Dog bites can cause serious injuries—puncture wounds that require stitches, infections that develop into serious complications, permanent scarring and disfigurement, deep psychological fear of dogs, and lasting emotional trauma. In Ohio, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their animals under specific circumstances. Understanding your rights under Ohio law can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Ohio's Dog Bite Statute
Under Ohio Revised Code 955.28, the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable for injury or death caused by the dog if two conditions are met: (1) the injury occurred while the victim was in or on a public place or lawfully in or on the owner's private property, and (2) the dog was not provoked. This is a strict liability statute—you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the dog had bitten before. This is different from the "one bite" rule that applies in some states. If the statutory elements are met, the owner is liable.
What You Can Recover
You may be able to recover medical expenses (emergency room, surgery, antibiotics, follow-up care), lost wages for time away from work, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, psychological counseling for fear of dogs, and other damages. If the injury causes permanent disability, you can recover for loss of earning capacity. Ohio follows comparative negligence, so if you were partly at fault—for example, by provoking the dog—your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the dog owner is more than 50% at fault, you can still recover.
Steps to Take After a Bite
Seek medical attention immediately—even if the bite seems small. Dog bites are contaminated with bacteria and can lead to serious infections. Get the owner's name, address, and insurance information. Take photos of your injuries and the dog if possible. Report the incident to animal control and get a copy of the report. Get contact information from any witnesses. Keep all medical records and bills organized. Contact a personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim—many work on contingency.
Ohio's Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Do not delay—evidence and witnesses can disappear over time, and insurance companies may dispute claims that are reported late.
If you or a family member has been injured by a dog in Ohio, Jwayyed Law LLC can help. We represent dog bite victims throughout the counties we serve. Call (614) 285-5482 or schedule a free consultation today. We work on contingency—you do not pay unless we recover for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal counsel regarding your specific situation, contact Jwayyed Law, LLC.
