If a dog bites you while you’re on private or public property, one of our skilled Bowling Green dog bite lawyers at Charles Boyk Law can assist you. You may have the opportunity to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner.
Charles Boyk Law Offices has been dedicated to helping dog bite victims for over 40 years. We are here to support you if you’ve been attacked by a dog. Contact our attorneys for a free case review and to begin your claim.
Common Reasons for Dog Bites
One reason for the increase in dog attacks is the popularity of certain dog breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. These breeds can be friendly and well-behaved if they are properly trained and cared for. Unfortunately, many people get these breeds without fully understanding their needs.
Boyk Law Case Example #1
A client of ours, a four-year-old girl, was visiting her aunt. Her aunt had a rottweiler, and the dog bit the little girl’s face during a group photo. The girl was rushed to a hospital that was not of a trauma level equipped to handle the severity of her injuries. She transported to a more advance hospital where she received 30 stitches to her face. With facial scarring, we had to wait for the wound to heal and for scarring to develop in order to determine the level of injury. We took professional photos, got an impact statement from our client’s parents, and had a board-certified plastic surgeon write a report on behalf of our client. With these creative resources, we were able to settle our client’s case for the $300,000 policy limits. When Wood County Probate Court approved the settlement, we were able to put the money into an annuity to pay for our client’s future college expenses and to provide a large down payment on a house when she becomes and adult.
Irresponsible dog owners can end up with dogs that exhibit violent and unpredictable behavior. For instance, a Pit Bull can bite with a force of 2,600 pounds per square inch, which is enough to seriously injure or even kill an adult. Some owners may spend a lot of money on these breeds but fail to invest time in proper training and care.
A Bowling Green dog attack attorney from our firm can help hold negligent dog owners accountable for the injuries and harm you have suffered. You deserve fair compensation!
Dog Bite & Attack Statistics
There’s a 1 in 50 chance you might be attacked by a dog in the coming year. If you are attacked, there’s a 1 in 6 chance you’ll need hospital care, which could include surgery and several visits. Children under 14 are at a higher risk of being bitten and suffering serious injuries, particularly to the face, hands, arms, and legs, which can lead to permanent scarring. Many people struggle to return to their normal lives after a severe dog bite injury. Our goal is to help our clients heal faster, manage medical expenses, and restore their quality of life.
In the U.S., there are about 52 million dogs, and some of them pose serious risks to both adults and children. Research indicates that reported dog bites have increased by 30% over the past decade, despite only a slight rise in the dog population. Approximately 13,000 dog bites occur daily, resulting in over $100 million in medical expenses each year.
Don’t become just another statistic. Our Bowling Green dog bite attorneys will work diligently to secure the maximum settlement for you. A dog bite settlement can provide fair compensation and peace of mind.
Bitten in the Face by a Dog?
If you’ve been bitten in the face by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of surgeries for scar revision. Claims are usually filed against the dog’s owner.
Victims are also entitled to compensation for pain, suffering, emotional trauma, and psychological injuries resulting from the attack. Many victims experience ongoing emotional distress, such as nightmares and a fear of unfamiliar dogs, which can significantly affect their daily lives.
Dog bite injuries result in over $100 million in medical costs each year, not including future treatments like physical therapy or mental health care. A Bowling Green dog bite attorney can help you manage these growing costs.
Boyk Law Case Example #2
One of our clients took her dog to a friend’s house when the hosting friend’s dog attacked our client and her dog. Our client attempted to intervene in the dog-on-dog attack and was seriously bitten by the hosting dog. She suffered serious injuries to her face and leg, and had considerable and lasting scarring. We had to file a lawsuit on behalf of our client due to an insufficient offer. We deposed witnesses, and during mediation the strength of our case became obvious to opposing counsel. We were able to settle the case for $150,000 based on the reports we ordered from a clinical psychologist and plastic surgeon.
What Defines a Dangerous or Vicious Dog?
- A “dangerous dog” is one that, without provocation, has chased or approached people in a threatening manner or tried to bite someone when off its owner’s or keeper’s property and not reasonably controlled or confined.
- A “vicious dog” is one that, without provocation, has killed or caused serious injury to a person or has caused serious injury to another dog.
Legal Responsibilities for Owners of Dangerous Dogs in Ohio
In Ohio, dangerous and vicious dogs must be kept in a securely locked pen or yard with a top. They can be on a leash or tether when outside, controlled by a responsible person. Dangerous dogs must be muzzled if they are off their owner’s property.
Additionally, the owner of a vicious dog must have liability insurance covering at least $100,000 for damages caused by the dog.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Common injuries from dog bites include:
- Scratches, Punctures, and Lacerations: These can range from minor to severe and may require medical treatment.
- Disfigurement: Severe bites can lead to permanent changes in appearance.
- Scarring: Dog bite scars can be permanent and impact self-esteem.
- Broken Bones: Bites or attacks from dogs with strong jaws can result in fractures.
- Nerve Damage: Severe bites can cause long-term nerve damage affecting sensation and movement.
- Death: In rare cases, severe dog attacks can result in death.
Some injuries, such as psychological trauma, may not be immediately visible. A Bowling Green lawyer can help dog bite victims recover damages and navigate the legal process. An experienced attorney will also advocate for you in court, ensuring that all relevant evidence is considered.
