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Columbus Dog Bite Lawyers

small growling dogDog bites can occur unexpectedly and affect people of all ages. Whether you’re interacting with a friend’s dog, playing with a family member’s pet, or simply passing by someone else’s dog, what may seem like a harmless situation can quickly escalate into a painful dog bite incident. In the event of a dog attack causing injury, it is crucial to ensure that the owner or handler is held responsible in order to prevent future incidents.

If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. By entrusting your case to an experienced lawyer at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, you could potentially recover three to five times the amount you might receive on your own. Our Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers possess specialized training to assist clients in obtaining fair compensation for their injuries from those accountable.

Our legal team has successfully secured millions in compensation for accident victims, prioritizing compassion and meticulous attention to detail. The impact of your injuries should not be underestimated. Our Columbus dog bite lawyers are prepared to offer assistance.

Reach out to our Ohio dog bite attorneys at 614-686-2020 to seek the justice you deserve.

Columbus Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites can occur regardless of age, affecting millions annually. Information collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) can provide valuable insights into the risks associated with dog bites and the importance of holding negligent owners accountable.

Pit bulls, mixed breeds, and German shepherds top the list for reported bites.

In 2021, pit bulls were involved in 3,397 attacks and 296 deaths

Children make up approximately half the victims of dog attacks

The likelihood of dying from a dog bite is around 1 in 112,400.

Unneutered male dogsv account for 70% of dog bites.

Out of the 46 dog attack fatalities reported in 2019, pit bulls caused 33 deaths.

Pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 77% of dog bites reported.

For more information on canine attacks visit our Dog Bite FAQs.

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Do I Need a Columbus Dog Bite Lawyer?

Determining if you need a dog bite lawyer depends on your specific case. While not necessary for every incident, legal representation can be highly beneficial in certain situations.

Consider the following factors when deciding if you should consult with a dog bite lawyer:

Severity of the Injury: Significant injuries with medical expenses, scarring, or long-term consequences may require legal assistance from a dog bite lawyer near Columbus to pursue appropriate compensation.

Liability and Responsibility: Determining liability can be challenging, but one of our Ohio dog bite lawyers can investigate, gather evidence, and establish liability for damages caused.

Legal Knowledge: State laws vary, so an experienced Ohio dog bite attorney familiar with local regulations can navigate complexities and build a robust legal strategy for your case.

Insurance Claims and Negotiations: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex, but an animal attack lawyer can handle communication and negotiations to protect your rights and secure fair compensation.

Peace of Mind: Hiring an Ohio dog bite lawyer allows you to focus on recovery while they handle paperwork, procedures, and deadlines, providing peace of mind.

If you are still unsure if you should hire an experienced canine bite legal counsel or looking for the right dog mauling advocate, get a free evaluation contact our team today.

Know Your Rights with Columbus Dog Attacks

It’s imperative to be aware of your rights under Ohio law, particularly when it comes to dog attacks.

Owners Liability

The owner’s responsibility for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of prior aggressive behavior or the owner’s awareness of their pet’s propensity to bite. (Ohio Revised Code: Section 955.28B)

Ohio’s Statute of Limitations: Dog Bite Claims

These cases typically fall under personal injury claims, necessitating that lawsuits must be initiated within two years from the date of the animal injury. (Ohio Revised Code – Section 2305.10)

Dog Bite Cases by Severity

dog attack training

Dog bites can vary widely in severity, ranging from minor puncture wounds to severe tissue damage and disfigurement. The National Center for Biotechnology Information provides a classification of the stages of dog bite injuries:

  • Stage I: Superficial injuries that may become infected without proper treatment.
  • Stage II: Deep wounds affecting muscles, requiring medical attention.
  • Stage III: Severe wounds with muscle damage and possible tissue loss.
  • Stage IVA: Injuries impacting muscles, tissues, and nerves, potentially causing permanent loss of function.
  • Stage IVB: Injuries involving muscles, tissues, nerves, and bones, requiring immediate medical attention.

