Our team of personal injury lawyers represents the victims of dog bite injuries in Perrysburg, Ohio. There are many questions the victims of dog bite injuries ask after the incident. If you have questions about your case, the best way to contact us is by phone at 419-900-0955 or via the contact form below. Here’s a general overview of the five most common questions we get asked as dog bite injury attorneys.
Do I Have a Valid Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Whether or not you have a legal claim after a dog bite is a complex question that involves State law where the dog bite occurred. A dog bite is covered by both strict liability and common law. Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28 the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is strictly liable for any injury to you. Under common law negligence, the owner, keeper, or harborer, is liable for your injuries if the defendant knew about the dog’s viciousness and was negligent in keeping the dog. You should have an Ohio injury attorney analyze your case to determine whether you have a legal claim.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Dog Bite Injury?
If injured by a dog, you can recover your medical expenses, lost wages,pain and suffering, and permanent scarring and disfigurement. Medical expenses include visits to the emergency room, surgeries, medications, and any future treatment related to the dog bite. You can also recover compensation for all permanent scarring. As to lost wages, any missed work while recovering is compensable. Pain and suffering which deals with both physical pain and emotional distress, is also part of compensation.
What is the Process for Filing a Dog Bite Insurance Claim or Lawsuit?
You should always schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer if you’ve been injured by a dog. They can best help handle the early steps to documenting and filing your claim. Your lawyer typically will gather all the facts of the case, fully substantiate all your damages and negotiate the claim with any insurance or help assist you in recovering in court. Depending on the facts of your case, insurance potentially involved and many other factors, the process can differ significantly from case to case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?
Our firm charges a contingency fee only if we are able to obtain compensation and no upfront legal fees. Most personal injury firms follow the same model. Depending on your case and the firm you hire, there may be other costs to obtain medical records or postage that could be required up front.
Dennis P. Sawan