Boyk Law Case Example #3
While at a friend’s house for a party, our client reached down to pet a dog when the dog bit his face. It took off half of our client’s nose and blood went everywhere. Our client had to go to two hospitals to find a facility advanced enough to handle his injuries. He ultimately had to undergo two surgeries. Several months of follow up visits to the surgeon and our client still had significant facial scarring that would require plastic surgery for the cosmetic and functional problems the client would end up having as a result of the dog attack. We were able to argue future damages using a board-certified plastic surgeon’s report, and we produced professional before and after photos of our client’s face. Fortunately for our client, there was a large insurance policy with significant limits. We secured those policy limits for our client in a settlement with the opposing counsel for our client’s injuries and pain and suffering.
Is a Dog Bite a Felony?
Owners who have a history of not restraining their dogs may face a misdemeanor charge if their dog bites someone. If a dog kills someone and the owner failed to restrain it, the owner could be charged with a fourth-degree felony, and the court may order the dog to be euthanized. Serious injuries from a dog bite might also lead to the dog being put down.
What To Do After a Dog Bite
If you are bitten by a dog, follow these steps:
- Cover the injury and stop the bleeding.
- Wash the wound carefully.
- Take photos of the injury as soon as possible.
- Use a sterile bandage if available.
- Seek immediate medical care at a hospital or clinic.
- Report the bite to the local police.
- Contact Charles Boyk Law Offices for a free case review.
When negligent dog ownership leads to injury, you can seek compensation for pain, suffering, medical expenses, and other losses with the help of a Bowling Green dog bite attorney. Children, in particular, may suffer long-term emotional trauma. A skilled lawyer can help you pursue damages that reflect the full impact of your injuries.
Do Not Discuss the Attack
Avoid discussing the details of the attack or posting them on social media. If the dog owner’s insurance company contacts you, do not provide a recorded or written statement until you consult with one of our dog bite attorneys.
What Are Your Legal Rights If Bitten by a Relative’s Dog?
If you’re bitten by a relative’s dog, you might wonder if you can file a lawsuit. Often, the lawsuit is against the homeowner’s insurance rather than the relative directly. We will work with you to determine the best way to pursue justice. By focusing on the insurance company, the dog owner won’t have to pay out of their own pocket.
When you report a dog bite involving a relative, the local police will investigate to determine if the dog has bitten before and if it is vaccinated. The dog may be quarantined for a period. As a full-service dog bite lawyer in Bowling Green, we will obtain that report on your behalf, so you can concentrate on your recovery.
Postal Carriers/Delivery Drivers Have a Right to File a Dog Bite Claim
Dog attacks on postal carriers and delivery drivers (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, etc.) have increased, especially since COVID-19. In Ohio, postal workers are frequently attacked. When these incidents occur, drivers can file workers’ compensation claims for lost wages and medical treatment. If we can prove the dog owner’s negligence, they might be responsible for repaying those benefits and more.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
Yes, you can sue if you are injured by a dog. As long as you were lawfully on the property, whether it is public or private, you can seek compensation. Workers such as salespeople, contractors, and delivery drivers who are lawfully on private property can also file claims. These claims are typically covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.
You need to prove that the owner was negligent and that you have damages. If you document the incident, take care of the wound, and follow our advice, your chances of a successful case increase. We will help you demonstrate that the owner had a duty of care, that this duty was breached, and how it impacted you.
Dog owners are required to keep their dogs on leashes in public and restrain them when guests are present. If you can show the owner’s negligence, we can help prove your case.
In Ohio, you have six years from the time of the bite to file a lawsuit. If you are under 18, you have six years from your 18th birthday to file a claim.
Boyk Law Case Example #4
Our client was wheelchair bound as a result of a diabetes diagnosis. Having only leg, you can imagine the misfortune of having his only leg, his good leg, latched onto by a loose dog. This caused his good leg to become infected and required months of wound care in order to treat the large, open wound so that int would heal properly. The initial problem with this case was determining who actually owned the dog. Because our client was bit by a loose dog, we had no owner immediately present to claim the animal. After we located the owner, we sent them countless letters (some certified). The only option left to us was to file a lawsuit on behalf of our client. An argument was made by opposing counsel that the dog’s owner would not be covered under their homeowner’s policy because of the stray nature of the attack. We never stopped fighting for our client, and after ceaseless negotiation with the insurance company, we were able to secure policy limits for our client. Because of the extent of our client’s injuries, the outstanding medical bills ate up a substantial part of our client’s settlement. We negotiated on our client’s behalf for the reduction of the insurance liens on their settlement, and we were able to ensure that our client had a sizable recovery for this horrible incident.
How Much Can I Expect in a Settlement?
The settlement amount can vary depending on factors such as your age, the severity and location of the bite, and any permanent damage. Settlements can cover pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
If the dog owner has insurance, the amount of coverage will influence the settlement. Dog bites are often covered by homeowner’s insurance, with average claims exceeding $30,000. Consult one of our Bowling Green dog bite lawyers before accepting any settlement from an insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If the dog owner lacks insurance or you cannot get compensation through their insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit. Having an attorney is essential for negotiating settlements and filing lawsuits.
Your dog bite attorney will help determine whether to pursue your claim under Bowling Green common law, Ohio’s dog bite statute, or both, and will work to build the strongest case for you.
Work With a Bowling Green Dog Bite Attorney
At Charles Boyk Law Offices, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our fee will never exceed what you receive from the settlement. As a full-service law firm, we handle everything from securing treatment to negotiating settlements and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office at any time so our dog bite lawyers can begin working on your case right away. Your recovery and justice are our top priorities.