Types of Compensation For Animal Attacks

  • Medical Expenses: Including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: If the dog mauling injury has caused you to miss work or decrease earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost or will lose.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be available for the physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the incident.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation can help address instances of permanent physical and psychological injuries caused by an animal attack.
  • Property damage: Compensation can be sought for the repair or replacement of items such as clothing or personal devices.
  • Future Damages: In cases of severe injuries, the victim may require ongoing medical treatment and care, for which they deserve compensation.

LEARN WHAT TO DO AFTER SUFFERING FROM A DOG BITE

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Why Choose Rinehardt Injury Attorneys for Your Columbus Dog Bite Case?

Choosing Rinehardt Injury Attorneys for your Columbus dog bite case means selecting a team deeply rooted in Ohio’s legal landscape.

Here are some important benefits of selecting Rinehardt to represent you:

Dedicated Legal Team

Our Columbus Injury Law Firm ensures that we understand the specific laws and regulations governing animal attack cases in Ohio. Our team will work collaboratively to investigate your case diligently, gather evidence, and develop a robust strategy tailored to your circumstances.

Proven Track Record

Rinehardt Injury Attorneys have a demonstrated history of securing favorable outcomes for dog injury victims in Columbus and across Ohio. Our track record of success with settlements and verdicts speaks to our skill and dedication in representing clients.

Compassion and Support

We recognize the physical and emotional toll of a dog bite injury. Our team provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process, offering personalized attention to every client to ensure they feel heard and supported.

Strong Representation

When it comes to advocating for our clients, we are relentless. Our primary goal is to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. We are passionate animal injury legal advocates for our clients and will tirelessly pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries, damages, and losses.

No Fee Unless We Win

We believe everyone should have access to justice. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover your compensation.

If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident near Columbus, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance from our experienced team. Contact Rinehardt Injury Attorneys today for a consultation with knowledgeable Ohio Dog Bite attorneys. We are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys Near Columbus, Ohio

Rinehardt LogoIf you’ve been the victim of a dog bite in Columbus, seeking experienced legal representation is essential to your recovery. Our dedicated team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys specializes in personal injury law and is committed to providing the advocacy and support you need during this challenging time. Trust our experienced team to fight tirelessly for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation with our team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys.. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Be Smart. Get Rinehardt.

Columbus Dog Bite FAQ

  • Receive Medical Attention – Dogs have sharp teeth that can break the skin, making your wound prone to infections. It’s important to get with a medical professional to get proper wound cleaning and care. Make sure to save all of the paperwork from this clinical visit as it can help to build your case.
  • Note the Details of the Attack – It is imperative that you note as much information about the incident and the dog owner as possible: Location, Name of the homeowner & contact Information, and the dog owner’s Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance (if applicable). All of these details will help support a legal dog bite claim.
  • Contact Local Authorities – When you file an official police report, you will have key documentation that contains details of the dog bite attack and is an important piece of evidence in court. Also, the victim must report the attack to the local health commissioner within 24 hours. If a veterinarian is treating a dog that bit someone, they must also report the attack.
  • Get Help From a Dog Bite Lawyer in Columbus – After treating your womb and taking the necessary steps to obtain key documentation, you’ll need a team of experienced dog bite attorneys to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Any dog owner over 18 is held liable for dog bite injuries. There are some situations where someone other than the dog owner may also be held liable including: someone other than the owner caring for the dog when the bite incident occurred or dog owners under 18.
Under strict liability, a dog owner is held responsible for any injury caused by their dog, even if every available precaution to avoid the attack was taken. Negligence is much harder to prove, but it can be done if the dog owner clearly acted with malice or gross negligence that led to the attack.
Generally, the dog owner will not be held liable if their dog bites a trespasser. If your dog attacked a suspected trespasser and you’re unsure of your liability, give our dog bite lawyers at Rinehardt a call.

Columbus Office

Rinehardt Injury Attorneys
8351 N. High St, Ste 251,
Columbus, OH 43235
Phone Number: (614) 686-2020
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We’re here to help you and your family get back on track after an accident. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.

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