[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”left” title_text_align_tablet=”center” title_text_align_phone=”center” title_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The short answer is \u201cyes,\u201d you can bring a dog bite lawsuit against a homeowner for a dog bite. However, as with all legal matters, there are caveats. Even if a dog bites you, it doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you\u2019ll recover compensation from the dog owner, or the animal will be destroyed.<\/p>\n
The precise rules around dog bite claims depend on your state. This article will discuss the law as it pertains to Ohio specifically. Laws in other states, such as California and New York, are different.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ohioinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-can-i-sue-a-homeowner-for-a-dog-bite-the-ohio-dog-bite-status.jpg” alt=”The Ohio Dog Bite Statute” title_text=”The Ohio Dog Bite Statute” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
According to Ohio\u2019s Dog Bite Statute<\/a>, dog owners are legally and financially held responsible for any injuries their dog causes. Specifically, the dog bite laws state that \u201cthe owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog.\u201d<\/p>\n Ohio is a strict liability state regarding fault and liability related to dog bite cases. Strict liability means that dog owners are liable for dog attacks even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, which is referred to as the one bite rule.<\/p>\n However, there are exceptions. You cannot sue a homeowner for a dog bite if you are:<\/p>\n Some state\u2019s dog bite laws are ambiguous concerning door-to-door salespeople and mail delivery professionals, but not in Ohio. According to the statute, homeowners are still held liable for injuries sustained by these individuals, even if they do not invite them onto their property.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ohioinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-can-i-sue-a-homeowner-for-a-dog-bite-how-do-you-prove-a-dog-bite-case.jpg” alt=”How Do You Prove A Dog Bite Case?” title_text=”How Do You Prove A Dog Bite Case?” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As the law states, in order to recover compensation following a dog bite incident you need to prove that the homeowner is the harborer, owner, or keeper of the dog, and that the dog caused your injuries, and you sustained real damages.<\/p>\n Proof of ownership is relatively straightforward. If the owner of the dog bought the animal from a local breeder or adopted it from a shelter, these third parties should have paperwork confirming the purchase and the dog owner\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n Proving that someone is the keeper of a dog is a little more complex. Courts require tangible evidence that the homeowner in question has been taking care of a dog for some time. Usually, a combination of veterinary records, receipts for dog food, signs on their property (such as \u201cbeware of dog\u201d), and neighbor witness testimony is sufficient.<\/p>\n Most states\u2019 dog bite laws equate \u201charboring\u201d a dog with owning one. However, in general, harboring lacks the proprietary aspect, referring to people who are sheltering them, or providing them with food. Therefore, a homeowner who takes in stray dogs is said to be a harborer.<\/p>\n Once you prove that the homeowner is in fact the dog owner, keeper, or harborer of the dog, you then have to demonstrate that their specific dog is the cause of your injuries. In doing so, you, as the injured person, must show that you did not provoke the animal in any way and prove to the court that you acted innocently, unintentionally, and were not unreasonably careless.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ohioinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-can-i-sue-a-homeowner-for-a-dog-bite-how-to-prove-that-a-specific-dog-bit-you.jpg” alt=”How To Prove That A Specific Dog Bit You” title_text=”How To Prove That A Specific Dog Bit You” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To prove a dog bit you, collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of nearby eyewitnesses who saw the attack. The court will accept their testimony and supporting evidence when making your claim. If eye-witnesses know that the dog in question has bitten before<\/a> causing serious dog bites or other injuries and the owner knew the animal was dangerous, this could strongly indicate the dog owner\u2019s liability and may increase the likelihood of you receiving compensation.<\/p>\n You should seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten by a dog. The animal could have rabies or cause a strep infection in wounded tissues. When doing this, ensure that you collect paperwork from your doctor or emergency room staff, detailing the time, date, and nature of your case to later use in your dog bite claim.<\/p>\n If you sustain a serious injury caused from a dog attack, take pictures of the injuries immediately. Ensure that you retain all unedited footage of the dog attack if you wear a bodycam.<\/p>\n Once you are safe, report the incident to local authorities. Tell both the police and animal control about what happened.<\/p>\n Lastly, seek legal advice from an experienced dog bite attorney, like Erney Law, who can counsel you on what to do next.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Avoid getting angry with the dog, the dog owners, or starting a fight. Aggression can lead to further injuries.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ohioinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-can-i-sue-a-homeowner-for-a-dog-bite-does-your-homeowners-insurance-policy-cover-dog-bites.jpg” alt=”Does Your Homeowner\u2019s Insurance Policy Cover Dog Bites?” title_text=”Does Your Homeowner\u2019s Insurance Policy Cover Dog Bites?” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Most homeowners insurance policies and renters insurance cover both economic and non-economic damages from dog bites. Insurance coverage protects homeowners against paying medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses out of pocket.<\/p>\n In most cases, you will receive adequate compensation from the dog owner\u2019s insurance company. However, some third-party policies may not provide the dog bite victim with \u201cfull and fair\u201d payouts proportionate to the emotional distress and disablement brought about as a result of your dog bite injuries. In these situations, it may be better to pursue a formal civil lawsuit against the owner of the dog.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ohioinjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/blog-can-i-sue-a-homeowner-for-a-dog-bite-why-are-dog-bites-potentially-dangerous.jpg” alt=”Why Are Dog Bites Potentially Dangerous?” title_text=”Why Are Dog Bites Potentially Dangerous?” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ link_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font=”|700|||||||” header_3_font_size=”20px” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation_tablet=”center” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
How Do You Prove A Dog Bite Case?<\/h2>\n
How To Prove That A Specific Dog Bit You<\/h2>\n
Does Your Homeowner\u2019s Insurance Policy Cover Dog Bites?<\/h2>\n
Why Are Dog Bites Potentially Dangerous?<\/h2>\n