shifting tactics while still pursuing appropriate monetary relief.
What Causes Most Dog Bites in Ohio?
Dog bites can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Aggressive behavior: Dogs that are not properly trained or socialized may become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or fearful.
- Lack of supervision: Dog bites often happen when owners fail to properly supervise their pets, particularly around children or unfamiliar individuals.
- Owner negligence: Some dog bites occur because owners fail to properly secure their pets, allowing them to roam free and potentially attack others.
- Provocation: In some cases, dog bites occur when the victim provokes the dog, either intentionally or unintentionally, such as through rough play or startling the dog.
Understanding the common causes of dog bites can help you determine liability in your case. If you need assistance after a dog bite or dog attack, get in touch with our experienced personal injury lawyers today.
How Long Do I Have To File My Dog Bite Lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, is typically two years from the date of the incident. It is important to act quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved and that you don’t miss the legal deadline for filing your claim.
If you wait too long to file your lawsuit, you could miss your opportunity to obtain compensation. You may also risk losing important evidence to support your case. At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we will ensure that your case is filed within the necessary time frame and that your rights are fully protected.
Contact an Ohio Dog Bite Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Ohio, Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is here to help. With our extensive experience and history of proven results, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Ohio dog bite lawyer and to begin your path toward recovery.